This internet browser is outdated and does not support all features of this site. Please switch or upgrade to a different browser to display this site properly.
Our waitlist for semester 1, 2023, is now open for individual or group therapy sessions. Please see referral form details at the bottom of this page.
Unfortunately, we are not currently accepting referrals for cognitive assessments until further notice.
The Adult Psychology Clinic offers a specialised clinical facility for individuals experiencing a wide variety of psychological problems.
The service is provided by clinical and professional psychology trainees undertaking supervised advanced post‑graduate training and practice in Clinical Psychology.
Range of services
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
OCD
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body focussed repetitive behaviours (hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting)
Tourette’s and Tic Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Separation Anxiety
Health Anxiety/Illness Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Chronic Worry/Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias, including emetophobia (fear of vomiting)
Depression
Stress
Curtin Psychology Clinic particularly welcome referrals for depression, anxiety, and OCD related disorders. The Clinic houses WA’s longest running OCD program, providing high-quality psychological treatment, teaching and research to support those experiencing obsessive compulsive and related disorders.
We provide assessment for complex OC&RD cases, treatment for OCD across the lifespan, Adult OCD Group Therapy, a dedicated Perinatal OCD program, Hoarding Disorder Treatment, and a self-help (free) and therapist‑assisted program for children and adolescents with OCD (www.ocdnotme.com.au).
We routinely work with the OCD related disorders of Tourette’s/Tic Disorders, Trichotillomania/Excoriation, Health Anxiety, Emetophobia and Body Dysmorphic Disorder and encourage referrals for these presenting problems.
What is involved?
Your referral or request for treatment is initially reviewed by our clinical team. One of the clinical psychology trainees will contact you to ask a few simple questions to better understand your treatment needs.
After the initial assessment a plan for therapy is drafted with you, outlining goals for treatment and the treatment program. In general, treatment involves one-hour weekly sessions over six to 10 weeks. The length of treatment can vary according to the nature of your problem and the type of therapy prescribed.
Your clinical psychology trainee will review your progress periodically and make adjustments where necessary. Your clinical care is supervised by a team of experienced clinical psychologists.
Individual sessions are recorded to ensure you receive the best intervention through close supervision with your clinical psychology trainee. Recordings are confidential and deleted after your treatment is completed.
OCD Group Treatment
Curtin Psychology Clinic has a specialist Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment program. The latest evidence-based treatments for OCD are available to clients. The program is constantly carrying out research projects to improve understanding and treatment for the disorder.
You will be initially assessed to find out the nature and extent of your difficulties. The therapist will then suggest an appropriate treatment plan. You may be offered group or individual therapy. If you still experience difficulties at the end of treatment, you’ll be offered further sessions.
Group therapy comprises 6-8 individuals with OCD being treated together by two therapists. The treatment runs over ten weeks, for two hours each week.
Individual therapy is conducted one-on-one with the therapist. This treatment runs over ten weeks, for one hour each week.
Based on extensive evidence from studies, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is currently the most effective treatment for OCD. Even for individuals with very severe OCD, this treatment often results in significant improvement.
Your first session will include a two-hour assessment session. One of our trained therapists will ask you a range of questions to ensure that the OCD Treatment Program is the best treatment for the difficulties you are experiencing.
If the OCD program is the best treatment for your difficulties, you will be offered a starting date for the 10‑week program.
If the OCD program is not the best treatment for you, we will arrange a referral to a more appropriate service or program.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is marked by unwanted and distressing thoughts, mental images or urges (obsessions), and physical or mental acts, or rituals, which the individual undertakes to relieve their anxiety (compulsions).
Common obsessions include thoughts about: contamination; harm coming to oneself or others; the need for symmetry/exactness; the need to keep or save things; and upsetting sexual, violent/aggressive, or religious thoughts or images.
Common compulsions include: cleaning; hand-washing; ordering/arranging; hoarding; counting; checking; touching; repeating; and confessing.
While some of these behaviours are common, such as washing one’s hands, it is when the behaviour becomes excessive and interruptive to your daily activities that help may be needed. Fortunately, good treatments are available to help with this problem.
Referrals
Download a referral form to secure your appointment.
Please note: Due to ethical issues, the service is not available to staff, students or the immediate family members of those enrolled in Psychology and Speech Pathology courses at Curtin University.
