MSc (Psych), MB ChB, FRANZCP 

I have a strong grounding in psychology, completing my Masters of Science degree in psychology at Canterbury University in 1987. I graduated from Otago Medical School in 1992, and became a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2004. I have worked full-time as a consultant psychiatrist since then and have considerable experience in assessing and treating both inpatients and outpatients with a wide range of mental health problems and complexities. 

In my clinical work I adopt a holistic approach to mental health, taking into consideration physical, emotional, relational and familial / social factors. My general psychotherapeutic orientation is a psychodynamic one.

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Dunedin and Christchurch.

I also have a monthly clinic in Invercargill at Southland Community Centre and Cromwell Resource  Centre.

I provide specialist assessment and treatment planning / recommendations for adults (over the age of 18 years) who are experiencing a variety of mental health problems including mood disorders (depression), anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders (e.g. PTSD), eating disorders, personality and relational problems, stress and work-place issues. 

As well as accepting referrals from various health care professionals, I offer and have experience in conducting psychiatric assessments for:

• ACC (ISSC supported, functional and medication assessments) 
• NZ Immigration 
• War Pensions
•  Insurance 
• Work capacity 
• Mental Health Act 
• Second opinions 

The initial assessment takes into account the presenting mental health problems as well as any history of previous psychological / psychiatric difficulties, physical health issues, aspects of upbringing, past traumas and losses, family dynamics, and both current and past significant relationships. An initial assessment usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes. Sometimes this is able to be done in a single assessment. On other occasions two separate appointments may be necessary. 

Based on the initial assessment, and in collaboration with the patient, treatment options are considered and recommended to address the particular individual’s needs. These may include medications, talking therapies, lifestyle changes and other appropriate interventions. Referrals to other health professionals for further assessment and/or treatment are made when appropriate, and with the patient’s agreement and consent. 

I have a strong preference for face-to-face assessments when initially seeing people, but do occasionally utilise telephone or internet-based video appointments for those I have previously seen. This will be reviewed as necessary in line with changes in the nation-wide Covid-19 situation. I welcome the involvement of family / whanau in the assessment and treatment process when appropriate and agreed on by the individual patient. 

Throughout the assessment and treatment process patient privacy and confidentiality is a priority. Patient rights are governed by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. 

As a sole practitioner, I am not able to provide ongoing intensive follow-up for people who would be more appropriately seen by a multidisciplinary mental health team. I am not available to offer an emergency psychiatric service and am unable to provide urgent assessments for new patients. For acute psychiatric emergencies contact should be made with the local DHB for their emergency / crisis psychiatric service.

Initial Assessment: $900 part 1 (allow at least 2 hours) $430 part 2 (allow 60 to 90 minutes) *
Follow-up Appointment: $400 / hour (usually 30-60 min duration)
Reports: $430 an hour for face to face assessment and report writing

*There is an additional $25 charge for new assessments in Invercargill and Cromwell to assist in covering travel and accommodation costs.