Everything disclosed during appointments is confidential with few exceptions as outlined in the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics. Personal information will be shared if:

1. You have given consent for the information to be shared.

2. There is a legal obligation (such as in response to a subpoena or in cases of mandatory reporting of child abuse).

3. There is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or another person.

4. Consulting with colleagues (provided that the information is deidentified).

A referral is not necessary to see a psychologist, though it is strongly encouraged. If you would like to self-refer, please call or email first to discuss your circumstances before booking.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to your first session to complete new patient paperwork and have your Medicare and/or Private Health cards handy. Please bring a copy of your referral and Mental Health Care Plan (if you have one).

Braden will see patients aged 12 years and above. Participation from a caregiver is essential for any patient aged under 16 years.

Dr Braden offers bulk-billing to young people aged 12-25 years who have been referred by local public health agencies (not including GP or self-referrals). All other services are offerred at a fee (see Fees page for more details).

If you would like to see a mental health professional, but cannot afford private services, please call the Medicare Mental Health Phone service on 1800 595 212. This service will conduct an intake with you and assist with referring you to a low or no cost mental health service.

Clinical psychologists are trained in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders. Some diagnoses can be made through meeting you and discussing your concerns, while others can only be made after extensive testing.

Braden does not offer standalone diagnostic services, but may discuss diagnosis as part of ongoing treatment.

As a private practitioner Dr Braden cannot offer crisis or emergency psychological care.

If you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else, please call 000 or 1300 64 2255 for the Townsville Acute Care Team. Adults may additionally walk-in to the Medicare Mental Health Centre at 32 Walker St, Townsville City QLD 4810.