Neurodiversity-Affirming Psychologist in Melbourne and Online
ADHD and autism assessments and evidence-based psychological therapy for adolescents and adults, with appointments in Coburg and via secure telehealth.
Registered psychologist
Non-judgmental, evidence-based care
Flexible appointments
Melbourne VIC and secure telehealth
Medicare rebates
50 minutes psychology consultation
How we can help

Therapy & Counselling
Individual support for anxiety, low mood, stress, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, and more.
Find out more…
ADHD Assessment
A careful, collaborative assessment process designed to build clarity and practical next steps.
Find out more…
Autism Assessment
A respectful, neurodiversity-affirming approach focused on understanding your individual profile.
Find out more…
Group Therapy
Online group therapy offers a supportive space to practise skills and learn alongside others.
DBT skills: Weekly sessions focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
PEERS®: Build skills for conversations, making and maintaining friendships, and navigating social situations.
Find out more…
Support for a range of challenges

A racing mind or constant worry

Low mood or a loss of interest

Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained

Disrupted sleep and persistent fatigue

Difficulty with focus, organisation, or follow through

A sense of feeling different or misunderstood

Fees and rebates
See our fees and rebatesMedicare
You may be able to receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. Just ask your GP for a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
NDIS
Support for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
WorkCover
WorkCover NSW, Victoria, and Queensland supported. Just reach out with your approval letter and referral.


Dr Maria Syed
Meet your psychologist
Maria provides a calm, supportive and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable being yourself and talking openly about what is going on for you.
She is an AHPRA-registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Maria is also a Teaching Fellow within the School of Psychology at Deakin University.
Alongside her clinical and teaching work, Maria contributes to research with the Autism Research Initiative at Flinders University. She is currently involved in a project focused on developing a tool to support clinicians in distinguishing between autism and trauma in children and adolescents.
Maria works with adolescents and adults, with particular interests in autism, ADHD and borderline personality disorder.
Learn more about Dr MariaA thought for first step
“You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. It’s okay if you’re not quite sure what you need yet. You can start by simply talking about what’s been happening. Therapy offers a calm, non-judgmental space where you can be yourself and talk openly.”
Information for parents and carers
Learn what to expect from therapy and how we work together to support your adolescent.

Initial parent consultation
We begin with a parent or carer consultation to discuss your adolescent’s strengths, developmental history and current concerns. Together, we identify goals and plan the next steps.

Individual therapy sessions
Sessions provide a supportive space for your adolescent to explore their experiences and develop skills in emotional regulation, coping and communication. Therapy is tailored to their needs and goals.

Parent involvement and feedback
Parent consultations and check-ins offer opportunities to discuss progress and strategies to support your adolescent between sessions. We may also use brief questionnaires to guide therapy and review progress.
Have questions?
Contact us to discuss your adolescent’s needs and appointment availability.

Getting Started is Simple…
How to book a therapy appointment if you want to claim a Medicare rebate.
Step 1Visit your GP
Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to a psychologist and a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Step 2Email your documents
Send a copy of your referral and treatment plan to info@mindlabpsychology.com.
Step 3Complete your forms
We’ll email you some forms to complete before your first session.
Step 4Choose an appointment time
We’ll help you arrange a time that suits you.
Step 5Join your online session
We’ll send you a secure video link before your appointment. Simply click the link at your appointment time.

Booking privately?
Contact info@mindlabpsychology.com directly. You don’t need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Getting Started is Simple…
1. Visit your GP
Want to claim a Medicare rebate? Ask your GP for a referral to a psychologist and a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
2. Email your documents
Send your referral and treatment plan to info@mindlabpsychology.com.
3. Complete your forms
We’ll email you the forms to complete before your first session.
4. Choose an appointment time
We’ll help you arrange a time that suits you.
5. Join your online session
We’ll send you a secure video link before your appointment. Click the link at your appointment time.
Booking privately?
Contact info@mindlabpsychology.com directly. You don’t need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Appointments
View availability & book online
Looking for an earlier appointment? The online calendar may not show every available time. Call 0432 998 485 or email us—we may be able to offer an earlier appointment.
Need help choosing an appointment? Call 0432 998 485 or send an enquiry. If the calendar does not load, view it on Halaxy.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No referral is needed to book an assessment or therapy session. You can contact us directly. However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates ($101.55 back to you) for therapy sessions, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP before your first appointment.
-
Once booked, you will receive a link for joining your appointment. You just need a private space, a device with a camera, and a reliable internet connection. No software downloads are required. Alternatively, you may wish to attend your appointment via phone call (without video).
-
If you have a current Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 therapy sessions per calendar year. Assessments are not covered by Medicare.
Mindlab does not bulk-bill. Payment is deducted from your nominated card on the day of your appointment, and we will send you an invoice to claim your Medicare rebate.
-
Assessment length varies depending on the type of assessment and individual needs. ADHD and Autism assessments typically involve two clinical interviews (around 3 hours altogether) along with questionnaires, and are usually completed over a few sessions. For more information, please visit our assessment page.
-
Yes. Mindlab works with self-managed and plan managed NDIS participants for both assessments and therapy.
-
Yes. ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, and it is possible to be assessed for both. This would typically be discussed at an initial consultation to understand what is most useful for you and to plan accordingly. A combined assessment may take longer and involve additional cost, which will be outlined clearly before any assessment begins.
-
No. Mindlab Psychology is a psychology practice, not a medical practice. Psychologists are not able to prescribe medication. If medication is something you are interested in exploring, for example, ADHD medication, a GP or psychiatrist can discuss that with you. An assessment report from Mindlab can support that conversation with your doctor.
-
That is a great question to bring to an initial consultation. Some people come in already knowing they want an assessment; often because they want an explanation for lifelong difficulties, or to access support. Others are more interested in therapy to work through specific challenges. Some people do both. There is no wrong starting point, and the team is happy to talk it through before you commit to anything.
-
Yes. Everything discussed in a session is confidential. There are a small number of legal exceptions, for example, if there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else. These are explained at the start of the first session. Notes and records are stored securely in line with privacy law and the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics.
-
Yes. If your current referral is addressed to another psychologist or clinic, you can still use it to book an appointment at Mindlab.

