The Psychology Centre
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata". What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
The Psychology Centre is the clinical psychology training and research centre for UC's Clinical Psychology Programme. We offer students an opportunity to participate in a wide range of psychological assessments and treatments as part of their practicum course, working alongside senior clinical psychologists. Check out our Psychology Centre services.
OPEN - REFERRALS FOR THERAPY – sessions available from February / March 2025
OPEN- SELF-COMPASSION IN PERI/MENOPAUSE COURSE - Starting March 12th
CLOSED – STUDENT CLINIC ASSESSMENTS – Waitlist opens 1st APRIL – Referrals will not be accepted prior to this date.
OPEN - PRIVATE ASSESSMENT CLINIC – NO STUDENT INVOLVEMENT (Clients aged 16 years+ Only) Please complete the Private Assessment Referral Form and return to psychclinic@canterbury.ac.nz
ALL APPOINTMENT FEES MUST BE PAID ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT UNLESS PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE.
Our Goals
The Psychology Centre is part of the Clinical Psychology Training Programme at UC. The Centre's goals are:
- To provide a high quality psychological service to our clients
- To provide a high standard of teaching to the Clinical Psychology students who train within the Centre
- To be fully committed to bicultural practice and offer Te Ao Māori models of health
Meeting the needs of students and clients
As a training centre we strive to involve Clinical Psychology students in assessment and treatment in ways that meet the needs of both the student and client. Before working in the Centre students have already completed four years of University study in Psychology and are in the process of completing three years of advanced training in Clinical Psychology. The students are closely supervised in their training by experienced Clinical Psychologists.
The Centre has some capacity to provide a service to clients who do not wish to have a student involved.
Our commitment
We want to provide our clients with a high level of service, so if you see us we will work hard to:
- Work with you to understand your difficulties in a respectful manner
- Provide honest feedback and advice
- Respect your privacy according to our ethical and legal obligations
- Practice in an ethical fashion according to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights Regulations, and the Code of Ethics for Psychologists Working in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Student Clinic Assessments
We offer a range of cognitive assessments including:
- Specific Learning Disability
- Intellectual Disability
- Possible early onset dementia
- Adult ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
At the end of an assessment you will receive a comprehensive report.
Private Clinic Assessments - NO STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
The Psychology Centre at the University of Canterbury is now pleased to offer assessments for the purpose of diagnosing neurodiversity. We welcome referrals from people in the community wishing to refer themselves as well as from other professionals.
This clinic has no student involvement and Assessments are preformed by registered Clinical Psychologists.
The Private Clinic is for clients aged 16 years and above only.
Please complete the Private Assessment Referral Form and return to psychclinic@canterbury.ac.nz
Therapy
We offer cognitive behaviour therapy for a range of difficulties including:
- Depression
- Stress management
- Adjustment to work and life changes
- Relationship problems
- Anxiety management
- Relationship and communication problems
- Grief and loss
- Anger management
- Sexual difficulties
We offer individual sessions initially. Following a review of progress we may also refer onto other specialist mental health services or community support services.
At this time we are only accepting referals for the private clinic.
No Self Refferals for Student Clinics will be accepted at this time.
- The Psychology Centre is running an 8-week Self-Compassion in Peri/Menopause Course.
- The course offers people the skills and support to strengthen self-compassion and self-esteem as they meet the changes of peri/menopause.
- Research has found that compassion focused therapy is helpful in improving well-being during peri/menopause.
- The 8 sessions will run from 12 March to 7 May (no session on 23rd April for Easter) on Wednesdays 12.00-1.30pm and be held at the University of Canterbury.
- The course is run by clinical psychology trainees under the supervision of Psychology Centre staff.
- Cost is $200 for the course and materials.
- If you would like to know more about the Course See Here
- Register Here - spaces are limited!
- For more information, please email psychclinic@canterbury.ac.nz
Does your child struggle with anxiety or stress? Would you like to support them to learn skills to enhance their wellbeing?
- The Psychology Centre offers Pause Breathe Smile(PBS), a group for children (age 8-11 years) who struggle with stress and anxiety and their parents to develop skills of mindfulness. PBS is an evidence-based program, developed by the Mental Health Foundation, found to improved focus and attention, enhance self-awareness and reduced stress.
- To hear kids talking about PBS watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awo8jUxIm0c
- For more information about the research and benefits of PBS look at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1707/S00094/pause-breathe-smile-mindfulness-training-will-help.htm
- For more information or to enquire about our next course, please email us.
Fees for 2024
ALL APPOINTMENT FEES MUST BE PAID ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT UNLESS PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE.
| Therapy | Initial assessment (90 minute appointments) | Continuing therapy (60 minute appointments) |
| Standard Hourly Fee (with student involvement) | $185.00 | $125.00 |
| Discounted fee for tertiary students (with student involvement) | $115.00 | $75.00 |
| Student Clinic Assessments | Basic assessment | Extended assessment |
ADHD Assessment to include:
| $850.00 ($425 to be paid on first visit) | Up to $1400* |
Intellectual/Learning Assessment to include:
| $850.00 ($425 to be paid on first visit) | Up to $1400* |
* On occasion additional neuropsychological testing can be required to clarify the diagnosis, beyond the basic assessment. In such cases additional costs will be incurred, however this will be no more than $1200.
| Private Clinic Assessment - NO STUDENT INVOLVEMENT | Basic assessment | Extended assessment |
ADHD Assessment to include:
| $1600 | Up to $1900* |
* Complex cooccurring presentations will require an additional in-person interview session and follow up, at a rate of $300 for the session. This might include neuropsychological testing for specific learning disorders as well.
Contact us
Regular hours
Refer below for contact hours.
Special hours
Our people
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Neil Thompson
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Neil Thompson
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Neil Thompson
Clinic Director
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Caitlin Aberhart
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Caitlin Aberhart
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Caitlin Aberhart
Clinical Educator
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Ann Huggett
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Ann Huggett
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Ann Huggett
Clinical Educator
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Nadine Pow
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Nadine Pow
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Nadine Pow
Clinical Educator
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Carolin Ritter
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Carolin Ritter
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Carolin Ritter
Clinical Educator
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Rikki Thompson
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Rikki Thompson
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Rikki Thompson
Clinical Educator
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Amanda Baird
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Amanda Baird
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Amanda Baird
Clinical Educator
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Emma-Jayne Brown
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Emma-Jayne Brown
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Emma-Jayne Brown
Senior Lecturer
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Nicky Dunlop
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Nicky Dunlop
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Nicky Dunlop
Psychology Centre
Clinic Administrator
