Clinical Psychologists in Surry Hills: Meet our 2 new Female Clinical Psychologists – Anne Groedahl and Anne Marie Martin
Looking for a clinical psychologist in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington or the surrounding Inner Sydney area?
Crown St Medical Centre is pleased to welcome two experienced clinical psychologists, Anne Groedahl and Dr Anne Marie Martin, to our psychology team.
Psychological therapy can be an important part of managing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem, workplace pressures and other mental health concerns. For many people, seeking professional support early can make it easier to understand what is happening and develop practical strategies for moving forward.
At Crown St Medical Centre in Surry Hills, our psychologists work alongside our GP team to provide an integrated approach to mental and physical healthcare.
If you have noticed changes in your mood, sleep, relationships, motivation, concentration or ability to cope, you do not necessarily have to wait until things become overwhelming before seeking help.
A good starting point is to speak with your GP. Your doctor can assess your concerns, discuss treatment options and determine whether you may be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and Medicare rebates for eligible psychological treatment.
Book an Appointment Online with Crown St Medical Centre today if you would like to discuss your mental health with one of our doctors or psychology team.
Meet Our New Clinical Psychologists in Surry Hills
Crown St Medical Centre provides psychology services for patients from Surry Hills and surrounding suburbs including Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Woollahra and Green Square.
Our two new clinical psychologists bring different professional backgrounds, areas of interest and therapeutic approaches to the practice.
Anne Groedahl – Clinical Psychologist
Anne Groedahl is a clinical psychologist who works with adults and adolescents aged 16 and over.
Anne has experience working across public and private mental health settings, including work within a public outpatient mental health unit’s Drug and Alcohol team. She has also worked with a broad range of psychological presentations, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship difficulties, workplace issues and personality-related concerns.
Her approach is flexible and integrative. Rather than assuming that one type of therapy is suitable for everyone, Anne draws from a range of evidence-based psychological approaches according to the individual’s circumstances and goals.
Her areas of interest include:
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Anxiety and Panic DisorderA
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Adjustment Disorder/Life adjustments
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Addiction
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Bipolar Disorder
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Depression
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Mild Eating disorders
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Grief and Loss
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Insomnia
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Low Self-Esteem/Self-Criticism
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Perfectionism and Procrastination
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Perinatal/Postnatal Transitions
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Personality Disorders
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Self development
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Stress
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Trauma/Complex PTSD
Anne uses therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based approaches, schema therapy, attachment-informed approaches and emotion-focused therapy.
An important part of Anne’s approach is establishing a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Psychological therapy works best when patients feel comfortable discussing difficult experiences and can work collaboratively with their psychologist towards meaningful goals.
Dr Anne Marie Martin – Clinical Psychologist
Anne Marie has held frontline and senior executive positions in areas including child protection, defence and criminal justice.
She holds postgraduate qualifications in clinical psychology and takes a goal-focused approach to psychological therapy. Her aim is to recognise and strengthen each person’s capabilities while helping them develop practical strategies to manage psychological difficulties.
Her areas of special interest include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Body image
- Eating and body image concerns
- Grief and bereavement
- Relationship difficulties
- Family issues
- Trauma
- Addictive behaviours
- Low self-esteem
- Workplace stress
- Adjustment difficulties
- Anxiety and panic disorders
Anne Marie uses a number of evidence-based therapeutic frameworks, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Schema Therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Her therapy is focused on mutually agreed goals, helping patients understand their difficulties and develop strategies that can be applied in everyday life.
Why Psychological Therapy Matters for Mental Health
Mental health concerns are common, and they can affect almost every part of life.
Someone experiencing anxiety may find themselves avoiding situations they previously enjoyed. Depression may affect motivation, concentration, sleep, appetite and relationships. Workplace stress can gradually affect physical health and family life. Trauma can influence how a person responds to situations long after the original event has occurred.
Psychological therapy provides a structured opportunity to understand these difficulties and work towards change.
The Australian Psychological Society notes that psychotherapy has evidence supporting its effectiveness for a range of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety-related disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Importantly, psychological therapy is not simply about talking about problems.
Depending on the person’s circumstances, therapy may involve learning to:
- Identify unhelpful patterns of thinking
- Understand emotional triggers
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Manage anxiety and panic symptoms
- Improve emotional regulation
- Address avoidance behaviours
- Develop communication skills
- Improve relationships
- Process difficult experiences
- Build self-esteem and confidence
- Establish healthier boundaries
- Manage workplace stress
- Develop strategies for sleep difficulties
- Reduce reliance on unhelpful coping behaviours
- Improve psychological flexibility
The exact approach will depend on the individual and the problems they are experiencing.
Common Mental Health Conditions That May Benefit From Psychological Therapy
Psychological therapy can be useful across a broad range of mental health presentations.
Anxiety and Panic
Anxiety can range from persistent worrying and excessive fear through to panic attacks and avoidance of everyday situations.
Common symptoms may include:
- Excessive or difficult-to-control worry
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling constantly “on edge”
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep difficulties
- Difficulty concentrating
- Panic attacks
- Avoidance of particular situations
Psychological therapies such as CBT can help people understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours.
Therapy may also help patients gradually change patterns of avoidance and develop practical techniques for managing anxiety.
Depression and Low Mood
Depression is more than simply having a bad day.
Depressive symptoms may include persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating and reduced motivation.
Psychological therapy can help people understand factors contributing to depression and develop strategies for changing patterns that may maintain low mood.
For some people, psychological therapy may be used alongside medication or other medical treatment.
A GP can assess symptoms and help determine what level of care is appropriate.
Stress and Burnout
Modern work and personal life can create significant psychological pressure.
Workplace stress may contribute to:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Poor sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Emotional exhaustion
- Reduced motivation
- Relationship difficulties
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle tension
Psychological therapy can help people identify the factors contributing to stress and develop practical strategies for managing workload, expectations, boundaries and emotional responses.
Anne Groedahl and Dr Anne Marie Martin both have areas of interest relevant to workplace stress and adjustment difficulties.
Trauma and PTSD
Traumatic experiences can have lasting psychological effects.
Some people experience intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, heightened alertness, emotional distress or difficulties trusting others following trauma.
Trauma-focused psychological treatment may be appropriate for people experiencing PTSD or trauma-related symptoms.
Assessment is important because the most appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the trauma, current symptoms, personal circumstances and safety.
Grief and Bereavement
Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can be extremely difficult to navigate.
People may experience sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, anxiety, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty adjusting to life after a significant loss.
Psychological support can provide a safe space to process grief and adapt to major changes.
Dr Anne Marie Martin has a particular interest in grief and bereavement.
Relationship and Family Difficulties
Relationships can be affected by stress, communication difficulties, conflict, changes in circumstances and individual mental health concerns.
Psychological therapy can help people explore communication patterns, emotional responses, expectations and interpersonal difficulties.
It may also help individuals understand how previous experiences can influence current relationships.
Anne Groedahl has a particular interest in relationship and interpersonal issues, while Anne Marie Martin works with relationship and family difficulties.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Concerns about appearance, body image and self-esteem can have a significant effect on mental wellbeing.
People may become increasingly self-critical or avoid social situations because of concerns about how they look or how others perceive them.
Therapy can help patients examine unhelpful thinking patterns and develop a healthier relationship with themselves and their bodies.
Dr Anne Marie Martin has a particular interest in body image, eating and body image concerns and low self-esteem.
Addiction and Unhelpful Coping Behaviours
People sometimes use alcohol, drugs, gambling or other behaviours as ways of coping with difficult emotions.
These behaviours can provide temporary relief but may ultimately create additional problems involving relationships, finances, employment, physical health or emotional wellbeing.
Anne Groedahl has particular experience and interest in substance use and addiction, while Anne Marie Martin has an interest in addictive behaviours.
Psychological treatment can form part of a broader approach to managing addictive behaviours.
Depending on the circumstances, patients may also benefit from medical care, addiction services or specialist psychiatric support.
What Happens During Psychological Therapy?
Many people feel nervous about their first psychology appointment.
This is understandable.
You do not need to know exactly what is wrong before seeing a psychologist. You also do not need to have everything worked out before your first appointment.
An initial session generally provides an opportunity to discuss:
- What has brought you to therapy
- How your symptoms are affecting your life
- Your goals for treatment
- Relevant personal or medical history
- Relationships and social circumstances
- Previous experiences with therapy
- Strategies you have already tried
- What you would like to change
Your psychologist may ask questions to better understand your situation and may use questionnaires or other assessment tools when clinically appropriate.
Together, you can then develop an approach to treatment.
The process should be collaborative. You should be able to discuss what is and is not working for you.
What Is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used evidence-based psychological approaches.
CBT explores connections between thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
For example, someone experiencing social anxiety may have a thought such as:
“Everyone will think I am embarrassing.”
That thought may produce anxiety, which can lead to avoiding social situations. Avoidance can then reinforce the belief that social situations are dangerous.
CBT can help people identify these patterns and develop more balanced ways of thinking and responding.
CBT is used for a range of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Both Anne Groedahl and Dr Anne Marie Martin use CBT as part of their therapeutic approaches.
What Is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on psychological flexibility.
Rather than trying to eliminate every uncomfortable thought or emotion, ACT can help people learn to respond differently to difficult internal experiences while moving towards values and goals that are important to them.
ACT may be particularly useful when people feel that anxiety, worry, self-criticism or difficult emotions are preventing them from living the life they want.
Anne Groedahl and Dr Anne Marie Martin both incorporate ACT principles into their therapeutic work.
What Is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was originally developed for people experiencing significant difficulties with emotional regulation and has subsequently been adapted for a range of clinical presentations.
DBT can teach practical skills involving:
- Emotional regulation
- Distress tolerance
- Mindfulness
- Interpersonal effectiveness
Anne Groedahl and Dr Anne Marie Martin both have training and experience using DBT-informed approaches.
Psychological Therapy and Your GP
Your GP can play an important role in mental healthcare.
Mental health does not exist separately from physical health. Sleep problems, hormonal changes, chronic medical conditions, medications, substance use and other physical health issues can influence psychological wellbeing.
Likewise, depression, anxiety and chronic stress can affect sleep, appetite, cardiovascular health, pain, energy and general functioning.
For this reason, a GP assessment can be a useful first step.
At Crown St Medical Centre, our doctors can discuss your symptoms, assess your overall health and help determine whether psychological therapy may be appropriate.
Your GP can also discuss whether you may be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
Mental Health Treatment Plans and Medicare Rebates
Eligible patients may be able to access Medicare benefits for psychological treatment through Australia’s Better Access initiative.
Current Australian Government information states that eligible patients can receive Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services per calendar year, subject to the relevant eligibility and referral requirements.
Importantly, the rules changed from 1 November 2025, so older information found online about Mental Health Care Plans and Medicare sessions may no longer be accurate.
Under the current arrangements, eligible patients generally need to have an assessed mental disorder and an appropriate referral pathway. A GP or other eligible medical practitioner can assess your circumstances and determine whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan involves assessment, discussion of treatment options, treatment goals, education and appropriate referrals and follow-up.
Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan to see a psychologist?
Not necessarily.
You can choose to see a psychologist privately without accessing Medicare benefits.
However, if you are eligible for Better Access Medicare benefits, your GP can discuss the appropriate referral pathway and whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is suitable for you.
The Medicare rebate does not necessarily mean that psychology appointments are completely free. Your psychologist’s fees and the Medicare rebate determine any out-of-pocket cost.
For the most accurate information about your individual eligibility, speak with your GP and check the current Medicare arrangements.
Why Choose Crown St Medical Centre for Psychology in Surry Hills?
Crown St Medical Centre offers an integrated approach to healthcare, bringing general practice and allied health services together in one location.
Our practice is located at 351 Crown St, Lower Ground, Surry Hills, with the entrance on Albion Street. We are conveniently positioned near Darlinghurst and Paddington and provide healthcare for patients across the Inner Sydney area.
This location can make Crown St Medical Centre a convenient option for people living or working in:
- Surry Hills
- Darlinghurst
- Paddington
- Redfern
- Waterloo
- Woollahra
- Green Square
- Central and Inner Sydney
Patients can access GP care as well as psychology and other allied health services at the practice.
For patients managing mental health concerns, having access to both GPs and psychologists can make coordinating care more straightforward.
Psychology in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington and Redfern
Finding a psychologist near home or work can make it easier to attend appointments consistently.
Crown St Medical Centre is particularly convenient for patients searching for:
Clinical psychologist Surry Hills
Psychologist Surry Hills
Psychologist Darlinghurst
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The practice’s location on Crown Street makes it accessible from several surrounding Inner Sydney neighbourhoods.
Whether you live in Surry Hills, work near Central, commute through Redfern, live in Darlinghurst or Paddington, or travel into the area from Waterloo or Green Square, Crown St Medical Centre provides a local option for psychological care.
When Should You See a Psychologist?
There is no single threshold that determines when someone “needs” psychological therapy.
You may want to consider talking with your GP or psychologist if you have noticed:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Excessive worry
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty controlling thoughts
- Significant changes in sleep
- Loss of motivation
- Loss of interest in activities
- Relationship problems
- Difficulty managing anger
- Work-related stress
- Problems coping with a major life change
- Grief that feels difficult to manage
- Trauma-related symptoms
- Low self-esteem
- Body image concerns
- Unhelpful alcohol or drug use
- Difficulty functioning at work or study
- Social withdrawal
- Persistent feelings of being overwhelmed
You do not have to wait until symptoms become severe.
Early assessment can help identify what type of support may be appropriate.
How to Book a Clinical Psychologist in Surry Hills
If you would like to explore psychological therapy, the first step can be making an appointment with your GP.
Your doctor can discuss your concerns, assess your mental health and determine whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan may be appropriate.
You can then discuss psychology referral options and whether Anne Groedahl or Dr Anne Marie Martin may be a suitable clinician for your needs.
Crown St Medical Centre’s psychology team provides evidence-informed, individualised therapy for a range of psychological concerns.
Book an Appointment Online
If you are looking for a clinical psychologist in Surry Hills, you can book with Crown St Medical Centre online.
Crown St Medical Centre is located at:
351 Crown St, Lower Ground
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Entrance via Albion Street
The practice is close to Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern and other Inner Sydney suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychology in Surry Hills
1. What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist is a psychologist with advanced specialist training in assessing and treating psychological and mental health difficulties. Clinical psychologists use evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to the individual’s needs, symptoms and goals.
2. What conditions can a clinical psychologist help with?
Clinical psychologists can assist with a broad range of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, low self-esteem, body image concerns and adjustment difficulties.
The appropriate treatment depends on an individual’s circumstances and clinical assessment.
3. Can I get a Medicare rebate for seeing a clinical psychologist?
Eligible patients may be able to claim Medicare benefits for psychological treatment through the Australian Government’s Better Access initiative.
Current arrangements allow eligible patients to access Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services per calendar year, subject to eligibility and referral requirements.
Speak with your GP about whether you are eligible.
4. Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan before seeing a psychologist?
You can see a psychologist privately without a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
However, if you want to access Medicare benefits under Better Access, you will generally need to meet the relevant eligibility requirements and have an appropriate referral. Your GP can assess your circumstances and explain the options.
5. How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover?
Under the current Better Access arrangements, eligible patients can receive Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services per calendar year.
The number of services recommended in an individual course of treatment may be less than the annual maximum, depending on your clinical needs and referral.
6. What is the difference between a psychologist and a clinical psychologist?
Both psychologists and clinical psychologists are registered health professionals. Clinical psychologists have additional specialist postgraduate training in clinical psychology.
The most appropriate practitioner depends on the individual’s circumstances, the type of support required and the clinician’s areas of experience.
7. Can a psychologist help with anxiety?
Yes. Psychological therapy is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and related conditions.
Therapies such as CBT, ACT and other evidence-based approaches can help people understand anxiety and develop strategies for managing thoughts, physical symptoms, avoidance and behavioural patterns.
8. Can a psychologist help with depression?
Yes. Psychological therapy is an established treatment for depression.
Treatment may focus on thoughts, behaviours, emotions, relationships, coping strategies and factors contributing to low mood. Some people may also benefit from medication or other medical treatment, depending on their circumstances.
9. Can I see Anne Groedahl or Anne Marie Martin without seeing a GP first?
You can contact the practice to discuss psychology appointments and referral requirements.
If you are experiencing mental health symptoms and are considering a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Medicare rebate, speaking with your GP first is recommended so your overall health and treatment options can be assessed.
10. Where is Crown St Medical Centre located?
Crown St Medical Centre is located at 351 Crown St, Lower Ground, Surry Hills NSW 2010, with the entrance on Albion Street.
The practice is conveniently located for patients from Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Woollahra, Green Square and surrounding Inner Sydney suburbs.
Take the First Step Towards Better Mental Health
Seeking psychological support is not a sign of weakness.
For many people, therapy provides an opportunity to better understand their thoughts, emotions and behaviours and develop practical strategies for managing life’s challenges.
At Crown St Medical Centre, Anne Groedahl and Dr Anne Marie Martin bring complementary clinical experience and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to our psychology team.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, workplace stress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, body image concerns or another mental health concern, speaking with a healthcare professional can be an important first step.
Your GP can assess your circumstances, discuss treatment options and determine whether you may be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and Medicare benefits for eligible psychological treatment.
If you live or work in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Woollahra, Green Square or surrounding Inner Sydney, Crown St Medical Centre is here to support your health and wellbeing.
Book Your Appointment
Book an Appointment Online with Crown St Medical Centre today to speak with our GP team or enquire about seeing one of our clinical psychologists.
Crown St Medical Centre
351 Crown St, Lower Ground
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Entrance via Albion Street
Phone: (02) 9360 3338
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of suicide or serious self-harm, call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For urgent mental health concerns, seek immediate medical assistance.
