Please reach me at admin@dralexshort.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.
My approach is to apply the most evidence-based therapeutic techniques to your specific situation whilst also providing genuine care and compassion in a warm, safe, and relaxed therapeutic environment. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, though I am trained in a number of other evidence-based therapies. For more information please see 'About 'Me" section of this website.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of psychological problems. Many specific therapeutic techniques fall under the umbrella of CBT, and it is widely recognised as the most empirically supported form of psychological therapy. Tens of thousands of research studies have indicated that CBT leads to significant improvements in functioning, quality of life, and symptom severity. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy and/or psychiatric medications. CBT is a structured approach to therapy which involves specific techniques, strategies, and interventions aimed at changing unhelpful and maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Therapy can assist with many different problems, ranging from clinically diagnosed mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, through to general feelings of stress and difficulty adjusting to life changes. Therapy is useful for anyone who is troubled by feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that are preventing them from functioning to their full capacity or from feeling happy and fulfilled in their life. Please see the 'About Me' section of this website for a full list of conditions and difficulties that I have experience in treating.
I am trained and experienced in helping people with a broad range of concerns. Registered Psychologists are prohibited from advertising a 'specialty', however, my areas of interest are in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and anxiety disorders.
Young people 12 years and older, and adults.
Call me on 0478 276 528 or email me at admin@dralexshort.com.au to discuss any questions you may have and book in your first appointment. If I am unable to take your call please leave a message with your name and number and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
In the first session, together we will try and get a shared understanding of what is going on for you. I'll answer any questions you may have, we will set some goals for therapy together, and start developing a treatment plan. By the end of the first session my aim is for you to feel comfortable, safe, understood, and for you to leave feeling sense of hope.
No, you do not need a referral to see me. However, if you wish to claim a rebate from Medicare you will need to be referred by a GP, Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
Medicare provides a rebate of $141.85 for a maximum of 10 individual sessions in a calendar year for people with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). If you have private health insurance, your fund may offer a comparable or higher rebate depending on your insurer and level of cover. Rebates are also available for those under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM). I also accept NDIS clients who are ‘plan-managed’ or ‘self-managed’, and I am a registered DVA provider. Please see the Fees and Rebates section of this website for more detailed information.
Book an appointment with your GP to request a MHTP. At this appointment, you will be able to discuss your reasons for wanting a referral and you may be asked to complete a questionnaire. You are able to request the MHTP be sent to the psychologist of your choice.
Yes. I have significant experience seeing NDIS funded clients, particularly those on the autism spectrum. I accept NDIS clients who are ‘plan-managed’ or ‘self-managed’. Please note that at present I am only seeing clients aged 12 and older in my Maroochydore clinic.
Yes. I am a registered DVA provider.
Sessions are delivered either face-to-face in my Maroochydore clinic or via telehealth (phone or video call) depending on what is easiest and most comfortable for you.
Sessions typically go for 50 minutes.
The number of sessions required varies from person to person. It depends on the nature of your concerns and their severity. How long we both hope and expect therapy to last is something we can discuss in your first session.
Both Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists have been extensively trained to provide psychological therapy. Psychiatrists have trained as medical doctors and are able to prescribe medication. Clinical Psychologists are unable to prescribe medication.
A Clinical Psychologist is a psychologist who has a specific 'Clinical' endorsement with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). A psychologist with a 'Clinical' endorsement has undertaken additional university qualifications and/or further study and supervised training in the area of Clinical Psychology.
Dr Alex Short, Clinical Psychologist
Level 1. 235 Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore, Qld, 4558
Phone: 0478 276 528