Dr Jaya Valvoi
Welcome. I am a clinical psychologist providing compassionate,
evidence-based mental health care in South Brisbane.
I also offer telehealth appointments across Australia,
including for people living in rural and regional communities.
At the heart of my therapeutic approach is creating a safe and supportive space where your challenges can be explored with openness and curiosity. I have expertise in treating a variety of mental health difficulties using an integrative approach to psychotherapy, where evidence based therapies are tailored to your unique personality, strengths, and challenges.
I work with people of all ages and backgrounds as they navigate life’s challenges, with a particular interest in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults. I have over 18 years experience treating a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, complex trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, and presentations with co-occuring sleep and eating issues, and neuro-divergence (e.g., ADHD/ Autism Spectrum/ Giftedness).
I’m an endorsed Clinical Psychologist, registered with AHPRA and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
In therapy, we can
 Understand your current struggles and perspective, while making sense of the experiences and factors that may have shaped them. |
Develop practical strategies to navigate current challenges and manage difficult thoughts and emotions. |
Explore new ways of thinking, responding and relating, as you work towards meaningful and lasting change. |
Common Concerns I Support
Therapies I Use
I take a collaborative approach to therapy, drawing on my expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy and integrating other evidence-based treatments, including mindfulness based approaches, and attachment therapies.
I adapt therapies to consider peoples developmental profile. I like to integrate cultural and systemic perspectives to make therapy relevant and personalised.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including training in approaches for self-harm, insomnia, suicide prevention, anxiety, OCD, depression |
Unified Protocol for transdiagnostic disorders (an advanced cognitive behavioural approach) |
Trauma-focused interventions, including trauma-focused CBT and attachment-based therapy |
Motivational interviewing (MI), including training in addiction support |
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and compassion-focused mindfulness |
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) |
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) |
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) |
Schema Therapy |
Supporting Children,
Adolescents & Young Adults
I work with clients across different life stages, and my approach shifts depending on age and developmental needs. While the core of therapy remains collaborative and evidence-based, the way we engage, set goals, and involve families naturally evolves over time.
More About Me
I’ve always been curious about people: the way we think, feel and connect. That early curiosity paired with a deep empathy for others led me to a career in psychology. I began my clinical training at UQ in 2008 and have worked in mental health across hospital, government, and school-based services for over a decade.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of mental health settings, which has given me a well-rounded understanding of how therapy can support people at different stages of life. At Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS), I worked with young people facing complex mental health challenges, gaining insight into different perspectives on mental health. In a specialist Queensland Health service for children in the care of Child Safety, I provided trauma-focused therapy, helping children process adversity and build resilience. Working within private school wellbeing teams, I supported students navigating academic pressures, friendships, and emotional challenges.
For the past several years, I have been in private practice, drawing on these diverse experiences to provide therapy that is evidence-based, compassionate, and tailored to each individual. My experience across different settings has shown me that mental health care isn’t a “one size fits all” - everyone’s experiences are different, and my role is to help tailor therapy in a way that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I go about organising psychological therapy?
Well the first step is simple. I warmly encourage you to reach out. You are welcome to email me directly at info@drjaya.com.au or use the enquiry form on
I will ask a little bit about your current difficulties, to make sure that I am a good fit for your needs. You are always welcome to ask questions about my skills and experience, or anything about therapy.
Alternatively you are also welcome to contact my admin team, who can let you know about my approximate wait times and appointment availability.
Emotional Health Unit Admin Team
Phone Reception: (07) 3163 6102
Email: EHU.private@mater.org.auDo I need a referral or Mental Health Care Plan?
You do not need a referral or Mental Health Care Plan to access my services. If you do not want to use a referral please contact me on info@drjaya.com.au so we can commence an intake.
If you want to be able to access Medicare Rebates, you will need a referral from your GP, as well as their Mental Health Care Plan.
About Therapy
What can I expect in a session?
Sessions are 50-60 minutes in duration.
My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs.
Therapy's session can focus on what’s bringing you to therapy, work towards your goals, and develop practical strategies to support your well-being.
I recommend in person session's where possible and currently see clients at the Emotional Health Unit, Mater Hospital, South Brisbane on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes, I provide online therapy sessions across Australia via a secure telehealth platform.
I currently offer a telehealth clinic on Thursdays.
If you are unable to make your in person session you also are welcome to shift it to telehealth in order to avoid a cancellation fee.How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and the challenges you’re working through. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others prefer ongoing support. We’ll regularly check in on progress and adjust as needed.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy is strictly confidential, except in cases where:
- There is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
- Information is required by law (e.g., subpoenaed by a court).
- A child or vulnerable person is at significant risk of harm.
If you have any concerns about confidentiality, we can discuss them in your first session.Will you communicate with other people involved in my care?
Often it is helpful for me to be able to communicate with your GP, psychiatrist, other health professionals, family members or carers. This can help ensure that your care is coordinated and that everyone is working towards shared goals.
Before communicating to others, I will ask for your consent. We will discuss who you are comfortable involving, the purpose of any communication and what information will be shared.
If you have been referred under a Mental Health Care Plan, I will also provide your referring practitioner with brief updates as required.
How do you work with families and parents?
The involvement of parents and family members will depend on the person’s age, needs and therapeutic goals. For younger children, a parent or carer may be present for much of the session. I may also meet with parents separately, giving them an opportunity to discuss their concerns openly and consider how they can support therapeutic change at home.
Family sessions may also be helpful when relationships or family dynamics are contributing to a young person’s difficulties. We will discuss the most appropriate level of family involvement together as therapy progresses.
Fees & Rebates
What are your fees?
50-60 minute session: $275
Out of pocket fee with a Mental Health Care Plan: $125.95Can I get a Medicare rebate?
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. To access this visit your GP for a Mental Health Care Play (MHCP).
As of 1st July 2026, Medicare rebates with a Clinical Psychologist are $149.05 per session.
With a MHCP you are eligible for 10sessions in a calendar year. You will need to visit your GP for a review after completing your 6th session.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Most private health funds provide rebates for psychological services in the Extra's coverage, including Bupa, Medibank Private, HCF, NIB, HBF and many more. The rebate provided will depend on your coverage, and can range from $60 to $160.
You’ll need to check with your insurer to confirm your exact coverage.
Do you see clients on NDIS?
Yes, I welcome self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Please contact me to discuss.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice.
Cancellations within 48 hours of the appointment incur a cancellation fee of the full session fee.
Booking Your Session
Current Clients
Contact Details
Location
537 Stanley St, Mater Hospital
Mater Young Adult Health Centre
South Brisbane, QLD 4101
More about Dr Jaya
In addition to my clinical work, I teach at the University of Queensland, where I train future mental health professionals in therapy approaches, ethical practice, and mental health research. I am also collaborating with colleagues to advance integrative, process-based therapy, which focuses on the underlying processes driving mental health challenges. Rather than debating which therapy is best or applying a mix of disconnected techniques, our goal is to develop a unified framework that helps therapists use strategies in a way that makes sense and is backed by research. This approach ensures therapy remains adaptable to each individual while reinforcing the key elements that make it effective.
Balancing teaching and clinical work help me stay up to date with the latest research while keeping my practice grounded in real-life therapy. No matter where I’m working, my goal is always the same: to create a space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Supporting Children
For younger children, therapy is often more playful and creative, with more parental involvement, helping them express emotions in a way that feels natural and engaging. I integrate:
- Play and art-based approaches to support emotional expression and engagement.
- Developmentally adapted therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
- Parent and carer sessions to explore how manageable adjustments in parenting can support therapeutic change at home.
Supporting Adolescents
Adolescence is a time of increasing independence, and therapy reflects this by balancing autonomy and support. While parental involvement remains important, I focus on:
- Working collaboratively on goals, giving teens space to explore their own experiences.
- Helping teens build emotional regulation, self-awareness, and coping skills.
- Supporting families and schools in creating an environment that fosters healthy emotional and social development.
Supporting Young Adults
Young adulthood comes with new responsibilities, transitions, and identity shifts. Many young adults seek therapy to navigate:
- Self-worth, confidence, and identity exploration.
- Relationships, boundaries, and social dynamics.
- Study, work, and balancing expectations.
- Emotional well-being, self-care, and future planning.
Enquire
Appointments
I currently offer in person appointments at the Emotional Health Unit, Mater Hospital on:
Mondays: 12.00pm-5.30pm
Tuesdays: 8.30am-5.00pm
I also have a telehealth clinic on:
Thursdays: 8.30-2.30pm
Please contact my admin team at the Emotional Health Unit for appointment enquiries:
Phone: (07) 3163 6102
Email: EHU.Private@mater.org.au
Parking
Paid parking is available at:
- Mater Car Park P1 (Hancock Street)
- Mater Car Park P2 (Stanley Street)
- Limited metered street parking is also available on surrounding streets including those near Stephen's Rd and Dock St in South Brisbane.
Public Transit
Train: South Bank station is a five-minute walk to the Mater campus. Timetables are available on the TransLink website.
Bus: Mater Hill Busway Station is near the Salmon Building. Timetables can be accessed via TransLink.