What is Sage Health Illawarra?

Sage Health Illawarra provides psychological services to children, adolescents and adults located in Wollongong and the greater region.

We are a team of Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists with experience and expertise in assessing and treating mental health conditions.

Our Services

Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder , Dysthymia and Bipolar Disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disorders.
General challenging behaviour, tantrums and meltdowns in little ones in addition to difficulties associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, other feeding/eating disorders and disordered eating.
Grief and loss, school refusal, HSC stress, family conflict and general stress.
Including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other acute and chronic stress related difficulties.

Clinical Diagnostics

Our experienced clinicians can assess and provide treatment or a wide range of difficulties including:

Therapeutic Interventions

Treatment modalities offered by our clinicians include:

A talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
Developing acceptance of unwanted private experiences which are out of our personal control and taking action toward living a valued life.
A skills based combo therapy made up of CBT and mindfulness strategies that has been developed for people who feel emotions very intensely.
A a short-term and goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach to help clients construct solutions.
Systemic practice seeks to make sense of the world through relationships, focusing on the whole family system rather than individuals. Change is achieved through exploring and modifying relationship patterns in families.
Our team liaise closely with General Practioners, Consultant Psychiatrists, Consultant Paediatricians, local schools and other allied health staff including speech and occupational therapists. The team can assist with the application for NDIS where applicable.

Assessment Services

We offer the following comprehensive assessment services:

A specific learning disorder can affect how people learn in a variety of ways including how they take in, remember, understand or express information. A specific learning disorder may be defined as problems people encounter in learning that affect achievement.
The most common forms of learning difficulties are in reading and spelling, but they may also be found in other areas including spoken language and mathematics.
It should be emphasised that not all children experiencing learning problems will necessarily go on to be diagnosed with a learning disorder. Some children mature more gradually and are slower in developing certain skills. However, given that any delay in development may put a child at risk of a wide range of problems, including social and emotional difficulties, it is important to have a full assessment of difficulties if learning problems are suspected.
While individuals experiencing learning problems can be identified by observing their behaviour and achievement, actual diagnosis of a specific learning disorder requires formal assessment conducted by a psychologist using standardised psychological and achievement tests. These tests compare the person’s level of ability to that which is considered normal development for someone of that age.
People with cognitive or intellectual disability can experience difficulties in thinking, problem solving and decision making, which may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (United Nations, 2006). Lack of capacity can prevent participation in many of the activities that form part of daily life, with major implications for the individual.
An assessment of capacity includes cognitive assessments, clinical interview, and information from secondary sources, such as previous reports and carer (Hagiliassis & Di Marco, 2015).
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterised by difficulties with concentration, attention and impulse control, which negatively impact on the person’s day-to-day life.
Children with ADHD often have difficulty sitting still, following direction and settling into quiet tasks, and often act before thinking things through. Even when they try to focus on their work, children with ADHD are often easily distracted by things going on around them. Because of these difficulties, they can have problems keeping up in class, and making and keeping friends (APS).
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and continues across the lifespan.
Children with autism demonstrate delays and differences across two main areas of functioning:
- interacting and communicating socially with others
- displaying behaviours or interests that are restricted, repetitive or fixated.
Some children with autism display many of the signs across these two areas of difficulty, whereas others display only a few. As autistic children grow older, the signs may change but the major areas of difference remain the same (APS).

Fees & Rebates

The prices listed for assessments offered at Sage Health Illawarra are an estimation of the total cost involved for each assessment. If the assessment extends beyond the standard hours listed, additional costs will apply. If this occurs, we will discuss this with you as soon as possible.
Autism assessment $2400
Clinical assessment/interview – upto 5 hours in the clinic with child and parent/s
Validated screening measures – to be completed online by parent/s and teacher
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
ADHD assessment $1550
Clinical interview/assessment – upto 3 hours in the clinic with child and parent/s
Validated screening measures – to be completed online by parent/s and teacher
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
Autism and ADHD assessment $3100
Clinical assessment/interview – upto 6 hours in the clinic spread over two occasions with child and parent/s
Validated screening measures – to be completed online by parent/s and teacher
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
Cognitive assessment $1700
Initial interview and cognitive assessment administration – upto 3 hours in the clinic
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
Cognitive and academic assessment $3000
Initial interview and cognitive assessment administration – upto 3 hours in the clinic
Academic assessment administration – upto 3 hours in the clinic
Review of school reports
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
Cognitive and functional assessment $2000
Initial interview and cognitive assessment administration – upto 3 hours in the clinic
Validated screening measures – to be completed online by parent/s and teacher
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
Autism and cognitive assessment $3600
Clinical assessment/interview – upto 5 hours in the clinic over two occasions with child and parent/s
Cognitive assessment administration – upto 2 hours in the clinic
Validated screening measures – to be completed online by parent/s and teacher
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
Cognitive and ADHD assessment $2800
Clinical interview/assessment – upto 3 hours in the clinic with child and parent/s
Cognitive assessment administration – upto 2 hours in the clinic
Validated screening measures – to be completed online by parent/s and teacher
Diagnostic report with recommendations
Feedback session – 1 hour in the clinic
Clinical Psychologist
Initial assessment costs vary based on clinician
50 minute subsequent session with a Clinical Psychologist - $240
30 minute subsequent session with a Clinical Psychologist - $170
50 minute session under NDIS - $222.99
Case conference or school meeting - $280 + travel time
Clinical Psychology Registrar
Initial assessment costs vary based on clinician.
50 minute session with a Clinical Psychology Registrar - $210
50 minute session under NDIS - $232.99
Case conference or school meeting - $260 + travel time
Session fees are paid in full via Eftpos at the time of appointment. We do not offer bulk billing services.
With a referral from your GP, you will be able to access a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Care Plan.
Clinical Psychologist rebate - $145.25
Clinical Psychology Registrar rebate - $98.95
NDIS (plan and self-managed) clients, are charged at the prescribed rate of $232.99 for a 50 minute session.
Full session fees are paid on the day of the appointment. Your receipt can then be used to claim the reimbursement from your provider.
If you choose not to use a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible to receive a rebate with your private health insurer.
Contact your insurer to determine your level of coverage and arrange reimbursement for full fee paid at time of appointment.

Meet the Team

Karen McNamara

Principal Clinical Psychologist
Karen has over 25 years of clinical experience. Prior to her work in private practice, Karen has worked within the local CAYMHS service for 12 years. She has undertaken supervisory roles at the University of Wollongong in the Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctorate courses. She has had the opportunity to work in Ireland in the area of developmental disabilities.
Karen works primarily within a cognitive-behavioural framework. She enjoys working with children, young people and their families who present with a variety of issues ranging from autism, anxiety, depression and behavioural concerns.
Karen is a board-approved supervisor and provides supervision to registrars and practising psychologists.
Karen loves to cook, read, walk and spend time with her family and friends in her spare time.
Work days – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Kate Briscoe-Hough

Currently on Extended Leave
Clinical Psychologist
GradDipPsyc, BSc(Hons), MClinPsyc
Kate is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. Prior to working in private practice Kate has worked in a diverse range of settings including an acute mental health facility for adolescents, community infant, child and adolescent mental health services, and drug health services. Kate is registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority and member of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.
Kate has experience in implementing parenting programs, anxiety management groups and working with young people and their families delivering psychological intervention.
Kate’s primary therapeutic processes are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
Kate is a warm and empathetic clinician who enjoys working collaboratively with clients and their families to meet their individual needs.
Work days - Monday to Thursday
Dr Josie McNamara

Clinical Psychologist
Josie is currently on maternity leave. She plans to return to work in 2027.
Josie has been working in the Illawarra for the last eight years. In addition to her private practice role, Josie works for a local CAYMHS. She has worked in NSW Health, NGO and academic roles. Josie has a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her research was focused on exploring maternal mental health and bonding during pregnancy.
Josie works primarily with children and adolescents (and their families too!). She has a special interest in working with young people with anxiety, autism and eating disorders, however is happy to see clients with a range of presentations.
Josie works from cognitive-behavioural, dialectic-behavioural, acceptance and commitment, ad family systems frameworks. She is trained in FBT and CBT-E for the treatment of eating disorders. Josie provides neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessments for young people.
Josie loves to hang out with her dog Tilly, read and listen to podcasts in her spare time.
Work day - Wednesday
Dr Meagan Baltoski

Clinical Psychologist
Meagan has been supporting children, adolescents and families across the Illawarra since 2018. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology with her research focused on parent-child relationships and early learning. At Sage Health, Meagan works primarily within a cognitive-behavioural framework and has a keen interest in systemic family therapies. She enjoys working with a variety of presentations including autism, anxiety, trauma and stress related disorders, and behavioural difficulties.
In addition to her private practice role, Meagan also works in the hospital setting supporting people to adjust to life changing adverse medical events. Prior to becoming a psychologist Meagan enjoyed a 10 year career supporting people living with disability.
In her free time, Meagan enjoys spending time in and around the ocean with her family and much loved border collie Bandit.
Work days - Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
Dr Melvin Goh

Clinical Psychologist
Melvin is a clinical psychologist who is born and raised in Singapore. He completed his PhD and clinical training at the University of Wollongong and has been working in the Illawarra area for the last six years. Melvin has a keen interest in family work; he works primarily with children and adolescents in collaboration with their parents and/or caregivers but is also happy to see young adults above 18. Having come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, Melvin understands the challenges associated with acculturation and is passionate about supporting others who are experiencing adjustment difficulties.
Melvin draws from a range of therapeutic models (e.g., cognitive-behavioural, dialectic-behavioural, acceptance and commitment, family-focused) with the aim of tailoring treatment to the needs of those that he works with. Above all, Melvin is committed to a respectful, collaborative approach that provides a warm and safe space where people can feel supported to share and explore their concerns.
Aside from his private practice role here at Sage Health, Melvin also works for a local CAYMHS (Child and Adolescent and Youth Mental Health Service) where he sees children, adolescents, and their family and carers who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, and social difficulties.
Prior to joining Sage Health, Melvin worked at a non-profit organisation, specifically within teams that focus on managing self-harm, suicidal ideation, and attachment trauma.
Outside of his professional life, Melvin enjoys photography, going for walks or runs along the beach, and learning new recipes in the kitchen.
Work days - Tuesday and Wednesday
Brianna Taylor

Clinical Psychologist
Brianna is a Clinical Psychologist who completed her clinical training at the University of Wollongong. She has lived and worked in the Illawarra for the past four years. In addition to her private practice role, Brianna works with the local headspace team, supporting young people aged 12-25 years with a range of behavioural, social and emotional difficulties. Brianna has also worked previously for NSW Health with the CAYMHS and the Child and Family teams.
Brianna has a special interest in family systems work and works primarily with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. She utilises a range of therapeutic modalities in her work to best suit each client’s needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Family-focused therapy. Brianna also offers the Parent Hope project as a parent only intervention.
In her spare time, Brianna enjoys taking her dogs to the beach, reading, swimming and playing soccer.
Work days – Mondays and Tuesdays
Tiffany Weston

Clinical Psychologist
Tiffany will be joining the Sage Health team in May 2026 and is now accepting bookings for new clients.
Tiffany is a clinical psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents and adults. She has a special interest in autism and provides neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessments. Tiffany works within Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and family-based modalities. She is a qualified Parent Hope Project coach and is involved in research to support families experiencing school refusal. Tiffany was awarded the University Medal through the University of Wollongong for excellence in academic achievement in psychological studies.
In addition to her role at Sage Health, Tiffany works for a Child and Adolescent and Youth Mental Health Service where she supports young people and families with complex mental health challenges in regional areas.
Tiffany enjoys travel and experiencing different cultures and has spent many years living abroad in the Middle East, Micronesia, and North America.
Workdays – Wednesday and Thursday
Hayley Walsh

Practice Manager/Administrative Assistance
Hayley has worked with the Sage Health gang for over 10 years! She is a whiz with appointments, getting hold of GPs and organising the rest of the team.
Hayley will welcome you into the practice when you arrive and will be more than happy to answer any questions.
On the weekend, Hayley likes to spend time with her four boys and socialise with family and friends.
Work days - Monday to Friday