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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 2pm

Vita Healthcare

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Mount Eliza, VIC
Vita Healthcare

Supporting mental health on the Mornington Peninsula : now at 1281 & 1293 Nepean Hwy, Mount Eliza

Located at Consulting Suites 1293 Nepean Hwy, Mount Eliza
AND 135 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza

Vita Healthcare was founded to provide specialised Psychiatry and Psychology services to the Mornington Peninsula Community. The clinic is a boutique clinic specialising in Psychological and Behavioural Medicine. We look forward to making a difference in Mental health on the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Melbourne.

Enquiries regarding Psychology or Psychiatry please contact us at reception@vitahealthcare.com.au or call 03 5972 2444.

14/03/2026

Ever wondered what seeing a psychologist for ADHD might look like?

Many adults come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disorganised or stuck in patterns of procrastination and burnout.

A psychologist can help explore whether ADHD may be contributing, and work with you on practical strategies to improve focus, planning, emotional regulation and day-to-day functioning.

These approaches are supported by research and can be helpful alongside GP care and, where appropriate, medication.

At Vita Healthcare, psychologist Michelle Cairns works with adults who are trying to make sense of ADHD and looking for support in moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Email us for more info: referrals@vitahealthcare.com.au
📅 Appointments available during the week

10/03/2026

ADHD in adults is often misunderstood.

It’s not just about attention.
Many adults struggle with organisation, motivation, emotional regulation, planning and follow-through.

The Australian ADHD Clinical Practice Guideline (AADPA, 2022) recommends that adults with ADHD are offered both medication and psychological support as part of treatment.

At Vita Healthcare in Mount Eliza, psychologist Michelle Cairns supports adults with ADHD as part of her broader psychological practice.

Her work often focuses on practical areas such as:

• organisation and planning
• task initiation and completion
• emotional regulation
• managing impulsivity
• creating routines that actually work

Michelle has over 20 years’ experience in hospital and private practice settings and consults at Vita Healthcare Tuesday–Friday.

See your GP if you would like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan, or email your referral to referrals@vitahealthcare.com.au

More information:
https://mcairnspsychology.com.au/

26/02/2026

When does a habit become an addiction?
It’s not about “lack of willpower.”
It’s about how the brain learns.

In this short video, Dr. Sanil Rege explains how the brain’s reward system can gradually shift from choice → habit → compulsion. Understanding this can reduce shame and help people get the right support sooner.

If you’ve ever wondered why some habits are so hard to break — or you’re supporting someone who is struggling — this is worth a watch. Knowledge helps people seek help earlier, with less judgment and more compassion.

🎥 Watch the full video via the link in the comments.

If this topic hits close to home:
Support is available and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Free and confidential support in Victoria:
• DirectLine (24/7 alcohol & drug counselling): 1800 888 236
• Counselling Online: counsellingonline.org.au
• Turning Point (Victoria addiction services): turningpoint.org.au
• You can also start by speaking with your GP — they can guide you to local, appropriate support.

Reaching out early can make a real difference.

19/02/2026

Seeing a psychiatrist and wondering about psychological support as well? Here’s how referrals can work.

In some cases, your psychiatrist can provide a referral letter outlining:
• the recommended number of psychology sessions
• suggested therapy approach (for example CBT, EMDR etc.)
• relevant background information to support your care

This can allow access to up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year, usually structured in stages with a review in between.

Many people also choose to access psychology through their GP via a Mental Health Treatment Plan, especially if they have a regular GP involved in their care.

Both pathways are valid, and the best option often depends on what works most smoothly for your individual care and communication between your treating team.

If you’re currently seeing a psychiatrist and thinking about psychology support, feel free to raise this with them at your next appointment. Your treating team will continue to communicate with your GP (with your consent) to keep everyone aligned.

Looking to see a psychologist? Email referrals@vitahealthcare.com.au to chat with our team about scheduling an appointment with one of our psychologists.

13/02/2026

🛌 Waking during the night isn’t always a sign something is wrong — brief awakenings can be part of normal sleep patterns. But when sleep becomes consistently disrupted or starts affecting mood, focus, or daily functioning, it can be helpful to look at what else might be contributing.

Psychologists can support with sleep difficulties by addressing stress, anxiety, ADHD, low mood, and unhelpful sleep patterns, and by using evidence-based approaches to improve sleep quality over time.

If you or your patients would benefit from support:

📩 Email to referrals@vitahealthcare.com.au
🩺 Or speak with your GP about a referral to see one of our psychologists.

11/02/2026

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out for support…
Meet Errol, Psychologist at Vita Healthcare, Mount Eliza.

Errol has over 20 years’ experience supporting people with:
• ADHD (teens & adults)
• Anxiety, stress & overwhelm
• Trauma & anger
• Couples & family challenges
• Autism / ASD
• Men’s mental health

He brings a warm, practical approach and integrates evidence-based therapies with holistic tools for emotional regulation.
Errol is especially passionate about using HeartMath® techniques in sessions.

Medicare rebates may be available.
You can speak with your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) to access rebates for psychology sessions.

Referrals welcome:
NDIS • WorkCover
TAC (limited availability) • Private Health

📧 referrals@vitahealthcare.com.au

Learn more about HeartMath:
https://www.heartmath.org

04/02/2026

💛 ADHD Support for Adults at Vita Healthcare 💛

If you’re an adult living with ADHD, you may already know that while medication can be really helpful, best-practice guidelines recommend combining medication with psychological support to get the best outcomes long term.

At Vita Healthcare, Michelle provides warm, practical psychology support for adults with ADHD — whether you’re newly diagnosed, already taking medication, or simply trying to better understand how ADHD shows up in your day-to-day life.

✨ How Michelle supports adults with ADHD:

🧠 Practical, everyday strategies — support with organisation, planning, time management, routines and follow-through
💬 Making sense of ADHD — understanding how an ADHD brain works, building self-compassion and reducing self-criticism
🧘‍♀️ Managing overwhelm & emotions — support with stress, anxiety, frustration and burnout that often accompany ADHD
🧩 Evidence-based therapy — using approaches such as CBT, ACT and skills-based strategies tailored to ADHD
🤝 Support alongside medication — working alongside your GP or psychiatrist to support real-world functioning, not just symptoms

🌱 Why psychology matters with ADHD
Medication can help with focus and impulse control. Psychology helps with the how — how to manage daily life, work, relationships and self-confidence. Together, they provide the strongest foundation for lasting change.

For those wanting evidence-based information, this factsheet from the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) explains how ADHD is treated, including the role of therapy alongside medication:
📄https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ADHD-Guideline-Factsheet-How-is-ADHD-treated-C-AADPA.pdf

Michelle brings a calm, strengths-based and non-judgemental approach, creating a space where adults feel understood, supported and empowered.

📍 Michelle sees adult clients as part of the team at Vita Healthcare in Mount Eliza.
🔗 Learn more about her approach: https://mcairnspsychology.com.au/

25/01/2026

How to See a Psychologist: Understanding Rebates & Referrals 🧠
Here's how to get started.

💙💙💙

STEP 1: Visit Your GP
Book a double appointment or let reception know you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This ensures you have enough time to discuss your needs.

STEP 2: Get Your Mental Health Treatment Plan
Your GP will complete a MHTP, which may include recommending a psychologist. You can also do your own research and let your GP know who you'd like to see.

STEP 3: Understand Your Medicare Rebates
With a MHTP, you'll typically receive 6 rebateable sessions to start. Under the Better Access initiative, you may be eligible for up to 10 sessions per calendar year (your GP will help determine this).

💰 Current Medicare rebates for 50-minute sessions:

Clinical Psychologist: $145.25
General Psychologist: $98.95

Each psychologist sets their own fees, so be sure to ask about out-of-pocket costs. Most psychologists also offer telehealth appointments, giving you the flexibility to attend sessions from home.

STEP 4: Check Your Private Health Insurance
If you have extras cover, you may also claim through your private health insurance. Contact your provider to check your psychology rebate and whether you have cover available.

✨ Alternative Referral Pathway
A psychiatrist can also refer you to see a psychologist. They don't need to complete a MHTP but will provide a referral letter.

🩷 Eating Disorder Treatment Plan
If you have a diagnosed eating disorder (such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder), you may be eligible for an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDTMP). This specialized plan provides up to 40 rebateable psychology sessions and 20 dietitian sessions over 12 months. Your GP works collaboratively with your psychiatrist and psychologist to provide comprehensive care.

💙💙💙

💡 Taking the first step toward mental health support is a sign of strength. If you have questions, our team at Vita Healthcare is here to help guide you. Ready to book an appointment with one of our psychologists? Email us with any questions: referrals@vitahealthcare.com.au

📚 Want to learn more about Better Access?
Visit: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative

23/12/2025

🎄 Holiday Period

The festive season can be a mixed time for many people. While some find it joyful, others may find it challenging or emotionally heavy. Please know that how you’re feeling is valid 💛

Vita Healthcare will be closed for the Christmas break, and our clinical team is currently on leave. We will reopen Monday 5 January at 9:00am. Please note that some of our psychologists and psychiatrists will be on leave until late January 2026.

During this time, our inbox is not actively monitored.
If you need prescriptions, medical advice, or non-urgent support, we recommend contacting your GP.

🌱 If you need urgent mental health support over the holidays, help is available:

Frankston CATT – 1300 792 977
Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Su***de Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7 support for domestic, family and sexual violence)
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
YoDAA – 1800 458 685 (youth drug and alcohol support)
13YARN – 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

If you are at immediate risk, please contact 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.

✨ We wish you a safe, gentle, and restorative holiday period.
We look forward to supporting you again in the New Year.

With care,
Vita Healthcare Team

12/12/2025

😓If motivation feels hard, this might help explain why👇🏽

Dopamine isn’t about being positive or productive all the time. It’s involved in motivation, energy, and how we move through the day.

When anxiety or depression are present, changes in dopamine can show up as low motivation, difficulty concentrating, or feeling stuck — not because you’re failing, but because your brain is under strain.

In this video, consultant psychiatrist Dr Sanil Rege explains why dopamine isn’t something to “hack”, and why understanding the brain more realistically can support wellbeing.

If this reflects how you’ve been feeling, you might consider raising it with your GP or treating health professional, who can talk with you about what support options may be helpful for you.

🎥 Everyone Talks About Dopamine. Almost Everyone Gets It Wrong
Link in comments 👇

30/11/2025

📚ADHD education took centre stage this weekend, led by Vita Healthcare consultant psychiatrist and PsychScene founder Dr Sanil Rege, who presented to more than 300 doctors in Melbourne. 👏We’re proud of his work supporting better ADHD care.

26/11/2025

🛌🚫 If insomnia has been hanging around, you’re not alone.

These 7 simple assessments help us understand what’s keeping it going 👇

Address

1281 Nepean Highway
Mount Eliza, VIC
3190

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm
Saturday	9am - 2pm

Website

http://www.vitahealthcare.com.au/

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Our Story

Vita Healthcare was founded to provide specialised Psychiatry and Psychology services to the Mornington Peninsula Community. The clinic is a boutique clinic specialising in Psychological and Behavioural Medicine. We look forward to making a difference to Mental health on the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Melbourne . For enquiries regarding Psychology or Psychiatry please contact us at reception@vitahealthcare.com.au or call 03 5972 2444. Located at 135 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza.