Hi, I’m Vidhiya Mahendran
Therapeutic growth begins in a warm, collaborative sanctuary where you feel deeply heard, safely understood, and genuinely respected. As an AHPRA-registered Provisional Psychologist, I blends current evidence-based research with a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming approach. Drawing on my previous fifteen-year corporate engineering career and creative background, I offer an analytical mind and deep cultural resilience to clinical practice and our sessions. Whether you are navigating workplace burnout, exploring diaspora identity, or seeking lifespan support for neurodivergence, I will walk collaboratively alongside you to build emotional insight, practical strengths, and authentic psychological wellbeing
Professional Title
Provisional Psychologist
Days Available:
I am available Monday (AM) and Friday (PM)
Locations:
Southbank
Languages Spoken:
English
Special Interests
Anxiety and mood presentations
Work-related psychological issues, including workplace stress, burnout, and career transitions
Neurodiversity, including Autism and ADHD across the lifespan
Children and adolescents
Eating disorders and body image
Cultural identity and wellbeing, particularly for clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Performance psychology and performance-related stress and anxiety
Life transitions and adjustment
At a Glance
Provisional Psychologist
MPsych, BAppSc(Psych)(Hons), GradDipPsychSc, GradCertPsychSc
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Neurodiversity Support: Focused care for Autism (ASD) and ADHD
Emotional Regulation: Managing acute anxiety and complex mood difficulties
Life & Career Transitions: Navigating major adjustments, workplace stress, and professional burnout
Cultural Wellbeing: Supporting identity exploration and intersectional mental health challenges
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Private Practice Clinical Placement: Provided tailored youth and family therapy for neurodivergent individuals
2+ Years NDIS Key Worker: Managed complex psychosocial presentations, crisis support, and risk assessments
Multidisciplinary Care Networks: Extensive collaboration with support coordinators, families, and allied health
15 Years Corporate Leadership: Proven corporate experience managing high-pressure environments and team dynamics
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Person-Centred Therapy
Play-Based Therapy & Youth Counselling
Psychoeducation & Mindfulness Techniques
Somatic & Emotional Regulation Strategies
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Full Lifespan Care: Supporting children, adolescents, adults, and seniors
NDIS Participants: Experienced with self-managed and plan-managed psychosocial support clients
Culturally Diverse Communities: Specialising in intersectional support for migrant and diaspora populations
High-Achieving Professionals: Tailored care for corporate workers, athletes, and performance artists
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As a provisional psychologist, Vidhiya combines up-to-date, evidence-based research with highly accessible consultation fees. She speaks Tamil and possesses a deep, lived understanding of navigating South Asian cultural identity within Australia, offering specialised insight into diaspora experiences. Her background is exceptionally diverse, blending 15 years of corporate engineering leadership with 27 years as an internationally competitive classical Indian dancer. This rare combination gives her an intimate understanding of workplace stress, career transitions, and the intense psychological demands found within high-achievement and high-performance environments.
South Asian Diaspora Focus: Lived multicultural understanding with structural fluency in spoken Tamil
High-Performance Discipline: 27 years as an internationally competitive, Australian-representative classical Indian dancer
Corporate Analytical Background: 15 years as a senior engineer managing major traffic and infrastructure projects
Accessible Quality Care: Current, evidence-based psychological practice offered at an accessible provisional fee rate
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Qualifications: MPsych, BAppSc(Psych)(Hons), GradDipPsychSc, GradCertPsychSc
Psychologist Type: Provisional Psychologist
Availability:
Monday mornings Southbank (appointments between 9:30am to 2:30pm)
Friday afternoons South Melbourne (appointments between 2pm and 7pm)
Locations: South Melbourne and Southbank
Languages: English
Medicare Rebate Eligible: No - Provisional Psychologists are not eligible for Medicare rebates, which is why fees are significantly reduced to remain highly accessible
Support Approach
Vidhiya offers a warm, collaborative space that meets you exactly where you are in your life journey – whether you are a parent seeking support for a young child, a professional navigating corporate burnout, or an individual experiencing a major life change. Grounded in empathy and a deep respect for individual identity, her practice focuses on:
Neurodivergent Affirming Care
Providing affirming, strengths-based support for children, teens, and adults navigating Autism (ASD) and ADHD, helping individuals thrive within their natural wiring
Workplace Stress & Career Pacing
Helping high-achieving corporate professionals navigate workplace stress, manage burnout, and build structural resilience during major career transitions
Culturally Responsive Wellbeing
Supporting individuals navigating multicultural identities and the unique systemic, familial, and personal dynamics of the South Asian diaspora in Australia
Performance & Life Transitions
Guiding individuals through intense, high-performance environments, identity shifts, and the psychological demands of major life adjustments
Therapeutic Approach
I believe in highly person-centered, evidence-based care that honours your individual story. Drawing from robust public and private healthcare backgrounds, I carefully tailor my interventions using a diverse range of proven psychological modalities, including:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Person-Centred Therapy
Supportive Counselling
Play-Based Therapy (for children)
Psychoeducation
Mindfulness-Based Techniques
Emotional Regulation Strategies
Positive Behaviour Support Planning
Provisional Psychologist Rebate - FAQ
As a Provisional Psychologist, Vidhiya brings current, evidence-based practices to her clients at a significantly lower, more accessible out-of-pocket consultation fee. Please note that Medicare and private health insurance rebates are not available for sessions with a Provisional Psychologist. However, her reduced fee structure ensures high-quality, compassionate psychological care remains financially sustainable and within reach without needing a GP referral.
Book with Vidhyia
Use the Ethos Psychology Halaxy booking tool to secure your psychologist appointment with Vidhyia Mahendran.
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Fees and Rebates can be found here