headspace Camperdown is a service that assists young people aged 12-25 who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

We understand that 1 in 4 Young People in Australia will experience a mental health issue and we're here to help you get back on track and feeling better! 

headspace can help if you are:

• feeling down 
• can't stop worrying
• having issues with friends and/or family members
• struggling with emotions and feelings
• having worries about relationships,
• wanting to chat about your sexuality and/or gender
• wanting to seek help for drug and alcohol use
• being bullied or struggling with work, school or university
• facing homelessness

plus much MORE

If you have any questions or want to book an appointment, call (02) 9114 4100 or email us.

We value any feedback about your experience with our service.

We have a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals and general practitioners working at headspace Camperdown that can assist you with your mental health and wellbeing.  We have asked them the following questions so you can get to know them all:

Tell us a bit about your experience? What are your interests/hobbies? What is your favourite food? What is your favourite culture other than your own? 

Reception and Administration Team

Miku Nishiwaki:

Hello! My name is Miku and I am an administration assistant at Headspace Camperdown. I have always had a love for helping people and enjoy it thoroughly. After struggling with my own mental health when I was younger, I developed an interest in further understanding human behaviour which led me to finish my Bachelor’s in Psychology.

I have two lovely rescue dogs (two staffies) and adore them to bits. I love spending as much time as I can with them on my days off but I also enjoy watching my anime (tensei slime!, mashle), reading manga, following vtubers (Nijisanji JP), or playing games (LFD2, animal crossing, splatoon 3, terraria) in my spare time. My favourite food is a lemon meringue pie, I love pastries and all things sweet.

InYoung Choi:

Hi! I’m IY- part of the admin team at headspace Camperdown. I've worked in photography/film production but, working in Mental Health as a neurodivergent is true my calling. My favourite part of my previous job was the constant learning and the opportunity to bring to light some of the amazing stories of people I met along the way.

In my spare time, you might find me listening to music (I have very confused taste), playing games (CS2, TFT, I lost the game) or at the gym. I am a huge advocate for a good balance between mental health, physical well-being and nutrition... but I've got a debilitating sweet tooth.

Keshia Ambosta:

Hey I’m Keshia, one of the admin assistants at Headspace Camperdown. Before joining the wonderful team here, I was at Medibank coordinating with universities and connecting with international students at UNSW where I completed my Bachelors in Psych. Since high school, I’ve been driven by the desire to help those that don’t have the same opportunities and this has driven me to pursue further studies to hopefully become a clinical psychologist!

In my spare time, you can find me playing with my mischievous maltase shitzu (Odie), in a little corner reading a good book, watching a good sitcom (i.e. the office and friends are forever elite), comedy or romcom, listening to what I call ‘old dad music’, volunteering in the community or just hanging out with friends! I love talking to people and am always down for good food and place recommendations to explore, so feel free to share!

Youth Access Team

Rikki Kosick:

Hi! I am one of the Youth Access Clinician at headspace. I have studied counselling and am passionate about helping young people and supporting them in their mental health journey.

In my spare time I love hanging out with my dog Dex, reading a good book and planning expensive overseas holidays that I can never afford!

Tia Jackson-Murphy:

I am one of the youth access clinicians at headspace and am currently at university studying Psychology and English Literature. I have previous experience working in the office at schools and with young people. When I am not working, you can find me either surfing, reading a good book or trying not to fall off my moped. My favourite food is anything involving seafood and I am really interested in travelling more around the South Pacific & learning more about their culture.

Hayley Wilkinson:

Hello, my name is Hayley (she/her) and I am one of the Youth Access Clinician’s at headspace. I am currently studying Master’s of Social Work at USYD. I previously worked for Service NSW as a driver tester, and I volunteered helping young people gain their drivers license, so if you have any questions, ask away! In my spare time I love a coastal walk at sunrise, or a ride out on my motorbike. I love spending time with my friends, eating nice food and a cocktail or two.  I’m such a foodie, so send any recommendations my way!

General Practitioner Team

Dr Sylvia Yeung:

I am a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.  With over 20 years experience as a vocationally registered GP, I have special interests in women’s health, mental health with focus in child and adolescent psychiatry as well as geriatrics medicine. I have the role of being a locum GP in any family practice setting.  I strongly believe in the wholistic approach to general wellbeing and promote the importance of healthy living, diet and exercise towards good physical and mental health.

At headspace Camperdown I provide early intervention management for young people with mental illness in a multidisciplinary setting. I am bilingual and fluent in Cantonese. Outside of work, I enjoy yoga and being creative. I am also passionate about fundraising events that support childhood disabilities.

Dr Catherine Choi: 

I am an experienced GP who has worked in various hospitals and medical practices across NSW since completing my medical degree at The University of Sydney. I have a hunger for constant learning, and have completed training in Diploma of Child Health and a Certificate In Reproductive & Sexual Health as well as training in providing Focused Psychological Strategies.

I have an absolute love of being a GP. I am curious about each person’s health journey and am passionate about working with young people to foster growth together, myself included!

Outside of work I’m kept busy being walked and trained by my Lion King dogs Simba and Nala. 

Dr Ada Chan:

I am a GP fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. I studied at the University of New South Wales and completed my training in Sydney. I work across a few different Headspace centres because I love the staff and the young people I come across. I feel mental health is such a crucial aspect of a positive transition into adulthood.

In my spare time, I enjoy moonlighting as a (couch) potato. I love my Netflix and Youtube. And if I were a vegetable, I'd be a potato as well - they're just so versatile (and tasty!) I love them baked, fried, chipped, wedged or mashed. Look forward to meeting you all! 

Therapy Team

Chris Aler:

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker that uses a biopsychosocial model of assessment alongside a Critical Systems Theory to inform practice framework. Certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy. Other modalities used include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal therapy, Narrative therapy and case management interventions. Always focused on strengthening, empowering, and inspiring the self-esteem of others. Experienced in the provision of focussed psychological strategies for issues including anger management, anxiety & depression and other formal mental health diagnoses. Experienced in a wide range of demographics including youth mental health, disabilities, couples therapies, cross-cultural practice and trauma-informed care. I love music, animals, people and the beach and I'm interested in continuous learning (clinical and personal).  I love most types of food but right now, and I love Mediterranean based cuisine.  Mediterranean culture holds my current interests for now.

Sherry Zeng:

I am a psychologist who endeavours for a warm, genuine and non-judgemental approach to therapy. I have a specific interest in working with young people from culturally diverse, neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds. I am passionate about working with international students due to my own lived experience giving personal insights and skills to understand their unique challenges and provide effective guidance. In my spare time, I like to go to pilates, play videogames and spend time with my friends and my cat (Jiyong). I like to explore different cuisines; particularly savoury foods (I don't have that much of a sweet-tooth).

Benjamin Mak:

Coming soon...

Brief Intervention Therapy

Imogen Tracy:

Coming soon...

Allied Health Team

Exercise Physiologist: Leesa Pech

I’m an Exercise Physiologist who is passionate about combining my two loves of Psychology and Exercise Physiology, with a special interest in youth, LGBTIQA+, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health. I also work as an EP in orthopaedic, neurological and cardiac rehabilitation.

“Exercise is medicine” is a saying you’ll hear us EPs frequently say, and it’s a motto I live by. My approach to physical activity is to celebrate what our bodies can do but most importantly, to have fun!

Outside of headspace I love hanging with my toy cavoodle, eating Italian food and watching AFL – sometimes all at the same time. Go Swans!

Occupation Therapist: Cresta Markovic

I have experience working as an OT in the disability, mental health and research sectors, and have a particular interest in mental health, neurodiversity and championing the value of lived experience. I am always learning from my clients and like to take a collaborative approach in my practice.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking, swimming at the beach and chasing after my dog at a local park. I love watching the sunrise and get up early most days to enjoy it. I enjoy variety and trying new foods, but my favourite food is probably chips and gravy. Perfection!

I think the cultures of our First Nations people are pretty awesome – their values towards country and connection with community is pretty special.

Executive Tutor: Veronika Ebbelaar

Coming soon...

Management Team

Clinical Services Manager: Dr Blake Hamilton

 Coming soon...

Practice Manager: Donna Fowler

Hello, my pronouns are she/her. I have had over 13 years experiencing working in various youth and adult mental health services. I now help keep headspace Camperdown organised and manage the operational side of the business. 

I  found a new pottery hobby during lockdown which I love and have found to be very mindful. I love all kinds of food so much, it is far too difficult to decide on a favourite! 

Clinical Lead: Rachel Harker

Hello! My name is Rachel, I’m the Clinical Lead at headspace Camperdown. I am also a Clinical Psychologist and board-approved supervisor. I started at headspace as one of our Youth Access Clinicians, then was a psychologist here for a few years before moving across to the Clinical Lead role. I love working with young people and the team here.

When I am not at work I keep busy with my family, our groodle puppy, and love travelling! My favourite foods are Japanese and Mexican and a personal goal I’ve set for myself is to read more books.

Community Engagement and Development Manager: Vicki Papa

Coming soon...

Therapy Pets

Teddy

Konnichiwa! I'm Teddy; the clever, bilingual staffie. The most chill and huggable doggo you may ever meet in your life! You can pet me, rough me up, hug me, give scratches all you want and I'll take it like an absolute champ (p.s. I love a good butt pat).

My Mum, Miku, rescued me a couple years ago but nobody really knows where I'm from... these days, you will most likely find me cuddled up all cute, cozy and camouflaged under a blanket at front desk.

I love treats, a good routine and dislike thunderstorms (it's too loud and I have gigantic ears!).

Monty

Helloooo! I'm Monty, the wonderful cavoodle! I am often referred to as a fluffy ball of sunshine who spreads laughter everywhere I go... who's to say. I'll sing you a song if you don't address me just to remind you of your manners!

I'm stuck like glue to my Mum, Imogen- so you might find me in sessions with her if you'll have me there.

I love a good ear scratch (comes with butt wiggles!) and dislike the groomers (they judge my natural curls)

Harley

G'day! I'm Harley, the fluffy groodle! I am a ball of energy and a quick learner. Much like my other colleagues, I am good with boundaries but will reassure you by sitting at your feet or leaning on you if you'll let me. It's my version of when somebody needs a hand on their shoulder.

You'll usually find me chilling out in the management room with my Mum, Rachel- but if you'd like to meet me just let someone know and I'll pop right out!

I love rolling around on grass and eating tissues (please don't feed them to me, though!)

Dex

HI!! I'm Dex, the friendliest, most loving staffie in the world! I love people, dogs, everything! I just love life! The moment you meet me, we could become best friends.

My Mum, Rikki, fell in love at first sight and rescued me in 2023 and we've been inseparable since. You'll usually find me with her in the YAC room or in Intake sessions if they like.

I love the outdoors and I take my job very seriously. I will do my very best to brighten up your day!

Jiyong

Hello hello! I'm the wonderful, amazing, lovable Jiyong! I'm a huge cuddler, make the perfect loaf and I'm here to change your impression of ALL cats! I am told I have quite the calming effect on people.

You'll probably find me sleeping and/or chilling with my Mum, Sherry.

I will eat anything and everything and I LOVE people. I'm not grumpy! Don't let my looks deceive you.

Co-located Services

Brain Mind Centre, Youth Mental Health Research & Technology Team

We are very proud of our group programs at headspace Camperdown. We love bringing young people together to share experiences, learn new skills, feel less isolated, and create connections. We are open to Young People who attend headspace and Young People from our local community.

Monday

• Active Group: 15-25yrs, 4pm-5pm: A group to get you moving, feeling good and connecting with others run by our Exercise Physiologist with new activities/programs fortnightly.

Tuesday

• Autism Social group: 17-25yrs, Fortnightly 4pm-5:30pm: A group for autistic Young People to connect over fun activities, craft and games.
• Q-Group: 12-25yrs, Fortnightly 4pm-5:30pm: A supportive space for LGBTQIA+ young people to meet and share ideas.

Wednesday

• headBAND: 12-25yrs, 4pm-5:30pm: A fun program for Teens to share their interests in music and have the chance to play an instrument. You don't need any musical skill for this group.

Thursday

• ARTspace: 12-25yrs, 4:15pm-5.30pm: Guided by our art therapist you will learn about different art processes and connect with others.

Monthly

• (ON HOLD) International Students Group: 18-25yrs, Monday 6pm-7:30pm: An opportunity for international students to meet, socially connect and discuss common issues that are important to them.

Quarterly

• Connect Program: 17-25yrs, Tuesdays 3pm-5:30pm: An 8-week program for Young People to learn the skills to feel more confident and manage anxiety in social situations.
• Mind Over Mood (DBT): 13-17yrs, Wednesdays 3pm-5pm: A workshop that will help you to manage your behaviour and emotions and teach you new skills that help you in your day-to-day life.

On hold

• (Un)Stuck Program: 17-25yrs: A 6-week program run quarterly for young people to learn how to skillfully relate to difficult thoughts and emotions in a safe space.
• Family, Carers, Friends Support Group: Meets once a month. An opportunity for family, carers, friends of young people accessing our service to connect and learn about the different mental health challenges affecting young people.
• International Students Group: 18-25yrs, Monday 6pm-7:30pm: An opportunity for international students to meet, socially connect and discuss common issues that are important to them.

If you are a Young Person between 12-25yrs that doesn't attend our center and you are interested in any of our youth groups, please fill in our External Group Registration Form and email headspace.camperdown@sydney.edu.au

If you are a Young Person who attends headspace Camperdown already and are interested in joining our groups, let your clinicians know or email us.

We are family, carers, friends inclusive. If you are a family member, carer or friend of a Young Person accessing headspace Camperdown services and would like further support we run the below programs that may be of assistance to you at our service:

Family, Carers, Friends support group

Our Family, Carers, Friends support group (currently on hold) meets once a month. This is an opportunity for family, carers, friends of young people accessing our service to connect and learn about the different mental health challenges affecting young people.

If you would like to join our group for family, carers, friends please email us. We'd love to meet you and have you involved!

We also have a family, carers, friends private facebook group. You can request to join here.

If you have any feedback about you or your young person's experience with headspace Camperdown, feel free to let us know 

Other Supports:

• Parent Line
• Lifeline
• MensLine
• Mental Health Line

How headspace can help

Centre brochure

headspace Camperdown Welcome and Information packs:

• Young People
• Family and Friends

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Your first appointment

At headspace Camperdown we are committed to providing flexible service delivery. When making an appointment, please advise one of our friendly staff of your specific needs or preferences and we will accommodate these as best we can. Our centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm excluding public holidays and during our end-of-year annual closure period. To book an appointment, call our friendly team on (02) 9114 4100.

We recommend you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete some required forms and fill in a survey on an iPad. When you arrive, please check in with our reception team upon arrival.

You will meet with a warm and friendly Youth Access Clinician for about 60 minutes:

• You'll probably be asked a lot of questions on your first visit. This is to make sure all the important issues are covered and to help develop the best solution and care for you.
• Feel free to ask questions about anything that's on your mind so your youth access clinician helps you find the best solution.

We are family, carers and friends inclusive:

Family, carers and friends can feel extremely distressed with no-idea of where to go and what to do when the young person they love needs support. It can be a very confusing and confronting time.

• As a young person attending our centre, it can be helpful to bring along family member, carer or friend to help support you
• If you are under 18 years of age, we encourage you to bring along a parent, caregiver or support person for your first appointment
• We aim to be inclusive as possible for our family, carers friends without breaking any confidentiality of the young person with appropriateness.

As a family, carer or friend, if you have any specific questions please don't hesitate to ask one of our friendly reception or headspace team.

Do I need a referral?

• You don’t need a referral for your first appointment (your intake appointment)
• Some services at headspace Camperdown require a referral (e.g. psychology). If you don't have a regular GP, your Youth Access Clinician can assist with organising an appointment for you with one of our youth friendly GPs to obtain any referral/s needed.

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Is there a fee for service?

headspace Camperdown provides services at no cost or low cost to young people and ensures that where fees apply, young people are not deterred due to cost.

All young people accessing headspace Camperdown receive a FREE initial intake assessment with a Youth Access Clinician (YAC).

In most cases, a payment is not expected when you visit. However, after your initial intake appointment with your youth access clinician and depending on your individual care plan, some services at headspace Camperdown may attract a small fee for service. These include Medicare-subsidised services provided by private clinicians, where the maximum amount of benefits have already been paid by Medicare, and services provided to young people who are not eligible for Medicare.

After the intake appointment, young people are provided with clear written information about the range of services offered at headspace Camperdown and any associated costs. If you have concerns about your ability to pay a fee please let your YAC, or one of our friendly staff know.

If a young person is having any difficulties paying for services during their time here, a no cost option will be prioritised to eliminate any cost barriers to care.

All of our GP services are provided at no cost to the young person. GP services covered in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) will be bulk billed to Medicare for all Medicare card holders. Direct billing arrangements are available for International Students covered by Allianz and Bupa Overseas Student Health Cover. All other overseas health insurance will incur a small upfront fee, and depending on your cover, you will be able to take your receipt to your insurer to claim back.

All services funded by the Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) are free to clients. Mental health services at headspace Camperdown funded by CESPHN include:

• Psychological Support Services (PSS)

What no cost and low-cost means:

'Low cost' fee for psychological services funded through the MBS Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative:

*MBS Funded: once full payment is received, we can send your claim directly to Medicare Australia.

Medicare will then process the claim and pay your Medicare benefit into the bank account you have registered with them, or directly onto your EFTPOS card if we process your claim on the spot through our EFTPOS terminal.

All services funded by the Primary Health Network (PHN) are free to clients. These include:

• Psychological Support Services (PSS)
• Brief Intervention psychology services
• General Practitioner
• Groups

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International student fee information

What is Overseas Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is the required health cover for international students in Australia and must cover the length of your stay. This would have been organised when you arranged your visa. OSHC benefits are similar to the cover Australians receive through Medicare. Every OSHC provider is different so check your cover by contacting your Overseas Health Cover provider to avoid any unwanted charges.
For students under OSHC, there may be a fee that you will need to pay if your policy does not cover the service or if your OSHC insurer determines there is no benefit payable. Contact your membership provider for further information.

What should I do if I have a complaint about my OSHC provider?
If you face a situation where you feel like you’re being taken advantage of or unfairly treated in regards to your OSHC, you can contact the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO). It’s a free service designed to help you out of trouble!

• http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/about/private-health-insurance
• Phone: 1300 362 072 (within Australia)
• Email: phio.info@ombudsman.gov.au

Please note: To ensure young people are not deterred due to cost, headspace Camperdown ensures 'no cost' options are prioritised where cost may be a barrier to a young person accessing support.

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How long will you be at headspace for?

headspace provides time-limited services for mild to moderate difficulties and is not an emergency service. If you need immediate support or medical assistance contact:

• Emergency Services 000
• 24 hour mental health access line 1800 011 511
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Kids helpline 1800 55 1800

For Young People, Family and Friends

• Call us on (02) 9114 4100 between 8:30am to 5:30pm. If we are busy, please leave a voice message with your contact details and a team member will give you a call back.
• If you would like us to contact you, email headspace.camperdown@sydney.edu.au. Please include your Full Name, Date of Birth and preferred contact number.
• At headspace Camperdown we are committed to providing flexible service delivery. When making an appointment, please advise one of our friendly staff of your specific needs or preferences and we will accommodate these as best we can.

For Service Providers and Health Professionals

• General Practitioners and Medical Practitioners may refer a young person through a standard referral. If the young person has a Mental Health Care Plan in place, we request this be included with the referral.
• If you are an external service provider or other health professional, we ask you to fill out our referral form and fax or email us.

Please allow up to 2 business days for our centre to process a service provider referral.

Accessibility:
If you have any specific accessibility that require assistance, please let us know before your appointment so we can be aware of how to best assist you.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Lift
• Accessible/unisex toilets
• Braille sign
• Visibility strips on stair access
• disability car parking at entrance

Public transport:
We recommend getting here via public transport as street parking is limited.

• By bus: There is a convenient stop on Parramatta Rd near the corner of Mallett Street.
• By train: Newtown is the closest train station. It is about a 15–20-minute walk.
• Plan your trip: transportnsw.info/trip/

Parking:
Limited 2hr street parking is available on Church Street and in the surrounding streets.

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Click here to walk through our Centre 

When you arrive at headspace Camperdown you will see our plant filled waiting space where music is usually playing. There is also a brochure display where you can find factsheets and pamphlets about many things related to wellbeing. Our therapy rooms are bright, colourful and welcoming. You can make yourself a tea or coffee in our youth zone (ask our friendly reception team where this is).

Front Entrance:

Youth Zone:

Waiting area:

 Consult rooms:

A medicare card lets people get a range of medical services and prescriptions at a lower cost, and free care as a public patient in a public hospital. You may also get a Medicare card if you’re visiting from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement country.

If you are aged 15 or older, you can have your own Medicare card

You need to complete the Application to copy or transfer from one Medicare card to another form and submit it at your local Medicare service centre. You’ll need to provide identification, such as a student card or birth certificate, as well as details about the card you are transferring from. Make sure you register your bank account details to receive your rebate faster. [1]

For more information on financial and health support for young people, visit Services Australia.

If you would like to fundraise on behalf of headspace Camperdown or would like to make a donation to support our work with young people with mental health issues,  click here or contact us and someone will be in touch with further information. Thanks for wanting to support us!