Our CLINICAL TEAM
Dr. Dadirai Gara - Director & Principal Clinical Psychologist
Jessica Renkin - Registered Psychologist/ Clinical Psychology Registrar
Dr. Dadirai Gara - Director & Principal Clinical Psychologist
Dadirai is a Clinical Psychologist with over 13 years post-registration experience as a psychologist. Dadirai has been working as a psychologist in the Ipswich area for over 11 years. Apart from working in private practice, Dadirai works as a part-time Allied Health Team Leader at one of Brisbane's private mental health facilities which provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient mental health services . Before joining the private sector, Dadirai has held various roles in public community and inpatient mental health facilities. Dadirai has also worked as a Senior Psychologist at one of Queensland Health's Forensic and Secure Services, providing psychological services to people in correctional facilities in and around South East Queensland.
Dadirai's areas of interest include psychotherapy for adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, personality disorders, eating disorders, relationship counselling and grief & loss issues. Dadirai enjoys working with clients with severe mental illnesses and disability. Part of Dadirai's role at PsychCare Psychology involves conducting cognitive & psychological assessments.
Dadirai is a Psychology Board of Australia Approved Supervisor who is passionate about clinical supervision. She supervises psychology students both in the public sector and at PsychCare Psychology. Dadirai is approved to supervise registered psychologists or provisional psychologists in the following pathways:-
- Internship (4+2 or 5+1) - as a principal and/or secondary supervisor
- Higher degree placements (provided they meet university/accreditation requirements)
- Work in addition to higher degree placements
- The re-entry program (for psychologists returning to practice)
- The transitional program (for overseas qualified psychologists)
- The registrar program - only as a secondary supervisor
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - Edith Cowan University, WA
- Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology - Murdoch University, WA
- Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Clinical Geropsychology) - James Cook University, QLD
Registrations and Memberships
- Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia - Registration # PSY0000976929
- Psychology Board of Australia Approved Supervisor
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society
- Fellow, Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists
- Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Committee Member - West Moreton Human Research Ethics Committee
Narelle O'Brien - Registered Psychologist
Jessica Renkin - Registered Psychologist/ Clinical Psychology Registrar
Dr. Dadirai Gara - Director & Principal Clinical Psychologist
Narelle is a registered psychologist with over 13 years post-registration experience. Narelle has worked in private practice and in the public sector in Wide Bay, Brisbane and Ipswich Regions. Apart from Private Practice, Narelle works in one of Queensland Health’s Forensic and Secure Services. Narelle’s works with clients with severe and complex mental health concerns. Of particular interest to Narelle is the interplay between mental health vulnerabilities and incarceration.
In psychological therapy, Narelle works with adult clients to achieve their goals and develop greater lifestyle balance with interest in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress and adjustment concerns and personality vulnerabilities. She has experience in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Brief Solution Focused Therapy. Narelle has a special interest in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and uses EMDR as one of her therapy modalities, as required.
Narelle is currently completing her Masters of Clinical Psychology (Advanced Entry Program).
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) – University of Southern Queensland, QLD
- Specialist Certificate in Criminology (Forensic Disability) – Melbourne University, VIC
- Master of Forensic Mental Health – Griffith University, QLD
- Enrolled in Masters of Clinical Psychology Advanced Entry Program– University of Southern Queensland, QLD.
Registrations and Memberships
- Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia - Registration # PSY0001653209
- Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Jessica Renkin - Registered Psychologist/ Clinical Psychology Registrar
Jessica Renkin - Registered Psychologist/ Clinical Psychology Registrar
Jessica Renkin - Registered Psychologist/ Clinical Psychology Registrar
Jess is a Registered Psychologist who holds a Master of Clinical Psychology. Jess joined the PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health team as a Provisional Psychologist. Prior to this, Jess worked as a Provisional Psychologist at the USQ Psychology Clinic and in correctional settings. Jess has also done some sports psychology work in the past.
Jess enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults. Her areas of interest include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, phobias, personality vulnerabilities and psychotic illnesses. Part of Jess’ role at PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health also involves conducting psychological & cognitive assessments. Using a client centered approach, Jess utilises a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Informed Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Jess is currently completing her Clinical Psychology Registrar Program in order to gain Clinical Psychology Endorsement, on completion of the Clinical Psychology Registrar Program.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - University of Southern Queensland, QLD
- Master of Clinical Psychology - University of Southern Queensland, QLD
Registrations and Memberships
- Psychology Board of Australia - Registration # PSY0002345993
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Amber Bates - Registered Psychologist
Sasha Preston - Registered Psychologist
Sasha Preston - Registered Psychologist
Amber is a registered psychologist with 10 years experience as a psychologist. Amber has worked in the private sector and within a not-for-profit organisation within the Newcastle/Maitland area in NSW. Amber has recently moved to the Ipswich area and has most recently worked for six years in Private Practice, and is excited to join Psychcare. Psychology & Mental Health.
Amber has worked with clients across the lifespan with a wide range of presentations including trauma, personality issues, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, work-related issues, relationship issues, behavioural issues, and adjustment related issues. She has worked for several years in the workers compensation industry under multiple roles including case management, occupational rehabilitation and as a treating psychologist. Apart from working in private practice, Amber works with the Australian Defence Force providing support to serving members.
In therapy, Amber enjoys creating a safe and trusting environment, and connecting with her clients. She works with a range of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In her spare time Amber enjoys exploring what Queensland has to offer, catching up with friends and family, spending time with her partner, running, hiking, and beekeeping.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychology – University of Newcastle 2010
Registrations and Memberships
- Psychology Board of Australia – Registration# PSY0001817918
Sasha Preston - Registered Psychologist
Sasha Preston - Registered Psychologist
Sasha Preston - Registered Psychologist
Sasha is a registered psychologist with over 14 years post-registration experience. Sasha has been working in the Ipswich area for over 10 years. Sasha has experience working in government settings in England and Australia and for not for profit organisations. She has worked in several Queensland Health settings including Ipswich Hospital, Child & Youth mental health services and the Child Development Service.
Sasha enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults. In therapy, she provides a safe and warm experience. She believes that a strong client-therapist relationship is key for therapeutic change. Her areas of interest include anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and stress and coping. She has experience in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) – University of Queensland, QLD.
- Enrolled in Masters of Clinical Psychology Advanced Entry Program – University of Southern Queensland, QLD.
Registrations and Memberships
Psychology Board of Australia – Registration# PSY0001630787
Richele Stone– Provisional Psychologist
Sasha Preston - Registered Psychologist
Richele Stone– Provisional Psychologist
Richele is a Provisional Psychologist who is currently completing her Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Southern Queensland. Richele has undertaken placements as a Provisional Psychologist at the USQ Psychology Clinic and in a school setting conducting assessments. Richele enjoys working across the lifespan and is interested in conducting psychological assessment, as well as working with mood and anxiety disorders.
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Dadirai Gara). Part of Richele's role at PsychCare Psychology involves conducting psychological assessments. Richele works with NDIS, EAP, WorkCover and private fee-paying clients. Richele does not see patients who are under a mental health care plan.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - University of Southern Queensland, QLD
- Master of Professional Psychology - University of Southern Queensland, QLD
- Enrolled in Master of Clinical Psychology - University of Southern Queensland, QLD
Registrations and Memberships
- Psychology Board of Australia – Registration # PSY0002473297
- Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Jasmine Achurch – Provisional Psychologist
Oscar Chari - Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health); Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
Garima Sree Krishna – Provisional Psychologist
Jasmine is a Provisional Psychologist who completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Jasmine provides a client-centred approach, tailoring specific therapeutic skills and interventions to best support each client’s unique experience. Jasmine enjoys working across the lifespan with children, adolescents and adults with varying presenting concerns, and is interested in conducting both psychological assessments and providing therapy. Jasmine has also had experience in occupational rehabilitation and the return-to-work setting.
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Dadirai Gara). Part of Jasmine’s role at PsychCare Psychology involves conducting psychological assessments. Jasmine works with NDIS, EAP, WorkCover and private fee-paying clients. Jasmine does not see patients who are under a mental health care plan.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – Queensland University of Technology (QUT), QLD
Registrations and Memberships
- Psychology Board of Australia- Registration #PSY0002509874
Garima Sree Krishna – Provisional Psychologist
Oscar Chari - Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health); Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
Garima Sree Krishna – Provisional Psychologist
Garima is a Provisional Psychologist who completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University Queensland (UQ).
Garima works with clients across the lifespan, with children, adolescents, and adults. Garima has a keen interest in conducting psychological assessments as well as providing psychotherapy.
Garima has previously worked for not-for-profit organisations in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)sector in counselling roles. Garima has also facilitated group programs in her previoius roles.
Provisional psychologists at PsychCare Psychology work under the supervision of the Principal Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Dadirai Gara). Part of Garima’s role at PsychCare Psychology involves conducting psychological assessments. Garima works with NDIS, EAP, WorkCover and private fee-paying clients. Garima does not see patients who are under a mental health care plan.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) – University of Queensland, QLD
Registrations and Memberships
- Psychology Board of Australia – Registration # PSY0002605412
- Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Oscar Chari - Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health); Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
Oscar Chari - Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health); Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
Oscar Chari - Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health); Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
Oscar is a Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health and addictions field. He is a highly qualified, experienced and dedicated clinician with a background in mental health and addictions treatment. Oscar commenced his career in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2003 where he completed his mental health nursing degree and then pursued postgraduate studies in dual diagnosis (mental health and addictions) at Middlesex University in London, UK. He obtained endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner in Australia in 2020. Whilst in the UK, Oscar worked for the National Health Services (NHS) and the private sector. Since migrating to Australia from the UK in 2013, Oscar has worked for New South Wales Health and Queensland Health. In addition to being an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner, Oscar is both a credentialed mental health nurse and a credentialed drug and alcohol nurse. Oscar has worked in acute, community and forensic settings, offering services to people with severe and/or complex mental health issues. As a Nurse Practitioner, Oscar is authorised by the Australian Health Practitioner Agency to assess mental conditions, offer formal diagnosis and prescribe medications. At PsychCare Psychology, Oscar works with adolescents and adults. Oscar’s areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety and related disorders, psychotic illnesses, drug use disorders and personality disorders.
Part of Oscar’s role at PsychCare Psychology involves:
• Assessing and diagnosing a range of psychiatric conditions
• Prescribing medications
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests
• Formulating treatment plans
• Providing therapy/counselling or psychotherapy
Just like seeing a GP, one does not need a referral to see a Nurse Practitioner. Medicare Rebates are available for Nurse Practitioner Services. Nurse Practitioners are endorsed and regulated by AHPRA’s Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and have prescribing rights & access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Qualifications
• Master’s Degree – Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner – Flinders University, South Australia
• Master’s Degree – Dual Diagnosis – Middlesex University – UK
• Associate Degree – Registered Mental Health Nurse – Bucks New University - UK
Registrations and Memberships
• Endorsed Nurse Practitioner - APHRA – Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registration # NMW0001810167
• Credentialed Mental Health Nurse – Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
• Credentialed Drug and Alcohol Nurse – Drug and Alcohol Nurses Australasia
Awards
• Hidden Gem Award for recognizing extraordinary efforts in exceptional quality of work and exemplifying the core values of Central North West London NHS Trust: 2008
• Certificate of Appreciation: West Moreton Dual Diagnosis Forum, 2018
• Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation for excellent performance in the Master of Nurse Practitioner Program: Finders University, 2020
Bree- Administrative Assistant
Glenda - Administrative Assistant
Glenda - Administrative Assistant
Bree is a dedicated psychology student who is currently completing her Bachelor of Psychology (honours). Bree hopes to apply for entrance into the Master’s in Clinical and Neuropsychology program once she has completed her undergraduate training. Bree has over 2 years experience working in medical administration.
A valued member of the team at PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health. Bree provides the psychologists with administrative support . She is friendly and warm, always happy to assist both the clients and the staff at PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health.
Glenda - Administrative Assistant
Glenda - Administrative Assistant
Glenda - Administrative Assistant
Glenda is a 5th year Bachelor of Law & International Business student who has a keen interest in the interplay between legal issues and mental illness. Glenda has worked as an administration assistant in legal practices in the past before joining PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health.
A committed and vibrant member of the team, Glenda supports the clinicians at PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health during the week. She is very approachable and ever-willing to assist everyone at PsychCare Psychology & Mental Health.
OUR PARTNERS
Child and Youth Psychiatry
PsychCare Services is a psychiatry tele-health service which provides assessments and management services for Developmental and Mental Health Disorders in children and young people up to the age of 25. Click on the PsychCare Services logo to view their website.