Penrith Therapy Centre moved to 19 The Crescent, Penrith in 2021. The entrance to the practice is off Hemmings Street.

Our new therapy rooms are within a freshly renovated and extended late 1800s cottage in the Lemongrove area, around 1km from the previous practice on Derby Street.

The development of this purpose-built space reflects the commitment of the practice to serving the people of the Nepean region in the long-term.

Penrith Therapy Centre on The Cresent
Penrith Therapy Centre on Hemmings Street

About Penrith Therapy Centre (PTC)

Established in 1991, Penrith Therapy Centre offers you a relaxed, friendly and discreet environment where you will feel immediately welcome and comfortable.

We aim to make attending therapy a positive experience from the moment you enter our cottage. Our friendly receptionists Kellie, Renee, Allison and Natalie, and practice manager Tanya, will make you feel welcome and answer any questions you may have.

Penrith Therapy Centre was established in order to provide a comprehensive range of psychological services by experienced clinical psychologists. Over the years Penrith Therapy Centre has established a reputation for excellence in the communities of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Therapy works best when a collaborative relationship is formed between therapist and client. When you see a psychologist you have the opportunity to learn more about yourself, how your mind works, and the relationship between your beliefs, thoughts, and past with how you feel and behave in the present.

Our People

Our clinical psychologists have a minimum of six years training and are registered under the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with specialist endorsement in clinical psychology. In addition to our post-graduate qualifications in clinical psychology we have additional training in EMDR, family therapy, marital therapy and therapy specifically for children.

Dr Rudi Črnčec

BPsych (Hons), Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Rudi is the clinical director at PTC and sees clients across the lifespan. He works in the assessment and treatment of psychological difficulties affecting children, adolescents, and their families, including ASD and Tourette syndrome. Rudi also sees adults experiencing a range of challenges, including with relationships, anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma. His approach is friendly and built around evidence-based practices, including short- and longer-forms of therapy as may be required.

Rudi is a board approved supervisor and enjoys supervision with clinicians of all career stages. He supervises trainee psychologists at Western Sydney University where he is an Adjunct Fellow. Rudi has around 30 peer-reviewed publications in the mental health literature.

Vikram (Vik) Kulkarni

B.Sc. (Psych), Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons)

Vikram (Vik) is a registered psychologist who has been practicing for a decade. He supports adult and older adolescent clients with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders (including peri-natally), trauma, attachment-related concerns, and workplace and relationship challenges. He has experience in assisting people with gender-dysphoria and LGBTQI+ issues. Vik aides his clients towards a greater understanding of their experiences by creating space to explore the 'why' behind the presenting concerns, and finding solutions to address the root of the issue that are practical and individualised. Vik's approach is warm and nurturing and informed by Schema Therapy, DBT, and CBT.

Vik has worked across diverse settings, including with youth experiencing trauma, in immigration detention, and in private practice. Despite a few more grey hairs, his dedication to assisting his clients find meaning and contentment in their life remains unwavering.

Stephen Hewitson

BPsych (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology

Stephen is a clinical psychology registrar who works with children, adolescents, families, and adults. He provides assessment and therapy to people from a range of backgrounds for many of life's difficulties including anxiety, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, stress, and challenging child behaviour. Stephen is compassionate, non-judgemental, authentic, and collaborative in his approach to helping clients. He draws upon a range of evidence-based approaches in his work, including cognitive and behavioural therapy; acceptance and commitment therapy; DBT; schema therapy; and family systems-based approaches.

Stephen has previously worked with families in a university-based children’s anxiety clinic as well as with NDIS participants with physical and/or psychosocial difficulties.

Emily Hall

BPsych (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology (candidate)

Emily is a registered psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and families to support healthy attachments and development. Her practice encompasses diverse client needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, developmental difficulties, challenging childhood behaviour, parenting support, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma. Emily also works with adults experiencing mood and relationship difficulties. She is passionate about conducting psychological assessments, including of ASD and ADHD, and psychometric assessments of intellectual capacity (IQ) and learning.

Emily adopts a holistic, warm, and client-centred approach to therapy, providing evidence-based supports tailored to individual requirements. Her work integrates principles from CBT and ACT. Emily has previously worked in private practice and community health settings.

Tom Xia

BPsych (Hons), Master of Rehabilitation Counselling

Tao (Tom) is a registered psychologist with over 7 years experience who works with older children, adolescents, and adults. He sees clients experiencing a range of difficulties, including with mood, anxiety, substance abuse, perfectionism, self-confidence, self-evaluation, and trauma. Tom’s approach to therapy is first to seek to understand how coping mechanisms have arisen during his client’s life, and then to collaboratively develop strategies that better suit the current circumstances. He is passionate about empowering his clients, and pragmatic in drawing on a diversity of therapeutic models, including ACT, DBT, and CBT, which he tailors to his client’s needs.

Tom has previously worked in a variety of disability, rehabilitation, and private practice settings.

Vanessa Croker

B.Sc. (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology

Vanessa is a clinical psychologist who sees adults and adolescents experiencing a range of difficulties, including adjustment to stressors, depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. Areas of special interest include trauma and dissociation, personality, relationships and diabetes. Vanessa is kind, practical, good-humoured and flexible in her approach. Her work is guided by evidence-based treatments and attentiveness to her client’s preferences, strengths and values. She understands the importance of social support and is happy to include your key support people if you wished.

Vanessa is a board approved supervisor and supervisor of trainee psychologists at Western Sydney University. She has 13 years experience working in public mental health settings.

Helena Ing

BPsych (Hons), Master of Professional Psychology

Helena is a registered psychologist who is warm, compassionate, and engaging with her clients. She has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and their parents/families, including those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, behavioural, and relationship difficulties. Helena takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy, and draws upon a range of evidence-based therapeutic styles including CBT and schema therapy. In addition, she conducts psychometric assessments of intelligence, learning, and adaptive functioning.

Helena has previously worked within the NSW Department of Education as a school psychologist, in the youth justice system, and as an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapist.

Anthony Mackett

B.A.(Psych), B.Psych.Sc. (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology

Anthony has built his career supporting people during their toughest times. A clinical psychologist and board-approved supervisor, he works with children, adolescents, adults, and parents. Initially drawn to this path because friends would turn to him in crisis, he continues owing to the fulfilment he finds in witnessing people’s growth and empowerment through therapy.

Anthony is authentic and creative in fostering a space where clients can understand themselves and live life more meaningfully. He helps those dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, autism, ADHD, personality disorders, psychosis, and challenging child behaviours. In tailoring his approach to each client, Anthony draws on various therapies (CBT, ACT, DBT, schema therapy, EMDR) and parenting interventions. With experience in public, inpatient, and private settings, Anthony also works in a public community setting with people experiencing complex mental illness and teaches psychology at university.

Sijal Ansari

BPsych (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology

Sijal is a clinical psychologist who works with adults, children, and adolescents. She sees clients experiencing anxiety and depression; neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism (ASD) and ADHD; stress/trauma related difficulties; and, long-term mental health and relationship difficulties, including those underpinned by early-life adversity and personality. Sijal also conducts intellectual (IQ), learning, and ASD assessments with clients across the life-span.

Sijal takes a holistic, collaborative, and individualised approach to therapy to help each person harness their strengths and thrive. She has experience using CBT, ACT, DBT, schema therapy and narrative based approaches. Sijal has previously worked in private practice and intensive hospital outpatient settings.

Jacky Au

BPsych (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology

Jacky is a clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing difficulties across a range of areas - including with mood and emotional regulation, challenging behaviours, and social skills. He also conducts psychometric assessments of intelligence and learning, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments. Particular areas of interest include anxiety, ASD, and ADHD. Jacky is engaging, collaborative, and strengths-focused in his approach, with his work tailored to the specific needs and goals of the young person and their family, and grounded in evidence-based practices.

In addition to private practice experience, Jacky has previously worked as an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapist and within inpatient hospital settings.

Melissa Vella

BPsych (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology

Melissa is a clinical psychologist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She provides assessment and therapy for a range of learning, emotional, and behavioural difficulties including anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Areas of interest include anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and parenting strategies. Melissa also conducts psychometric assessments of intelligence and learning.

Melissa's approach to therapy is holistic, warm and empathic, and guided by her client's goals. She provides evidence-based interventions including CBT and mindfulness. Melissa has experience working with young people in out-of-home care, and adults in inpatient hospital settings.

Tracy Shand

B.Sc., BPsych.Sc. (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology (candidate)

Tracy is a psychologist with provisional registration who sees clients across the lifespan. She works collaboratively and flexibly with people experiencing a range of challenges, including complex trauma, relationship difficulties, parenting adjustment and child behaviour problems, stress, anxiety and depression. She has particular interest and experience with adoption issues, burnout, religious trauma, chronic pain and eating disorders.

Tracy's approach is empathic, client-focused, and trauma-informed. She seeks to harness existing strengths, abilities, knowledge, skills, values and motivation to help clients make sense of their world and their relationships. Tracy tailors treatment to each client's individual needs and goals, drawing on evidence-based therapies including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), CBT, parts work and psychodynamic principles. As an older therapist who is close to completing her clinical psychology master's degree, Tracy's work is also infused with her life experience.

Katherine Widman

B.A.-Psych (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology

Katherine is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience who helps adolescents and adults experiencing feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. She assists people in navigating life stressors such as difficulties with relationships, parenting, study, and workplace challenges. She also works with the impact and effects of trauma. Katherine's approach is compassionate, collaborative, and friendly, with interventions drawn from CBT, schema therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. She enjoys using experiential exercises in sessions to enhance the benefits of therapy and takes a holistic approach to well-being.

Katherine is a board-approved supervisor who enjoys providing supervision to both psychologists-in-training and those with established careers. She supervises trainee psychologists at Western Sydney University, and, in addition to supporting her clients' growth and change, is dedicated to contributing to the development of the next generation of clinicians.

Michelle Everett

B.A. (Hons), Master of Clinical Psychology, MAPS

Michelle has over thirty years’ experience as a practising psychologist in private practice and with NSW Health. At PTC she sees adults experiencing a range of anxiety, mood and trauma-related disorders. Michelle enjoys working with people navigating the complexity of parenting and family life and has a commitment to working with people who are living with the effects of trauma and abuse. Michelle’s approach to therapy is collaborative, supporting skilled self-management and ensuring that people are making informed choices about evidence-based treatments. Michelle has a particular interest in seeing other health professionals, integrating their professional and personal wisdom to address their presenting issues.

Michelle has been involved in writing and teaching courses in mental health, trauma informed care and treatment of complex trauma for a variety of professional and community audiences. Michelle is a board approved supervisor.

We honour and celebrate the many dedicated clinicians and administrators who have worked at PTC over the years, including Necia Merrells. Necia, a compassionate and talented clinician and mentor, founded PTC in 1991, transferred ownership to current management in 2012, and went on to consult at the practice until her retirement in 2021.

Services

Penrith Therapy Centre offers therapy and assessment services for children, families, individuals and couples. We also offer educational and behavioural assessments and therapy with clinical child psychologists.

Therapy services

  • Anxiety disorders and phobias
  • Depression
  • Sexual abuse
  • Anger management
  • Post-natal depression
  • Child and adolescent behavioural issues
  • Eating disorders
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Addictions
  • Communication problems
  • Workplace concerns
  • Recovery from trauma (PTSD)
  • Relationship problems
  • Couple and family therapy
  • Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) counselling
  • WorkCover
  • NDIS (plan- and self-managed participants only)

Group services

Professional services

  • Professional supervision
  • Workplace supervision
  • Organisational assistance and training
  • Employee trauma debriefing

Assessment services

  • Intellectual (IQ) and educational assessments
  • Developmental assessments for preschoolers
  • Autism spectrum disorder assessments
  • ADHD assessments

Penrith Therapy Centre has a scale of fees that are well below those set by the Australian Psychological Society. Please contact us to discuss our fee structure. We are unfortunately not able to provide bulk-billed services.

Medicare and Heath Fund rebates

Medicare rebates may be available if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or a referral from a relevant specialist. See the link below for further information about this Medicare initiative. Health Fund rebates may also be available when you consult a psychologist. Please note that online processing of Health Fund and Medicare claims is available at Penrith Therapy Centre.

Cancellations

We set aside an hour for your appointment. If you need to cancel or change an appointment please give us 48 hours notice. If you cancel an appointment with less than 48 hours notice you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Provisional psychologists

Clinical psychology Master’s candidates are required to complete external placements as part of the final component of their university training before obtaining general registration. We often have provisional psychologists on placement at PTC working under the supervision of our clinical director, who may be able to provide a lower fee option for you to see a psychologist. Please contact us to discuss.

Contact Us

Our friendly receptionists will make you feel welcome and answer your enquiry.

Phone: 02 4721 1488
Fax: 02 4721 5465
Address: 19 The Crescent
PENRITH NSW 2750

For emotional support after hours consider calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Kids HelpLine on 1800 55 1800.

Please note the Penrith Therapy Centre is not a crisis service. In the case of emergencies, make contact with the mental health service at your local public hospital.

Join the Team / Position available

Position now available - download the position description

We are delighted to receive enquiries from psychologists of all career stages with an interest in joining the team at Penrith Therapy Centre (PTC).

We take pride in finding the right clinicians to consult at PTC, and then in fostering their professional autonomy and career development within a friendly team environment.

Our commitment at PTC is to provide the highest quality of tailored clinical care to the communities of Penrith, the Blue Mountains, and surrounds, with this underpinned by a practice culture that is supportive, respectful, collegial, good-humoured, and which promotes excellence.

PTC has been in continuous operation since 1991. The practice is owned and managed by people living in the local community who are passionate about PTC’s long-term role in supporting the well-being of residents of the area.

As well as benefitting from many and expanding professional and other opportunities as a recognised growth area within the Sydney basin, the Penrith region is also rich in natural assets: The river, lakes, and mountains all feature in the lives of local residents. For those not living nearby, getting here is easy via an against- peak-hour traffic drive or express train from the city.

Here is some of what we offer our clinicians: