Wakai Waian Healing Rockhampton Psychology, Counselling and Mental Health Worker Clinic

We see local staff as important and employee local Mental Health Worker Trainee’s and staff, who are supplement with experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Psychologists and Counsellors. More information on our staff can be found at www.wakai-waian.com.au

Edward Mosby

Psychologist and Founder

Edward was born in the Torres Strait on Waiben (also known as Thursday Island), traditional land and sea’s of the Kaurareg people, however his family connections and home is Masig (also known as Yorke Island), traditional land and sea’s of the Masigalgal people.

After leaving the Torres Strait at a very young age he was raised in and around the township of Taroom (on the Traditional lands of the Yiman people) in South West Queensland and most recently has resided in Central Queensland, specifically Rockhampton on the Traditional lands of the Dharumbal people.

Edward holds full registration as a Generalist Psychologist and is currently the Principal Psychologist and Director of Wakai Waian Healing. He has worked in both State Government Mental Health Services and Indigenous Community based organisations. He is a member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), the Australian Indigenous Psychologist Association (AIPA) and the Australian Psychologist Society (APS).

Joe Sproats

Psychologist

Joe identifies as an Aboriginal (Ngarigo) and Australian South Sea Islander (Lifou) with Irish and English bloodlines. He was born in Melbourne on Bun Wurrung lands and was raised in a white predominantly Irish Catholic household. Joe moved to Queensland 1979 and has lived here since, mostly residing around Ingham and Yarrabah in North Queensland.

Joe studied both Clinical and Organisational psychology and completed a research Master of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Policy and currently is fully registered as a Generalist Psychologist. Joe has held a number of management positions in the early part of his career with organisations in the Commonwealth, State, community and private sectors. In 2009 he established Dreamtime Learning his own full-time consultancy practice in Management, Training and Planning. In addition, in 2014 he established Dreamtime Counselling and Coaching Service to provide specialist Indigenous Counselling to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander people.

Joe has experience in working with First Nations People with a disability, working for Endeavour Foundation for five years in Mackay, and being the first manager of the Disability Service Program in Townsville when the Disability Services Act (1986) was initiated. Joe has held a range of voluntary positions on Boards and Committees within Queensland and has previously been a member of the Queensland Mental Health Review Tribunal.

Joe is an experienced Psychologist who is passionate about the empowerment and healing of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander Peoples.

Julyess Jarvis

Team Leader
Rockhampton

Julyess was born in Rockhampton, Central Queensland and is a descendent of the Kuinmarrburra clan of the Dharumbal Nation traditional owners of the Rockhampton region and also the Yiman people of Taroom.

After gaining his year 12 Certificate at Kirwan State High School (Townsville) in 2014 Julyess returned to Rockhampton to work at a local Indigenous organisation. Julyess specialised working in programs that supported local Foster and Kinship Carers and then progressed to assist those facing Drug and Alcohol Issues. Currently Julyess is the Team Leader of our Rockhampton Mental Health Stepped Care Service.

Julyess has completed the Professional Development Supervision Mentoring and Self-Care (PDSMS) program at Wakai Waian Healing and also his Cert IV in Mental Health. Julyess is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Central Queensland University. Julyess has aspirations to further his studies to one day become a specialist Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Psychologist to pursue his passion of enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous People.

Leah Munns

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Leah was born and raised in Rockhampton on the traditional country of the Dharumbal people.  Leah’s mothers’ mob is believed to be Kuku Yalanji from Far North Queensland, and her father’s mob are Gunggarri from South West Queensland. After leaving school, Leah worked in a variety of jobs within Rockhampton Indigenous organisations until joining the Queensland Public Service in 1987 and then spent 32 years with the Australian Public Service and retired from this service in September 2021.

In 2020, Leah completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science and in 2021 completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours both with CQ University. Leah’s choice of career was further defined based on her experiences as Community Engagement Officer with Services Australia, working with vulnerable people who have multiple barriers.

Leah believes that aiding and empowering people to better manage their mental health can lead to an improved lifestyle and greater self-esteem and confidence. Leah is looking forward to working with, as well as improving the social and emotional wellbeing for Indigenous Australians. Leah will be completing her psychological internship with Wakai Waian Healing to become a Generalist Psychologist.

Sharni Upton

Consumer and Carer Advocate
Rockhampton

Sharni is a Barada and Kabalbara woman whose country is from the Central Queensland region around the Middlemount area, the Goodithulla (Wedge Tail Eagle) is the totem of the Barada people. Sharni grew up on Ghungalu country in Blackwater before moving to Rockhampton.

Sharni completed her high school education at Emmaus College and has since had experience in Business Administration and Community Services specifically working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth.

Sharni is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Central Queensland University and is passionate about making a positive contribution to the community; particularly, enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Rebecca Zammit

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Rebecca was born in Windsor, Sydney NSW and descends from the Worimi People (Taree Region) who are Aboriginal Australians from the Eastern Port Stephens and Great Lakes regions of Coastal New South Wales, Australia. The totem for the Worimi People is the Wubaray (Black Dolphin). For generations Worimi People have interacted with dolphins thorough gindal (playing), burugil (swimming) or even giribal (hunting).

Rebecca attended Urangan State High School in Hervey Bay where she completed Early Childhood Studies in Years 11 and 12. She has experience in Early Childhood Education as a Family Day Care Educator and Foster Carer. After high school Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Biotechnology) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology. This led to employment within the healthcare industry in various roles including Medical Research Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Phlebotomist, and Assistant Nurse. Her role with QML Pathology as a Phlebotomist gained her a certificate III in Pathology along with a certificate in Drugs of Abuse Testing.

Rebecca has more recently completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Master of Science Research (Psychology) through the University of Southern Queensland. She has experience as a Casual Academic within the School of Psychology and Wellbeing at USQ.

She is currently employed as a Mental Health Worker with Wakai Waian Healing. Rebecca has a willingness to further her learning by seeking Provisional Registration as a Psychologist and to commence a Master of Clinical Psychology at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton.

Rebecca has a strong desire to help support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in her community with a focus on early childhood development and families.

Luke Edmund

Counsellor/Mental Health Worker
Rockhampton

Luke was born and raised in Rockhampton Central Queensland. He is a descendant of the traditional landowners, the Dharumbal People and also an Australian South Sea Islander.

After leaving school Luke worked across several sectors including construction, mining, small business, and disability support. In 2018 he enrolled in the CQ University STEPS program, which gave him the opportunity to study at university. In 2022 Luke completed a Bachelor of Science at CQ Univiersity. After completing his degree he took a break from university and worked in the Queensland Public Service, supporting Indigenous children and young people. This gave Luke experience working and supporting our communities’ most vulnerable children and their families.

Luke hopes to complete my postgraduate studies in psychology in the coming years, so he can contribute to improving the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in our community. Luke is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to Wakai Waian Healing and support individuals to hopefully improve aspects of their lives, and overall psychological well being

Abbie Sandilands

Administration Officer
Rockhampton

Abbie is a Barada and Gabalbara women whose country is from the Central Queensland region around the Middlemount area. The totem that belongs to the Barada people is Goodithulla, the wedge tailed eagle.

Abbie grew up in the Central Queensland region and completed her senior school education at The Rockhampton Grammar School. Abbie has since then completed a Certificate III in Business while working in a financial organisation as an administration officer.

Abbie is a keen learner and is passionate to further her knowledge on working in an environment that supports the health, social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Kristina House

Compliance and Administration Officer

Kristina was born and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland and is a descendant of the traditional landowners of the Rockhampton area, the Dharumbal people. Her totem is the Buderoo (Green Tree Frog) Kristina is the granddaughter of local community elder Ethel Speedy.

Kristina attended Berserker Street State School for her primary education years and graduated from Emmaus College in 2014 with a Certificate II in Business. Kristina has since obtained a Certificate III in Business and Business Administration.

During Kristina’s time at Wakai Waian Healing, she has completed her Certificate IV in Mental Health and the WWH PDSMS Program.

Kristina has a willingness to further her learning while demonstrating empathy, compassion and a professional approach to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in her community.

We offer a range of direct Psychologist, Counsellor and Mental Health Worker services via a range of flexible and effective modes of delivery including, in-office, outreach (i.e., home visits, chosen community location) or technology facilitated methods (i.e., Teleconference/Videoconference).

These services provide assistance to individuals, families and groups across the lifespan and variety of ages, experiencing a broad range of issues including;

• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Depression
• Perinatal and Post-natal depression and anxiety
• Grief and Loss
• Stress and coping
• Anger management
• Life adjustment difficulties
• Health-related distress and adjustment
• Chronic disease and health management
• Self-esteem issues
• Communication and assertiveness challenges
• Relationship and family issues (including Family and Domestic Violence matters)
• Parenting
• Workplace issues
• Suicidal, self-harming at risk behaviours
• Addictions and substance misuse (eg substances and gambling)

The Wakai Waian Healing team is well-practiced in a range of specialist structured interventions using evidence based therapies therapeutic approaches, which are strength focused and trauma informed. The therapeutic approaches delivered acknowledge the principles of cultural relevance and holistic healing and apply combination of Western Methodologies and Indigenous healing perspectives. As a service WWH seeks to find a balance between clinical and cultural governance.

Psychologists: Our Psychologists focus on formal assessment, identification of needs and strengths, analysis and formulation and the delivery of focused psychological strategies and Psychotherapies. WWH Psychologist’s maintain full registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), are registered as providers of psychological services under Medicare and are associated with the Australian Psychology Society. Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics.

Counsellors: Our Counsellors maintain a minimum equivalent of Diploma level formal qualifications in Counselling. They focus on the assessment and clarification of issues, the identification of options and strategies and the delivery of talk-based therapies.

Mental Health Workers: Our Mental Health Workers maintain a minimum of Certificate IV in Mental Health and have completed the workforce enhancement Professional Development, Mentoring and Self Care (PDSMS) Program and on many occasions also possess several other formal qualifications and a range of life experience and wisdom. Our Mental Health Workers provide direct support with the screening, assessment and delivery of therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and group facilitation. Our Mental Health Workers enhance the continuity of care and responsiveness of WWH Services. The enhance our flexibility and thus ability to be responsive to community needs. In addition to providing specialist Mental Health/Social and Emotional Wellbeing services these workers are proposed to provide social and cultural support, including access to traditional healers, promotion of cultural identity.

Wakai Waian Healing maintains philosophy that all humans have the right to receive quality, consistent and sustainable mental health and social and emotional wellbeing services.  In order to support this view we have apply a fee structure that most appropriately meets the financial and social positioning of the consumer. As we also operate within a regulated service system there are limitations but also benefits across the range of circumstances for our consumers. Fee’s, rebates, type of service and number of services, on many occasions will depend on the type of referral received

Our staff are registered with both Medicare and Private Health Insurance companies to enable clients to receive rebates and funding where applicable. Medicare or private health fund rebates will usually be available if you have an eligible referral from your treating General Medical Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Paediatrician. Bulk billing services available to people with a current health care or pension card.

As a Member of the Australian Psychologist Society on occasions we apply the standard recommended fee’s for respective service types.

Psychologists

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) sets a recommended fee for a variety of psychological services (view the APS recommended fee here). (Insert Link Here) Many of Wakai Waian Healings private fees can  lower than the APS recommended fee. As of 1 July 2019, the following is a guide to our private fees:

        Initial individual consult (60–90mins)               $230

        Follow-up individual consult (50–60mins)        $180

        Short Individual consult (20–40mins)               $130

Please note that payment will be requested on the day of service, except for pre-approved third party (e.g., Work Cover, EAP, and CTP) claims where the third party is billed directly.  Fees are payable by cash, credit, or EFTPOS and are subject to change without notice.  

Counsellors

Services provided by our experienced specialist Counsellors are charged at the following rates;

 Initial individual consult (60–90mins)- $180

 Follow-up individual consult (50–60mins) – $140

 Short Individual consult (20–40mins)- $110

Please note that Counsellor services are not eligible for Medicare Rebates. Payment will be requested on day of service.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Workers

Services provided by our specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Workers are charged at the following hourly full block rates:

Individual Therapeutic Support Services: $100 per hour

Family Therapeutic Supports: $120 per hour

Please note that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker services are not eligible for Medicare Rebates. Payment will be requested on day of service.

Medicare Rebates (Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative) are provided when the individual is referred to our Psychology services by their General Medical Practitioner (GP), Psychiatrist or Paediatrician, along with a completed Mental Health Care Plan as part of the Federal Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Services Initiative. Plans are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of referral. Individuals referred in the above way are eligible for up to 10 rebated appointments per calendar year. Individuals can be eligible for rebates between $60.10 and $106.55. There are a variety of other rebates that individuals and groups may be eligible for, these can be found at Medicare Benefits Schedule.

You do not need a referral from your medical specialist to make an appointment.  However you do need a referral letter and a mental health care plan from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician should you wish to attend under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health initiative and receive a rebate.

Processing: Consumers pay the full session fee to Wakai Waian Healing on day of appointment. Once received, we will provide you the receipt for claiming with either Medicare. With Medicare Rebates, the receipt can either be lodged online, via their app, or at any Medicare office in Australia. The refund is processed directly into your nominated account.

Depending on your level of cover many private health funds provide a rebate for psychological care.  Please contact your health fund directly to find out what level of rebate you may be eligible for.

Processing: Consumers pay full fee on the day of consultation and the receipt can be lodged online, via your providers app, or at any branch for your provider. The refund is processed into your nominated account.

As a community focused organisation we believe that everyone deserves to opportunity to access support and healing services. Consistent with this WWH offer a bulk billing service for those that are eligible for a Health Cared Card. In order to access the bulk billing service consumers are required to have a  referred by their treating General Medical Practitioner (GP), Psychiatrist or Paediatrician, who will need to provide a completed Mental Health Care Plan as part of the Federal Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Services Initiative. There are a variety of other bulk billing services that individuals and groups may be eligible for, these can be found at Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Quotes and costings for this service are via negotiation between host sites and WWH.

Due to the nature and specific focus of this service type, it has demonstrated to produce elevated levels of cost savings across a number of organisation budget line items.

Requests for further information or questions on this service type can be sent to: Edward Mosby (Principal Psychologist-Wakai Waian Healing), Mobile: 0477012836 or email: edwardmosby@wakai-waian.com.au

Currently only individuals whom are deemed to reside in Regional, Rural and Remote locations are eligible for Medicare Rebates for online services (telehealth) under the Better Access to Psychologists – Mental Health Care Plan program based on referral from your doctor.

To check if you are eligible based on location, please visit http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/MMM_locator and type in your location.

Areas with a MMM classification of four to seven which incorporate small country towns and remote locations, are eligible for rebates as of November 2017. If you need assistance with checking if you are eligible, give our Rockhampton Office on 1800 732 850. If your location is not eligible, we are still able to offer a service to you, however services are not eligible for rebate under the Medicare system. In these instances we would recommend using Private Health Rebates Private health rebates are available for all video conferencing sessions and the rebate will be determined by your extras cover with your individual private health insurer. Please check your entitlements with your provider.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been set up as a new way of providing individualised support for eligible people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. NDIS is the insurance that gives all Australian’s peace of mind. As we all know, disability could affect anyone and having the right support makes a big difference.

WWH is a Registered NDIS provider. The case management provider will, in conjunction with the participant, identify the service required

identify and initiate contact with WWH to establish a service agreement. After services have been provided, WWH will invoice the organisation managing the participants plan.

If for some reason you need to cancel your appointment, please provide 24 hours notice otherwise you will be charged a cancellation fee of $90 for the session you have missed. You will not be charged a cancellation fee if you provide 24 hours notice.  If you are late for your appointment and consequently have a shorter session you will be charged for a full session.  Please be aware that Medicare will not provide a rebate for any missed appointments.

If you have any questions about the fees or if you are uncertain of your eligibility for a rebate please phone the practice manager or complete an online enquiry form.  We are happy to help.

Sending Referrals

Regardless of who, a referral can be sent at anytime to Wakai Waian Healing Rockhampton Office Intake Services via the following:

Fax: 07) 4829 4011

Email: referralscq@wakai-waian.com.au

Postal: P.O. Box 4080, Rockhampton, QLD, 4700.

In person: 104 Fitzroy Street, Rockhampton QLD 4700.

Once a referral is received the sending organization will be sent communications to indicate this. Our Intake and Referral Team meet weekly, following which the sending organisation will receive feedback as to if the referral will be accepted or otherwise.