Life in the Eastern Riverina runs to the rhythm of the season: sowing, spraying, harvest, lambing and shearing. When a dry year drags on, prices turn, or things at home start to pile up, it can be hard to get in to see a psychologist in Wagga Wagga without a long wait. It’s harder again if you’re out past Lockhart, Temora or Tumut.

Regenerative Psychology supports people aged 16 and over across Wagga Wagga, Junee, Temora, Cootamundra, Lockhart, Gundagai, Tumut and the surrounding district by telehealth. You can talk with a psychologist from home, without the drive or a day off work.

What people in the Riverina come to us for

  • Pressure from a tough season, input costs or commodity prices on a farm or ag business
  • Burnout from long hours and carrying the load for the family, the business or the team
  • Family tension, including farm succession and working alongside relatives
  • The strain of Defence life in Wagga: postings, a partner away, starting over in a new town
  • The after-effects of the 2019–20 fires in the Snowy Valleys, or other trauma
  • Feeling flat, on edge, isolated or not sleeping, and not quite knowing why

How sessions work

Sessions run by secure video, or by phone when the internet isn’t up to it. Reception can be patchy once you’re off the main roads, so phone sessions are always an option. You’ll need a private spot and about an hour. Where we can, we’ll book around the busy times of your year.

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. Our Medicare referrals page explains what a valid referral needs.

Local services that can support you alongside us

Telehealth works best as part of a local support network. These services in the Riverina can help too.

  • GPs for a Mental Health Treatment Plan: Kooringal Medical Centre and Trinity Medical Centre (Wagga Wagga), Temora Medical Complex (Temora) and Tumut Family Medical Centre (Tumut). RivMed also offers GP appointments. Many other GP practices also provide treatment plans, please consult your doctor for advice.
  • Community mental health: Murrumbidgee Local Health District. Call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, 24 hours a day.
  • Aboriginal health: Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (RivMed), Wagga Wagga, offers GP, mental health, dental and family health services, with transport to appointments.
  • Rural financial counselling: Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW – Southern Region, 1800 319 458. Free, confidential help with farm and small business finances.
  • Defence and veteran families: Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608; Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling 1800 011 046
  • Community connection: Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed (find your nearest shed at mensshed.org), and headspace Wagga Wagga for young people aged 12–25.

Why reaching out earlier helps

In the country, many people wait until things feel unmanageable before getting support. Distance, cost, privacy and a strong “she’ll be right” culture all play a part. Reaching out earlier can give you more choice about how and when you get support. You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to talk to someone.

Want to know more? Read Is telehealth right for you?

For employers in the Riverina

From grain growers and shearing contractors to council depots and small businesses on Baylis Street, Riverina workplaces rely on small teams. Rural Mind Matters offers an Employee Assistance Program designed for rural workplaces, so your people can get confidential support early. Find out about the Rural Mind Matters EAP.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan from my GP in Wagga Wagga?

Yes. Book a longer appointment with your GP and say you’d like a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral to a psychologist.

Is telehealth as good as seeing someone in person?

Research suggests telehealth psychology can be as effective as face-to-face sessions for many common concerns, such as anxiety and depression. It doesn’t suit everyone, and if it isn’t the right fit for you, we’ll talk through other options.

Will anyone in town know I’m seeing a psychologist?

Your sessions are confidential, and there’s no clinic visit for anyone to notice. We’ll explain the limits of confidentiality at your first session.

Can I fit sessions around harvest or shearing?

Let us know your busy times when you book, and we’ll work with you to find a time that fits, including phone sessions.

We’re a Defence family. Can you help?

Yes. We support Defence members, partners and young people aged 16 and over. Our DVA page explains how we work with veterans.

Book a session

Book an appointment or make an enquiry. We’ll get back to you within two business days.

Nearby areas we also support: Griffith & the MIA, Albury–Wodonga & surrounds, or see all areas we support.

Need help now? If you are in crisis or worried about your safety, call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14, any time of day or night.