Clinical Psychologist
About Debbie
Debbie is registered with the New Zealand Psychologist Board and is a member of the NZ Psychological Society and Institute of Clinical Psychology.
Debbie is trained and experienced in a wide range of psychological interventions and uses a variety of evidence-based approaches for treatment depending on individual needs.
Debbie grew up and trained as a psychologist in South Africa before immigrating to New Zealand. Debbie worked at iCAMHS and in the Primary Mental Health area before starting her private practice.
Services
Debbie provides psychological treatment for anxiety, depression, difficulties managing emotions, grief, and trauma.
Debbie is contracted with ACC to deliver services for sensitive claims.
Whether your aim is to make positive changes, build confidence, manage stress, achieve and maintain better levels of health and functioning, or improve your relationships with others, psychology can help.
- Individual Therapy
- Adolescents and Adults
- Clinical Supervision
“I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become.”
Referrals
If you are referring yourself, please call or send an email.
If you are a GP or referring on behalf of someone else, please email me a referral.
Enquiries are welcome.
Do I need a referral?
If you are an adult you do not need a referral; you can contact Debbie at Lakes Psychology directly.
A referral will be needed if you require funding for your session, such as EAP.
ACC sensitive claims do not require a referral from a GP or ACC, you can self-refer.
Are you a registered provider under ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service?
Yes. Debbie is registered and contracted with ACC to deliver services for sensitive claims.
Do you do assessments for ADHD or autism (ASD)?
No, Debbie does not do assessments for ADHD or autism (ASD).
Do you work with children?
No, Debbie works mostly with adults and adolescent clients.
Do you work with couples?
No, Debbie only provides individual therapy.
Do you provide assessments or reports for court or other legal matters?
Debbie does not provide assessments or reports for court or other legal matters.
How long are sessions?
Standard individual therapy sessions usually run for 55 minutes.
How much will it cost?
Please contact Debbie to inquire about her current rate for individual sessions.
For longer sessions, psychometric testing, and report writing, there will be additional fees.
Sessions for ACC sensitive claims are covered by ACC. There is no additional cost.
You may be able to request funding from your employer’s EAP to provide all or a portion of the session fee. Please contact your EAP representative for more information (and a referral). You will need to pay any remaining balance if your EAP does not cover the full cost of each session.
Part of the cost for some sessions may be covered by your Southern Cross Insurance if you have cover for psychology. You will need to pay any remaining balance if your insurance does not cover the full cost of each session.
How do I pay for sessions?
Following your session, you will receive an invoice by email with payment details for online banking.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please let Debbie know as early as possible, as the time you have booked has been reserved for you. Late notice rescheduling may incur a fee. Cancellations made in less than 48 hours will incur a 50% fee. Appointments that are cancelled or missed on the day will be charged the full session fee.
Do you offer online sessions or telehealth?
Yes, I can provide telehealth sessions, via Zoom. However, telehealth may not be suitable for everyone.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies based on the problem you’re needing help with and what your therapy goals are. Some people only need a few sessions, while others require longer term support.
How do I contact you?
You can email Debbie at debbie@lakespsychology.nz, or call or send a text message to 027 366 6021.
Messages received after hours will be replied to the next working day, if possible. There may be some delay in getting back to you if I am busy with clients, or I am away from the office.
If you need urgent support or are in crisis, please call your local mental health crisis team. healthnz.govt.nz/…/crisis-assessment-teams
I need urgent help or I am in crisis, who do I contact?
Debbie at Lakes Psychology does not offer crisis or after-hours support. Clients are seen by appointment only.
If you need urgent support or are in crisis, please call your local mental health crisis team. healthnz.govt.nz/…/crisis-assessment-teams
The 24/7 Acute Response Team (ART) responds to mental health and addiction crisis in the Taupo/Rotorua district. Phone them on 0800 166 167.
If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger or experiencing a life-threatening situation, call 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
What are my options if I can't afford private psychological services?
Your GP may be able to refer you to a HIP (Health Improvement Practitioner) or Health Coach.
You can also try getting help from other mental health care providers, community agencies, or online supports.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Clinical psychologists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of mental health, emotional and behavioural problems. Psychologists provide talking therapy.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medication.
