Clinical Excellence and Compassion
Specialist Support for
First Responders and the
Community.
We see the weight you carry. Responder Psychology is a safe, confidential space where you are understood, respected, and supported in your own recovery.
Restoring high peformance through clinical excellence.
We focus on providing specialist support across prevention, early intervention and specialist care.
The help you need
We focus on providing specialist support across prevention, early intervention, and specialist care for a wide range of presenting problems.
These include but are not limited to treatment for trauma, counselling, PTSD and CPTSD treatments, Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, and Resilience.
Responder Psychology offers services to individuals and groups. Principal Psychologist Dr Megan Dobbie is available for conference presentations.
Experience in helping first responders
Responder Psychology has over 17 years of experience in assisting first responders successfully deal with the trauma associated with their work. From our very first meeting, we’ll work together to understand what’s affecting your mental wellbeing. We’re here to help you build practical coping skills, challenge thoughts that aren’t serving you well, and change behaviors that might be holding you back. Our goal is to help you feel stronger and support your mental health for the long haul. We’ll get you back to high performance and the satisfaction you get from helping others.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Understanding and investing in your mental health is the right decision. The Responder Psychology team is here to provide professional guidance and support throughout your process.
We're not just here for first responders . . .
We have a great deal of experience helping and dealing with the issues faced by our emergency services workers but we are not just here for first responders. Our processes are responsive to many conditions and circumstances. We’ll always let you know if we think there is a better solution for you.
What is PTSD?
What is EMDR?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only treat first responders?
No.
We see any client referred that would
like psychological support. We will work
out together what type of treatment best
suits your goals and needs. It may be
that there are clinicians more suited to
meet your needs, and this will be
discussed with you after your initial
assessment if that is the case.
Do you see Workcover clients and is there a GAP fee?
Dr Megan Dobbie accepts Workcover clients who are first responders, though she is unable to see Ambulance Victoria Workcover clients due to a conflict of interest with her role within that service. There is a gap fee for Workcover referrals, but clients are welcome to discuss this with their treating practitioner.
What referral do I need?
We see privately
referred clients, clients referred by your
General Practitioner on a GP Mental
Health Care Plan, and WorkCover
referrals. Some private health funds
have good extras cover for psychology
sessions and may provide rebates to
you. Medicare provides rebates on a
GP Mental Health Care Plan.
Do you see NDIS clients?
No we do not accept NDIS referrals.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Dr Megan Dobbie is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology which means she has specialised training in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of clinical psychological conditions impacting peoples mental health and wellbeing. As a psychologist Dr Megan Dobbie provides therapy (talk therapy) using evidence based methods, whilst a Psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialist training in mental health and psychiatric conditions and may provide medication to support your recovery.
.
How long do the therapy sessions go for?
One session typically lasts for 50 minutes. However EMDR at times, is scheduled for 90 minute sessions. The number of sessions you need will depend on a variety of factors, all treatment episodes are reviewed collaboratively at the 6th session.
What information do I need to bring with me if I want to see you?
You need your doctor’s referral (if you are not paying privately) prior to your first session. You also need to have read, and completed the privacy and consent form that will be sent prior to your first session.
How do you see people for therapy?
Responder Psychology has rooms within the 1 Space Health Building in Murrumbeena, Melbourne Victoria. This is a busy practice that has Pilates, physiotherapists, and a range of other clinical specialists. We also see people online using Zoom.
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Do you see children and adolescents?
We do not see children under the age of 16 at this practice. School attending children between 16-18 years may be considered post consultation prior to the practice accepting the referral. Referrals for single event trauma treatment will be accepted, based on availability of treatment sessions.
Do you provide after hours appointments?
Yes, by arrangement after hours appoints can be scheduled. There may be an additional cost for these sessions.
Dr. Megan Dobbie is a registered BlueHub Clinician, providing specialised mental health support to Victoria Police members and Australian Federal Police personnel. At Responder Psychology, we’re committed to making evidence-based care accessible through funded programs like BlueHub.
To find out if you’re eligible for BlueHub services and explore referral options, please contact the BlueHub intake team. You’re welcome to request Dr. Megan Dobbie at Responder Psychology as your preferred provider.
If you are not eligible for the special BlueHub funding, you can still access our services through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Simply speak with your GP about a referral, or contact us directly to discuss your options and next steps.
We’re here to help you access the support you need.