Mental Health in Birchip: “Bridging the Gap”

Central Mallee Health, under the direction of osteopath Louise Bibby, has been working diligently to bring vital mental health support to rural communities. 

In an exciting new development, the clinic has partnered with Solution Psychology, a highly regarded practice led by Melissa Juzva in Melbourne. This collaboration is set to bring a range of essential services to Birchip on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, which also includes Sea Lake and Swan Hill in their tour.

Motivation
Louise explained the motivation behind this partnership: “For a long time, I’ve felt that if we’re not addressing the mental and psychological needs of our clients, there’s a massive factor missing in their overall wellness. We’ve made strides in providing physical health care across the Mallee, but without psychological support, our care is incomplete.”

The partnership with Solution Psychology is rooted in a shared commitment to filling these gaps. “The conversations began with a simple question: How can we help?” said Melissa. 

“From the moment we landed in the Mallee, it was clear that there is a significant need for more accessible mental health services, particularly in the areas of teacher training, parent support, and timely assessments for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.”

Support
On Wednesday, September 4, the Solution Psychology team will be in Birchip. Along with conducting assessments and solution focused private psychology sessions, they'll be running parent support, teacher support, and children’s sessions at Birchip P-12 School. 

“It’s definitely not just an assessment blitz,” Melissa explained. “We’re offering a comprehensive approach that includes short-term sessions to provide immediate solutions to pressing issues. We’re not just coming out once and not coming back again; this is the beginning of a long-term commitment to the community.”

Louise emphasises the importance of bringing psychologists into the region to build trust and provide the kind of holistic care that Central Mallee Health has always strived for. 

Trust and Rapport
“There’s nothing more genuine than putting your feet on the ground and getting in front of people to build that trust and rapport,” she said. “This initiative isn’t just about providing services; it’s about creating lasting change and offering hope to those who have been waiting for the support they deserve.”

Melissa echoed this sentiment, highlighting the emotional impact this work will have on her team. 

“Being a psychologist is hard, but this opportunity to work in a different environment and create meaningful change is something we’re all excited about,” she said. 

“We’re not just coming to provide a service; we’re here to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Central Mallee Health and Solution Psychology would like to extend their sincere thanks to Birchip P-12 School, Principal Andrew Sayle, and the dedicated staff for making this opportunity possible. Their support has been instrumental in bringing these vital services to the community.

The community is encouraged to take full advantage of the services offered by Solution Psychology during their visit. 

“Whether you’re a parent seeking help for your child, a teacher looking for support, or an individual facing personal challenges, the Solution Psychology team is here to help,” Melissa Juzva says.

Central Mallee Health and Solution Psychology are committed to ensuring that no one in the Mallee goes without access to the mental health care they need. 

To Learn More
To learn more about the services available and to book an appointment, community members are urged to contact Solution Psychology directly. 

“This is about more than just providing services,” Louise added. “It’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in our community.”

With this partnership, Central Mallee Health and Solution Psychology are leading the way in bringing vital mental health services to Birchip and ensuring that all people in the Mallee have access to the care they deserve.

For further enquiries regarding private psychology appointments or workshop details, please contact Solutions Psychology on ph. 9988 7760 or visit: https://solutionpsychology.com.au/group-programs/