Psychology

The Albion Street Centre aims to provide optimal and comprehensive treatment, education, research and prevention services for persons affected by HIV/AIDS.

As part of our service we have a team of psychologists and clinical psychologists who provide specific psychological therapies, counselling, assessment, welfare and referral for all people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Free and confidential clinical services provided for:

HIV positive people and their carers, partners or family
HIV negative people who are at increased risk of HIV infection
Healthcare workers working in HIV

Psychological and counselling services can be provided for:

The impact of diagnosis. Clients with issues relating to a new diagnosis are given high priority
The impact of change of health status or of treatment decisions
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Sexuality issues
Grief and bereavement
Relationship (including family and friends) issues
Specific problems e.g. insomnia, sexual dysfunction etc
Drug and alcohol use
Welfare issues
Crisis counselling
Stress management
Treatment difficulties
Psychological Assessments
Neuropsychological Assessment
Occupational issues relating to HIV
Other life issues

Types of therapy

The psychologists are skilled in a variety of evidence informed techniques such as supportive counselling, couples counselling, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused brief intervention. Therapy will be individually tailored depending on the needs, wants and goals of the client.

All the psychologists in the unit are trained in the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapeutic approach that addresses the thoughts that reinforce negative belief systems and the behaviour that occurs as a response to those beliefs.

Therapy provided is holistic and active where the client will work toward established goals and improve life satisfaction and quality of life.

Hepatitis C services

Psychological and counselling services are also available to clients for adjustment issues associated with hepatitis C infection. In addition, clients can access psychological services for support and assistance in making treatment decisions as well as coping with the side effects of hepatitis C treatment.

HIV testing

All clients requesting an HIV test at Albion Street Centre receive pre- and post-test counselling. Clients must give informed consent to be tested, and this is addressed in pre-test counselling. In addition, a comprehensive risk assessment is carried out and, where necessary, assistance can be given to develop strategies to reduce risky behaviours. To make an appointment for an HIV test, contact 1800 451 600.

Information about seeing a psychologist

How long do sessions last?
Sessions last for between fifty minutes and one hour

How many sessions will I need?
This is negotiated with your psychologist, and depends on the nature of the issues addressed. There is no set number of sessions that someone can see a psychologist for.

Are sessions confidential?
Brief notes on each session are entered in your file, but only staff directly involved in your care can access this. Your case may be discussed with other involved professionals to optimise your care, but this will always be done with discretion with regard to your privacy. Confidentiality can only be breached in circumstances where staff have a duty of care to you or others. Where possible your psychologist will discuss this with you.

What if I need to talk to someone outside my appointment time?
You can phone or visit to see the psychologist on intake duty. Intake runs from 9am-6pm Monday and Tuesday, 9am-7pm Wednesday and Thursday and 9am-2pm Friday. As there are no appointments for intake you may need to wait to speak with someone.

To access the service please call the intake psychologist on:

9332 9600 or 1800 451 600 (free call) for NSW (Outside Sydney Metro Area)
9am-6pm Monday and Tuesday, 9am-7pm Wednesday and Thursday and 9am-2pm Friday

If you are in a crisis outside working hours, please phone:

Lifeline

131114

Mental Health Line

9816 5688 or 1800 674 200.

Albion Street Centre
150 - 154 Albion Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9332 9600 Fax: +61 2 9331 3490