Spotlight on Allied Health: ProActive Psychology Supporting Culturally Responsive Care
04 May 2026
The practice is led by Director and Principal Clinical Psychologist Nicole Robinson and co-founded with Lindsay Brown 12 years ago. It provides psychological support for children, adolescents, adults, and families through programs such as NDIS, Medicare, Star4Kids, You in Mind, and private services.
The team includes 13 clinicians who speak multiple languages, including Arabic, Vietnamese, Spanish, Hindi, Tagalog, and Urdu, allowing them to deliver culturally responsive mental health care to communities in South Western Sydney.
Focus on early and collaborative care
Nicole Robinson highlighted the importance of early referrals from GPs, noting that timely support often leads to better outcomes compared to delayed intervention during crisis situations. The service also works closely with other professionals, including schools and allied health providers, to support shared care for patients.
Challenges in primary care
The interview identified ongoing challenges such as:
- Complex mental health presentations involving anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and autism spectrum conditions
- Cultural and language barriers affecting access to care
- The need for stronger coordination between health professionals in early intervention
Role in multidisciplinary care
ProActive Psychology emphasised the importance of integrated care between psychologists, GPs, and allied health professionals. Collaboration is described as essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing pressure on the health system.
Support through PHN programs
Programs like Star4Kids, supported by the PHN, were highlighted as important in removing financial barriers and improving access to psychological care for children and families.
Workforce and regional needs
The service also noted the importance of attracting and supporting culturally and linguistically diverse clinicians in South Western Sydney to better reflect community needs and improve access to care.
The spotlight encourages continued collaboration across primary care to strengthen mental health support in the region.
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