The Heart & Mind Collective Psychology & Allied Health Service

Get to know The Heart & Mind Collective Psychology & Allied Health Service

From The Heart & Mind Collective Psychology & Allied Health Service's website.

• Our approach

  The Heart & Mind Collective takes a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach that goes beyond symptoms and labels to understand each child's nervous system, neurotype, relationships, strengths and lived experience. Sessions are grounded in safety—we believe healing and meaningful change happen when young people feel understood and respected. Rather than viewing differences as deficits, the team helps children develop skills, tools and strategies to improve their quality of life. Each child's unique way of engaging with the world is honoured, and support is individualised to their specific needs. The team works collaboratively with families, schools and other professionals to provide connected care across everyday environments.

• Working with families

  Family involvement is central to the approach—parents and carers are viewed as essential partners in their child's care and healing. The team works collaboratively with families alongside schools, GPs, paediatricians and allied health professionals to provide whole-person, whole-system support. Communication includes liaising with family members and other service providers (including school and home visits where suitable) to strengthen support across environments. Parents can also access parenting support services directly. The team values connecting with families' lived experiences and strengths rather than working in isolation.

• Meet the team

  The Heart & Mind Collective's multidisciplinary team includes registered psychologists, accredited mental health social workers, certified counsellors and play therapists. The team is led by Director Lindie Nell (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) and includes specialists in educational and developmental psychology, clinical psychology and family therapy. All clinicians provide evidence-informed, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care. The team has combined experience of 18 years and comprises over 50 local clinicians supported through professional networks and training partnerships. They have extensive experience supporting neurodivergence, trauma, mental health challenges and complex presentations across the lifespan.

• Your first visit

  At your first appointment, you and your child will be matched with a suitable clinician and a service agreement will be provided outlining your support plan and goals. The initial session focuses on understanding your child's story, strengths and needs rather than simply identifying challenges. The team will explore their nervous system, relationships, environment and lived experience to build a comprehensive picture. If your child is an NDIS participant, you will have the choice to allocate funded hours from your NDIS plan at this session. Most families are matched with a clinician within 24 hours of enquiry, minimising wait times.