Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.
Christian D. Larson
About Us
I am ME psychology is a child and adolescent psychology service offering assessment and counselling to young people and their families. We hold a holistic approach to well-being and work within a compassionate and collaborative framework.
At I am ME psychology, we believe in the power of understanding and supporting the unique mental and emotional needs of children and young people. We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children and young people can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop skills and learn about themselves.
Therese Melhem, Clinical Psychologist, is the founder of I am ME psychology. Therese holds a wealth of experience and expertise in providing age-appropriate, evidence-based therapies tailored to meet the individual needs of each child, young person and their family.
Believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place.
Brad Henry
EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS AND FAMILIES
MEET THE TEAM
Therese Melhem
Clinical Psychologist
BBSc.PGDipPsych.MClinicalPsych.MAPS
I am a Clinical Psychologist who is dedicated to supporting and empowering children, adolescents, and their families. I am fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA) in Clinical Psychology, and I am a proud member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and their Clinical College.
I have a strong passion for paediatric psychology, early intervention, and supporting Neurodivergent individuals including those who are autistic and ADHD. I approach my work in a collaborative, person-centred manner, working alongside young people, their families, and schools to build a comprehensive understanding of their unique strengths, challenges, and needs. My goal is to help set up supportive environments and empower those involved with the skills and knowledge.
With over fourteen years of experience across private, public, and government sectors, I have had the privilege of supporting young people in developing self-awareness, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. My work includes conducting thorough assessments, providing both individual and group interventions, and collaborating closely with families, educators, and other health professionals. I work creatively and empathetically to create environments that support individuals understanding of themselves and their needs while also developing social understanding, behaviour, communication, and emotional regulation skills. This approach is key to supporting young people’s mental health, fostering positive relationships, and promoting engagement in school and other areas of life.
Ages: Pre-School · School age · Adolescents · Parenting
Sketch
Therapy Dog
Meet our therapy dog, Sketch, a furry friend here to add an extra dose of warmth and comfort to your journey. Our tail-wagging therapist is ready to greet you with pawsitive vibes and unconditional pats. Sketch helps sessions feel as comfortable as possible as we understand that discussing emotions can be challenging. Sketch loves being in the company of people, he will either be sleeping nearby or coming close for pats.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
Abraham Lincoln
SERVICES
We provide evidence-based therapy services tailored to support children and young people. We prioritise understanding your child's behavior in their developmental stage, relationships, and environment. We focus on creating an engaging and rewarding therapeutic experience, while addressing developmental, emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. We encourage collaboration with parents, schools, and other professionals for a comprehensive and effective approach to change.
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy
Personalised one-on-one sessions to address specific challenges. A safe space is offered for children and young people to express themselves and develop skills to navigate their challenges. Evidence-based treatments are utilised to help individuals build resiliency, understand the world around them, and achieve their goals. This practice does not have the capacity to support individuals at high risk.
Parenting
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy
Collaborative sessions with parents to provide guidance on understanding and managing their child's behaviour. We offer practical tools for effective communication and creating a supportive home environment. Our parenting sessions are designed to help families build stronger relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts.
Schools
Individual Therapy
Assessments and Evaluations
Collaborating with schools yields improved results for children, educators, and parents. Our services can provide clarity and solutions when faced with challenges, offering guidance in developing personalised approaches to boost engagement and overall success. Enhancing the alignment among students, schools, and families helps to overcome obstacles to learning and foster greater engagement.
Assessments and Evaluations
Assessments and Evaluations
Assessments and Evaluations
Psychological assessments to identify presentations or other factors affecting your child's well-being. These assessments guide our treatment planning and intervention.
Group Therapy
Assessments and Evaluations
Group Therapy
Our group therapy sessions provide a supportive learning environment for Individuals to connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
Play Therapy
Assessments and Evaluations
Group Therapy
Utilising the power of play to facilitate communication and emotional expression. Play therapy helps children explore and resolve issues, building emotional intelligence, and enhancing social skills.
Neurodivergent Individuals
Neurodivergent Individuals
Neurodivergent Individuals
Drawing from years of experience supporting Neurodivergent individuals including those who are autistic and ADHD, we focus on what matters most to you and your child, prioritising what works best for their unique needs. We dedicate time to truly understand both you and your child, building a trusting and supportive relationship. Our intervention focus is nurturing strengths and key skills in social interaction, emotional regulation, communication, and daily life skills. We work collaboratively with families and Schools to meet the Neurodivergent individuals needs within these environments. Using a variety of approaches and resources, our goal is to enhance engagement and learning, creating positive outcomes for both the child and their family.
Telethealth
Neurodivergent Individuals
Neurodivergent Individuals
Our telehealth sessions allow individuals to receive quality mental health care from the comfort and convenience of their own home. We utilise a secure and easy-to-use platform to provide individuals with a safe and confidential space to discuss their concerns and work towards their goals.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Neurodivergent Individuals
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Our mindfulness-based therapy sessions help individuals develop a more mindful and compassionate relationship with themselves and others. We utilise mindfulness-based techniques to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate greater self-awareness and acceptance.
Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, make this world a beautiful garden.
Anonymous
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at welcome@iammepsychology.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Individuals have the option to contact and schedule an appointment through our contact page or email welcome@iammepsychology.com.au. You will be asked to provide some brief information so we can better understand how we can help. Once your enquiry is received, we will be in touch to address your general enquiries and assist you in arranging an initial consultation.
At I am ME psychology, we request the initial consultation for children 13 years of age and under, is attended by parents/guardians only. During the initial consultation, we will discuss your child's developmental history, current issues, concerns, and needs. Participating in the session without your child allows you to express your concerns without young individuals listening. Additionally, you have the chance to enquire about the therapeutic or assessment process. If you are unsure how to explain the appointment to your child, you can discuss some helpful ideas at your initial parent-only appointment.
For children 14 years and older, we encourage the adolescent to attend along with their parent or caregiver to the initial consultation.
In your appointment, we will dedicate time to understanding both you and your child. The Psychologist will initiate the session by discussing confidentiality and consent. We typically have several questions to ask and encourage any enquiries you may have.
At your child’s initial session, the assessment typically incorporates playful activities to familiarise them with us and create a comfortable environment. Subsequently, your psychologist will collaborate with parents/guardians to jointly plan, review, and administer therapy.
We understand that family dynamics can be intricate, and we believe that being transparent about our processes from the beginning minimises disruption to your child's therapeutic experience as much as possible. Please be aware of the following:
· At I am ME psychology, we have an ethical duty to request attending parents to notify all parents sharing parental responsibility about scheduled psychology sessions.
· If you are unable to inform the non-attending parent, mediation services may be necessary before starting sessions at I am ME psychology.
· Parents and guardians are responsible for adhering to parental responsibility arrangements outlined in temporary or final court orders concerning their child.
· It's crucial to recognise that if a non-attending parent with shared parental responsibility contacts us regarding your child, we are obligated to involve them in the therapeutic process unless court orders specify restrictions.
· We may need to temporarily pause sessions until written consent is obtained from all parties with parental responsibility.
To ensure that I am ME psychology is the most suitable service for your situation, please inform us of any shared parental responsibility arrangements and forward any relevant orders to welcome@iammepsychology.com.au. These documents will be reviewed by your psychologist before your first appointment, and we may contact you for additional information.
A standard consultation is 50 minutes and costs $250. Our fees are less than the Australian Psychological Society Schedule of Recommended Fees which is $300 for a standard consultation with a Clinical Psychologist. Our goal is to maintain reasonable fees, and our rates are established below this benchmark.
Session times may need to vary depending on the service provided and will be discussed with you further including the time and costs associated.
Full payment is required on the day of your appointment. You can make payments using cash, credit card through our online system, or through direct deposit. If you qualify for Medicare rebates, once we receive your payment, we can electronically submit the Medicare claim on your behalf. Alternatively, you can claim your rebate via Medicare.
You are not required to have a referral for psychological consultation and are welcome to choose to pay privately.
Medicare
To access Medicare rebates for psychology assessment and treatment sessions, a valid referral from your General Practitioner (GP), Paediatrician, or Psychiatrist is necessary. Individuals, both adults and children, referred under a Mental Health Care Plan may qualify for up to 10 sessions per year, eligible for a partial rebate from Medicare. According to Medicare regulations, you are required to pay the full fee during the consultation and using your paid receipt claim your rebate via the Medicare app or Medicare claims can also be processed through Halaxy.
While a rebate is available for up to 10 sessions annually, it is often necessary to plan for additional sessions beyond this limit for the effective treatment of most mental health conditions. It is advisable to prepare for this possibility.
It is the responsibility of the client to obtain a valid referral or review (typically required following the first 6 sessions) from their referring practioners prior to consultations to be eligible for rebates, otherwise a rebate may not be applied.
Helping Children with Autism
The 'Helping Children with Autism' initiative provides a Medicare rebate for assessments and therapy related to Pervasive Developmental Disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. A rebate for 4 assessment sessions and a total of 20 intervention sessions may apply, that can be used until the individual's 25th birthday. To access these rebates, a referral from your Paediatrician is necessary.
Private health insurance
Private health insurers may provide partial rebates for psychological counselling as extras cover. It is recommended that you confirm your level of cover with your insurance provider.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This practice operates as a Non-Registered Provider and can only cater to clients who have opted for Self Management or Plan Management and have psychology included in your plan.
I am ME psychology is not a crisis service or high dependency service. In an emergency contact 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
The following telephone counselling services may be of support:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
Parentline: 13 22 89
Suicide Line 1300
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Family Violence (support for women and children) 1800 015 188
Psychiatric Triage www.health.vic.gov.au - support for a crisis or after-hours emergency contact the Child, Adolescent or Adult Mental Health Services in your area (see www.health.vic.gov.au to locate the appropriate service to assist you in your area).
Telehealth service refers to a psychological therapy delivered through video conference, establishing both visual and audio links between a client and their treating health professional. Research indicates that the effectiveness of providing services in this manner is comparable to face-to-face interactions.
Telehealth is offered via video through a secure platform and also via telephone.
Your telehealth video consultation will mirror a standard face-to-face session. During the session, your psychologist can share real-time content with you through the platform including drawing or other art materials, online whiteboards, worksheets, online games, or utilise music, videos or books to help engage the young person during therapy.
We use Coviu for hosting our video sessions. Coviu is an in-browser technology providing telehealth via secure video consultations. For all video sessions, an email invitation to join the Coviu session will be sent to you prior to your scheduled appointment. On the day of your session, simply follow the provided link in the email to join. For more specific details, please refer to the email you receive. If you would like additional information on how to join a Coviu session, please consult the Coviu website.
To maintain the same level of care while at home, we request that parents designate a private space in the home with a closed door. This allows young individuals the freedom to discuss any topic without worrying about the possibility of siblings or parents overhearing. If feasible, using headphones can further enhance the privacy of a video call. In cases where children are too young to be left unsupervised at home, the psychologist may suggest alternatives such as a parent-child session or a session exclusively with the parent.
While conducting telehealth sessions with children and young people, the psychologist must ensure the presence of an adult in the vicinity for safety reasons. Since the client may be situated in different locations for each video conference, you will need to provide your location at the start of each session. During closed-door sessions with children and young people, psychologists need a means of contacting parents via phone if necessary. If the psychologist needs to contact parents/guardians they will call the phone number on record. Please ensure that your phone is turned on and charged throughout your child or young person’s session to ensure easy accessibility.
Telehealth sessions are reliant on internet connection and sometimes the connection can fail unexpectedly. If unsuccessful during this time, a phone session may be offered if appropriate.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that involves the inclusion of animals, often trained therapy animals or pets, in the treatment process to support individuals in achieving specific therapeutic goals. Therapy animals used in AAT are often specially trained to work with people in therapeutic settings. These animals are selected for their temperament, social skills, and ability to provide comfort and support.
Goals of Animal-Assisted Therapy:
- AAT aims to achieve specific therapeutic goals, such as improving emotional well-being, enhancing social skills, reducing anxiety, and increasing motivation.
- The presence of animals can create a positive and non-judgmental environment, facilitating communication and emotional expression.
Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy:
- Emotional Well-being: Interacting with animals can boost mood, reduce stress, and provide comfort and companionship.
- Social Skills: AAT can enhance social interaction and communication skills, as individuals may feel more at ease when engaging with animals.
- Motivation: The involvement of animals can increase motivation for participation in therapy and other activities.
Our Therapy Dog, Sketch, works with Therese Melhem. It is of course your choice as to whether or not you would like him involved in your or your child's sessions.
No. Matters related to Family Court orders must be addressed before engaging with the psychologist, as this practice does not undertake the completion of Family Court Reports or Child Assessments for the Family Court.
If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, kindly provide as much notice as possible. This allows us the opportunity to offer that session to someone on our waiting/cancellation list. I am ME psychology is committed to providing consistent and sound services to families, and missed appointments maybe useful to others waiting for an appointment.
As per Australian Psychological Society recommendations, appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will incur the full session fee. Please note, Public Holidays are not deemed business days’ and are therefore not considered within the 24 hour period for cancelations, regardless if the psychologist you are seeing is working on that day.
If circumstances permit, the option for a phone call or video-call session may be offered as an alternative to in-person attendance (with the child or caregiver). This allows for the session to be used effectively. Medicare rebates and NDIS rebates may also apply.
Text message reminders will be sent two days before your appointment; no response is necessary. However, it is your responsibility to attend your scheduled time, and the absence of a reminder does not diminish this responsibility. While certain funding bodies may cover late cancellation/did not attend fees, it's important to note that Medicare rebates are not available if you fail to attend your appointment.
Late cancellation and no show fee's may attract GST.
Once you choose Hope, anything's possible.
Christopher Reeve
Contact Us
Location
412 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale, 3032
welcome@iammepsychology.com.au
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 04:00 pm |
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