Principal doctor
Psychiatrist
MD

Dr Sunil Datta has been working as a psychiatrist for the past 30 years. He has had an extensive range of experience in various different areas in both public and private psychiatry. His research work has mainly been in social anxiety, and in the side-effects of prescribed psychotropic medications.

He is a member of the psychotherapy committee of the Royal College, and a member of the domestic violence committee. He is a supervisor of both general practice trainees, and psychiatry trainees. His clinical interest, has been in anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder,

obsessive-compulsive disorder and addictive disorders.

He is passionate about seeing patients, and working with them to help them improve however severe their illness is. At present he runs the general practice liaison program in the western suburbs, and is closely aware of the needs of the patients and general practitioners in the area.

Psychiatrist
MD

Dr Naveen Thomas is a consultant psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in psychiatry across India and Australia.

He has been practising as a consultant psychiatrist in Australia since 2010, working in both public and private mental health services. Dr Thomas is highly regarded for his expertise in psychiatry and his commitment to delivering patient-centered treatment. He possesses a deep understanding of various mental health conditions and utilises evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, management, and therapy. With a focus on achieving optimal outcomes for his patients, Dr Thomas values open communication and empowers individuals to actively participate in their own treatment plans.

In addition to his proficiency in English, Dr Thomas is fluent in Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil, allowing him to effectively communicate with patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. His multilingual skills enhance the doctor-patient relationship and ensure accurate comprehension of patients’ concerns and needs.

Dr Naveen Thomas chose psychiatry as his specialty due to his genuine passion for the holistic care of individuals facing mental health challenges. His dedication, empathy, and ability to establish a strong rapport with his patients have earned him a reputation as a trusted and compassionate psychiatrist within the community. He is committed to offering personalised and evidence-based treatments to support patients on their journey towards mental well-being.

For the past three years, Dr Thomas has led the ECT training program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, focusing on teaching ECT techniques and neurological examination skills. His clinical interests include the evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, psychotic disorders, and psychiatric manifestations of systemic illnesses. He has a special focus on youth mental health, old age psychiatry, and neurostimulation.

Academically, Dr Thomas has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in the Journals of Psychiatry and contributed to psychiatric textbooks. He previously held an academic appointment as Senior Fellow with the University of Melbourne.

Patients who seek Dr Naveen Thomas’s expertise can expect a comprehensive assessment, accurate diagnosis, and individualised treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. By combining his expertise in psychiatry with his dedication to ongoing professional development, Dr Thomas strives to deliver the highest standard of care for his patients.

Psychiatrist
MD

Dr Mahesh Jayaram is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Consultant Psychiatrist. He is coordinates the Masters of Psychiatry course and is editor of the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group. He completed his membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2004 and worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist for 7 years in the NHS prior to moving to Melbourne in August 2013 and completing his Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Dr Jayaram is passionate about clinical care and ensures that his clients receive the highest quality of care. This includes providing a comprehensive package of care in a compassionate environment which is collaborative and inclusive in its model, liaising with families, GPs and other healthcare professionals as appropriate. He specializes in adult psychiatry, with a particular interest in bipolar disorders, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, sleep disorders, psychosexual disorders and adult ADHD.

His areas of research interest include evaluating novel treatments for schizophrenia and has authored and edited numerous Cochrane systematic reviews relating to this. Working collaboratively with colleagues, he has obtained two recent grants, one from ISCRR to develop guidelines for pharmacological treatment of behavioural disorders following traumatic brain injuries and an NHMRC grant for reducing mortality rates associated with mental illness in primary care. He has obtained over $ 3 million in research funding, has authored over 30 publications and 2 book chapters, including a recent one on early psychosis in the new Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry.

Psychiatrist
MD

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Clinical Psychologist
MAPS, FCCLP

Dr Carl Zabel is a Clinical Psychologist who trained both overseas and locally and speaks fluent English, German and Spanish. He has over 15 years experience working in private and public mental health settings and providing psychotherapy to adults (including young adults) presenting with a wide range of concerns and conditions.

Carl has a particular interest in working with clients experiencing difficulties with effectively managing their emotions and / or their relationships with themselves and others (sometimes described as personality disorders)and the associated symptoms such as anxiety and depression. He offers psychotherapy ranging from brief interventions for a specific concern to longer-term therapy. Carl also offers supervision for training psychologists.

Psychiatrist

 Psychiatrist

Dr Asha Krishnan is a psychiatrist who provides compassionate and comprehensive care to their patients. They are dedicated to helping patients understand their mental health and work collaboratively with them to develop personalised treatment plans. Dr Krishnan strives to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working towards their mental health goals.

Clinical Psychologist
MAPS, FCCLP

Dr. Reenu Farrugia is a Registered Psychologist in Victoria, Australia. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in USA she continued on with her education and received a Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy as well as her Doctorate in Psychology, Specialising in Marriage Family Therapy. Currently, Dr. Farrugia is providing therapy for couples, families and individuals.

Area of interests: Premarital, Couples, Family, Depression, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Stress-management, Post-natal Depression, Life Transitions, Grief Therapy.

Clientele: Adult Population (18 years and older)

Psychiatrist

Dr Abu Varghese is a psychiatrist with over eight years of experience working as a consultant psychiatrist across adult psychiatry settings in both India and Australia. He has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of a broad range of adult mental health conditions and values a collaborative, respectful, and client-centred approach to care. His areas of special interest include psychosis, mood disorders, substance use-related mental health difficulties, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr Varghese’s main focus is adult psychiatry, and he works closely with patients, carers, and other health professionals to support meaningful recovery and improved well-being. Please note that he does not currently provide assessment or treatment for ADHD or autism-related presentations.

Psychiatrist

Dr Avinash Waghmare is a consultant psychiatrist dedicated to supporting adults experiencing a range of mental health challenges.

He completed a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP).

Dr Avinash Waghmare is experienced in managing a broad range of psychiatric conditions, with a particular interest in schizophrenia, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, with a special focus on obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

He is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based, and comprehensive care. Dr Avinash Waghmare works collaboratively with patients to understand their experiences, develop tailored treatment plans, and support them in achieving meaningful and lasting recovery

Clinical Psychologist
MAPS, FCCLP

Margaret is a clinical psychologist with more than 25 years experience. She has worked for more than 15 years in the Inner West in both private practice and as an Area Senior psychologist and Psychology Advisor at North Western Mental Health and Psychology Manager at the The Royal Melbourne Hospital. With a background in school psychology and public health she brings developmental and clinical perspectives to the treatment and management of a range of problems that people commonly present with to GPs and private psychiatrists. Her clinical experience involves: working with people recovering from major mental illness; mood and anxiety disorders as a primary diagnosis or as co morbid disorders associated with chronic illness or pain disorders; adjustment to and management of health conditions and life crises. Margaret also works with people with chronic pain and trauma.

Margaret is experienced in assessment to clarify diagnosis and for individual treatment planning. Interventions are planned and delivered in a collaborative relationship with the client, guided by current best practice principles.

Prospective clients are requested to make contact (Mob. 0417 326 039) to discuss the referral in addition to any referrals forwarded by the mental health referrer.

Where clients are presenting with current substance abuse disorders or a history of violence telephone contact from the referrer prior to the referral being accepted is essential.

Please note that Bulk Billing is not available.

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Commenced nursing in Australia in 1990. Set up the Aged Psychiatry Assessment Service in Caulfield Hospital in 1996, and in 2001 was appointed Executive Director of Mother Romana Home in Kew. Returned to mental health nursing in 2002 when the Nurse Practitioner initiative picked up momentum. Worked next 15 years providing services to people living with mental illness, drug and alcohol comorbidities and have complex care needs.

She was endorsed as a Nurse Practitioner in 2013Ah-Nya holds a Master in Health Science Nursing (VUT 1996) Graduate Diploma Mental Health Nursing (RMIT 1993) Graduate Diploma Business – Health Services Management (RMIT 1998) Certificate of Nursing – Essex, England (1980) and a Certificate in Pharmacology – University of Melbourne (2006). Her professional memberships include: Credentialed Mental Health Nurse (ACMHN) Certified Health Executive (ACHSE)

Mental Health Occuptational Therapist

Robyn has completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and is Registered with AHPRA. She is Experienced in Psychotherapy and Counselling treatments for Young Adults aged 17+, Adults and Older Adults 65+ experiencing Depression, Anxiety including GAD, Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Specific phobia’s, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder. Also Mental Health Issues as a result of physical illness or disabilities. Using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy, treatment covers area’s such as Anxiety and Stress Management, Problem Solving skills, Behaviour Management, Grief and Trauma, Assertiveness Training, Parenting, Anger Management, Emotion Regulation, increasing Independence, Self Esteem and Confidence building, Communication skills, Structuring Daily Activities, Illness and Lifestyle Psycho-education, Relaxation and Mindfulness Strategies.

Referrals taken from Psychiatrists and General Practitioners under the Better Access to Mental Health Program.

Bulk billing available for Pensioners and Health Care Card Holders