Dr Sian Virtue-Griffiths (she/her) - Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar
BA Honours, DPsych (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Employee of YCP since 2023
Sian is a registered psychologist, and a clinical neuropsychology registrar, who is passionate about promoting the psychological wellbeing and cognitive health of her clients. She combines her clinical knowledge with her warm and empathetic client-centred approach. Adopting a strengths-focus to her work, she is dedicated to helping clients recognise, and build upon, their strengths.
Sian has experience in completing neuropsychological assessments for adolescents and adults with a broad range of concerns including ADHD, learning disorders, language disorders, complex mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries and neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. She believes that an immense benefit of neuropsychological assessment comes from translation into positive client outcomes, through intervention. Because of this, she is experienced in one-on-one cognitive interventions and group interventions for community psychiatric patients and with brain cancer survivors via Telehealth.
Sian is passionate about offering interventions to clients, both psychological and neuropsychological interventions. She draws psychological interventions from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). She also offers interventions to help maximise thinking and memory skills. Sian is a trained facilitator in the LaTCH memory management group program.
Availability: Sian is available for appointments Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Funding options: Sian is a registered provider with Medicare and able to accept Mental Health Treatment Plans. She is able to provide therapeutic supports for participants who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans with funding under ‘Improved Daily Living’. Private health insurance rebates may apply.
Lily Li (she/her) - Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar
BPsych (Hons) | MPsych (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Employee of YCP since 2022
Lily is a psychologist and clinical neuropsychology registrar, with experience of providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services to adults and adolescents. Lily works closely and collaboratively with clients to explore and reflect on personal issues in a safe and welcoming environment. In working with her clients, Lily uses evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques.
Lily seeks to provide clients with effective tools to help them work through unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns. In working together to develop healthier behaviour patterns Lily aims to help equip her clients with skills that help them manage life’s hurdles. This translates into positive life outcomes, as well as a greater sense of calm, happiness and well-being. Lily has a particular interest in working with neurodivergent clients, particularly Autistic clients/people with ASD and clients with ADHD, in supporting them to develop their unique strengths, as well as helping them to manage things that are more challenging.
Outside of YCP, Lily is a part of the Neuropsychology team at Epworth Rehabilitation, where she works within both the Concussion Clinic at Hawthorn, and the Acquired Brain Injury Unit at Richmond. Lily also works as a sessional academic for Psychology Honours and Masters students at La Trobe University. Lily is currently completing her PhD at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, working on a project that looks at cognitive and psychological functioning in older adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Availability: Lily is currently available for appointments on Tuesdays.
Funding options: Lily is a registered provider with Medicare and able to accept Mental Health Treatment Plans. She is able to provide therapeutic supports for participants who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans with funding under ‘Improved Daily Living’. Private health insurance rebates may apply.
Karla Harris (she/her) - Provisional Psychologist
BA, GradDip(Psych), MProfPsych
Employee of YCP since 2022
Karla is a Provisional psychologist who is passionate about the wellbeing and mental health of her clients. Curiosity, warmth and understanding are key components of her approach as a therapist. Karla believes that therapy is a collaborative process, and creating safe spaces for expression, communication and reflection are foundational elements of her practice.
Karla has experience in working with children and adults using cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. In her previous roles as a Student Advisor and Sessional Academic she has spent many years supporting university students throughout their studies and this has increased her desire to help foster growth and self-development in others.
Karla is interested in human development and the circumstances that impact our health and wellbeing across the different stages of life’s journey. She is interested in working with people from all walks of life who are wanting to learn and understand more about themselves.
You can learn more about seeing a Provisional Psychologist at YCP here.
Availability: Karla is available Tuesday afternoon/evening, Wednesday, and Thurs afternoon/evening.
Funding options: Karla is able to see clients who are paying privately (please note, that Medicare rebates are NOT available when you are seen by a Provisional Psychologist which is why we offer a substantial discount). NDIS participants who are self-managed or plan-managed can be seen if they have funding for therapeutic supports under ‘Improved Daily Living’. Karla is registered with Melbourne City Mission's Family Reconciliation and Mediation (FRMP) program.
Rebecca Kelly (she/her) - Psychologist
BA (Psych) | GDipPsych (Adv)
Employee of YCP since 2022
Rebecca is a registered psychologist whose philosophy values collaboration and using a client-led approach to ensure therapy proceeds at each client’s own pace. Curiosity, warmth, and a non-judgemental approach form the foundation of Rebecca’s practice. She is passionate about helping clients to develop insight, connect with emotions as a source of wisdom, and about teaching knowledge and skills that can help empower people to move towards fulfilment.
Rebecca is passionate about working with trauma, complex PTSD, dissociative disorders and neurodivergent people. She is also experienced in working with “borderline personality disorder”, mood and anxiety disorders, relationship difficulties and sexual dysfunction, and gender dysphoria. Her therapy focuses on providing people the space to process past events that may be influencing them, identifying unhelpful life patterns and habits, and finding practical ways to create change. Rebecca is queer friendly, poly friendly, and sex-worker friendly.
Rebecca has a strong passion for somatic psychology and using our mind-body connection as a resource for mental well-being. Her practice is influenced by polyvagal theory as well as her previous experience as a dance and embodiment teacher. Rebecca has completed training in Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy.
Availability: Rebecca is available for appointments on Tuesday morning (via telehealth), Wednesday afternoon/evening, and Thursday afternoon/evening.
Funding options: Rebecca is a registered provider with Medicare and able to accept Mental Health Treatment Plans. She is able to provide therapeutic supports for participants who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans with funding under ‘Improved Daily Living’. Private health insurance rebates may apply. Rebecca is registered with Melbourne City Mission's Family Reconciliation and Mediation (FRMP) program.
A/Prof Kathryn Ellis - Clinical Psychologist
PhD, MPsych (Clinical)
MAPS
Associate of YCP since 2019
An experienced psychologist and behavioural neuroscientist, Kathryn offers a safe and non-judgemental environment for her clients. Kathryn is experienced working with adults facing issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, adult autism spectrum disorder, identity, and managing life transitions. Kathryn is particularly passionate about supporting the mental health of middle-aged and older adults. She uses evidence-based techniques including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness-based approaches, and her pragmatic and empathetic approach is also informed by her background in neuroscience.
Research overview: Kathryn is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the University of Melbourne Academic Unit of Psychiatry of Old Age. She has been working at the University of Melbourne since 2006, focusing on research that supports mental and cognitive health in middle-aged and older adults. She has more than 140 peer-reviewed research articles published in international scientific literature, is co-leader of Melbourne Psychology and Ageing, and is an honorary Principle Research Fellow within the University of Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Kathryn is also the leader of the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) Capacity Building and Mentoring Committee reflecting her passion for supporting early career researchers.
Availability: Limited appointments available on Friday via telehealth only.
Funding options: Kathryn is a registered provider with Medicare. Private health insurance rebates may apply.
Dr Asawari Henderson (she/her) - Clinical Neuropsychologist
BPsych (Hons), DPsych (Clinical Neuropsychology)
MAPS, Fellow of the College of Clinical Neuropsychologists
Associate of YCP since 2017
Asawari is a clinical neuropsychologist with over a decade of experience working in major inpatient and outpatient specialist health services across Melbourne. Her primary area of expertise is in the assessment and differential diagnosis of dementias, and other causes of memory and thinking problems in older adults. She has a special interest in the diagnosis of atypical dementias. She has extensive experience in the characterisation and management of cognitive changes associated with acquired brain injury (including traumatic brain injury and stroke), neurological conditions, and psychiatric disorders. She is also familiar with difficulties related to various learning disorders and developmental conditions. In addition, Asawari is highly skilled in delineating cognitive strengths and weaknesses, delivering neuropsychological interventions, psychoeducation, return to work plans, and conducting assessments of decision-making capacity.
Asawari has an excellent understanding of the impact of mental health, anxiety, depression, other stressors, lifestyle and other factors on cognitive functioning, and is passionate about helping others to optimise their brain health and function. She has a flexible, thorough, whole-person approach to assessment, and a warm and friendly style.
Asawari graduated with a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) from the University of Melbourne. She is registered with the AHPRA Psychology Board of Australia, and has an area of practice endorsement in clinical neuropsychology. She holds a senior clinical neuropsychologist position at Alfred Health in the Cognitive Decline and Memory Service clinic. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and a Fellow of the College of Clinical Neuropsychologists.
Availability: Asawari is available by appointment during business hours on Mondays and select Saturdays.
Funding options: Asawari is a registered provider with Medicare, Melbourne City Mission’s Family Reconciliation Mediation Program (FRMP), DVA and TAC. She is able to provide therapeutic supports for participants who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans with funding for therapeutic supports under ‘Improved Daily Living’. Private health insurance rebates may apply.
Supervision: Asawari is a board approved supervisor, eligible to supervise psychology interns and higher-degree students. She is able to act as the principal supervisor for psychologists who are completing a Clinical Neuropsychology registrar program.
Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett (she/her) - Clinical Neuropsychologist
BA & Sc, BSc (Hons), MPsych (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Associate of YCP since 2013
Simone is a senior clinical neuropsychologist with experience working within a specialist tertiary diagnostic service as well as in rehabilitation teams, aged care units, and movement disorder services within major public hospitals. Her primary areas of expertise are the assessment and diagnosis of complex neurodegenerative syndromes and dementias and the characterisation of cognitive changes associated with neuropsychiatric conditions and movement disorders. In addition, she has expertise in the treatment and management of Functional Neurological Disorders and is a member of the FND Society. She has extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment before neurosurgical interventions for movement disorders. Simone has a keen interest in the provision of interventions to help manage cognitive disabilities, including cognitive rehabilitation post stroke.
Availability: Simone is available on Tuesday and Wednesday evening via telehealth. She is available alternate Saturdays for neuropsychological assessments.
Funding options: Simone is a registered provider with Medicare and TAC. She is able to provide therapeutic supports for participants who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans with funding under ‘Improved Daily Living’. Private health insurance rebates may apply.
Supervision: Simone is a Board-approved supervisor, eligible to supervise psychology interns and higher-degree students. She is able to act as the secondary supervisor for psychologists who are completing a Clinical Neuropsychology registrar program.
Laura Humphreys (she/her) - Principal Psychologist and Meditation Teacher
BAppSci, BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical Neuropsychology)
MAPS
Director of YCP since 2012
Not currently taking new therapy clients.
Laura is a generally registered psychologist with experience working with clients who have a broad range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, 'personality disorders', self-harm, eating disorders, chronic suicidality, trauma, psychotic illnesses, and sleep disorders. She has particular interests in the assessment and treatment of mental health concerns in Autism, ADHD, neurological disorders, acquired brain injuries, and dementing conditions. She utilises a variety of evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Availability: Unfortunately, Laura is not currently able to take new referrals. For existing clients, Laura is available for appointments Monday (via telehealth), Tues and Wednesday afternoon/evening, and Thursday (via telehealth).
Funding options: Laura is a registered provider with Medicare and able to accept Mental Health Treatment Plans and Eating Disorder Treatment Plans. She is a registered provider with Melbourne City Mission’s Family Reconciliation Mediation Program (FRMP), and TAC. Laura is able to provide therapeutic supports for participants who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans with funding under ‘Improved Daily Living’. Private health insurance rebates may apply.
Supervision: Laura is a board approved supervisor. She offers supervision for:
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psychologists working in addition to their placements
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psychologists and other mental health professionals who require ongoing supervision/peer consultation
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mental health clinicians who have recently been exposed to a difficult event in the workplace
Laura is also eligible to act as a secondary supervisor for clinicians under taking a registrar program. She runs the peer consultation groups offered by YCP.
Olivia Feutrill (she/her) - Administrative Support
Olivia joined the YCP admin team in 2023. She is currently completing her undergraduate studies in psychology.
Olivia has previously worked in a number of adminstration roles and is looking forward to bringing those skills to YCP.
Olivia typically works at YCP on Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon.
Sarah Temperman (she/her) - Administrative Support
Sarah joined the YCP admin team in 2024. She is currently completing her Honours degree in psychology.
Hazel (she/her) - Therapy Dog / Emotional Support Officer
Currently completing formal therapy dog training at Therapy Animals Australia
Employed (for treats) by YCP since 2023
Hazel is a miniature dachshund, specialising in heart-warming hellos and therapeutic tail wags. She is committed to bringing comfort and cheer to everyone who she gets to see at YCP.
She is in the final stages of her formal therapy dog training at Therapy Animals Australia (www.therapyanimals.com.au) and is mastering the subtle art of resting quietly — unless there's a treat in sight!
Availability: Hazel is onsite on Tuesday with her handler Lily.