Canberra Psychology Services: Extending care into the community

Helping people through difficult times has always been at the heart of Canberra Psychology Services. But over the past year, the Belconnen-based practice has also been finding new ways to support the community beyond the consulting room.

Led by clinical psychologist Dr Ellen McKenzie, Canberra Psychology Services is home to a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and allied health professionals, providing evidence-based care for children, adults, couples and families. Alongside welcoming new clinicians, the practice has expanded its services in the past year to include autism assessments, as well as couples and family therapy, allowing it to support even more Canberrans.

While continuing to grow the practice remains important, Ellen says another focus has become just as significant: finding meaningful ways Canberra Psychology Services can give back to the wider community.

Rather than limiting the practice’s impact to the consulting room, Ellen has spent the past year looking for meaningful ways Canberra Psychology Services can support organisations making a difference across the capital.

“In private practice, it’s easy to become a little isolated,” Ellen says. “You can lose those broader connections with the community sector, so we’ve been thinking about how we can practically link community organisations with private practice while also helping fund services that are making a real difference.”

That philosophy has seen Canberra Psychology Services contribute around 10% of the business’s revenue to local charities and community initiatives over the past year, an investment Ellen says is significant for a business of its size but one she has never questioned.

“It’s a big financial commitment for us as a small business,” she says. “But it’s something we’re incredibly proud to be able to do.”

One of the practice’s major partnerships has been with Roundabout Canberra, a charity that collects and redistributes essential baby and children’s items to families experiencing hardship.

Working alongside Parker Coles Curtis and Parbery, Canberra Psychology Services took part in Roundabout’s fundraising appeal, matching donations that ultimately helped raise $60,000 for the organisation.

For Ellen, however, it wasn’t the fundraising total that left the biggest impression.

After being invited to a thank-you morning tea, Ellen and two of her fellow psychologists were given a tour of Roundabout’s warehouse.

“There were these simple school packs sitting there with a brand-new backpack, a lunchbox and a drink bottle,” she recalls.

“The three of us were getting quite emotional because you realise what that means for a child who’s experiencing financial hardship.

“It’s something so many of us would take for granted, but for that child, being able to turn up to school with a new backpack gives them dignity. It really puts into perspective how much of a difference something quite small can make.”

Another organisation that has become especially close to Ellen’s heart is The WEST Project, a University of Canberra initiative supporting women who are survivors of domestic and family violence and sexual violence.

The program provides free supervised strength training sessions twice a week, helping participants rebuild confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and develop a strong sense of community with other women who have experienced similar challenges.

After learning about the program, Canberra Psychology Services committed to funding an additional group for an entire year, allowing another 12 women to take part.

“It’s honestly one of the things I’m most proud of in my professional career,” Ellen says. “The outcomes they’re seeing are incredible. It’s not just about exercise. It’s about community, confidence, recovery and giving these women another support network.”

While the practice’s charitable partnerships are helping people well beyond its own client base, Ellen says they’ve also had a profound effect on the team at Canberra Psychology Services.

“I get a lot of meaning from it,” she says.

“I feel like we’re able to have an impact on people’s lives that goes beyond the consulting room. That’s something we don’t often get to do in our work, and it feels really special.”

Outside the practice, Ellen has also volunteered her time as secretary of Canberra Women in Business, supporting an organisation dedicated to connecting, recognising and championing women across the ACT business community.

As Canberra Psychology Services continues to grow, Ellen hopes the practice will continue finding opportunities to support organisations creating positive change throughout Canberra.

“We’ll always be passionate about providing the best care we can for our clients,” she says. “But if we can also use our business to strengthen the community around us, then that’s something really worth doing.”

Supporting our community

If you’d like to learn more about the organisations featured in this story or support their work, visit:

Roundabout Canberra: Providing essential baby and children’s items to families experiencing hardship across the ACT and surrounding region. Website: roundaboutcanberra.org

The WEST Project: Delivering free strength-training programs that support the recovery and wellbeing of women who are survivors of domestic and family violence and sexual violence. Website: canberra.edu.au/future-students/support-at-uc/uc-thrive/the-west-project

Canberra Women in Business: Connecting, supporting and celebrating women in business through networking, mentoring and professional development opportunities, including its upcoming annual gala on Friday 23 October celebrating women making a difference in the Canberra community. Nominations for the 2026 Canberra Women in Business Awards are now open. Website: cwb.org.au

Back row (L-R) - Jessica Minchin, Sarah Godfrey, Saba Khan, Michelle Driscoll, Sarah Miller, Melissa Smith, Amy Rugendyke Front row (L-R) - Prakash KC, Kelly Arundel, Ellen McKenzie, Gilbert Mak — Back row (L-R) – Jessica Minchin, Sarah Godfrey, Saba Khan, Michelle Driscoll, Sarah Miller, Melissa Smith, Amy Rugendyke Front row (L-R) – Prakash KC, Kelly Arundel, Ellen McKenzie, Gilbert Mak

The Clinicians at CPS

Amy Rugendyke
Clinical Psychologist
Canberra Psychology ServicesSpecialties: Personality disorders, addiction, NDIS participants

Dr Gilbert Mak
Registered Psychologist
Mak Psychology
Specialties: Gender and neurodivergence, CALD/Migrant, chronic disease, EMDR

Jessica Minchin
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
JM Holistic Therapy
Specialties: Premature birth and NICU/SCN support, adolescents and young adults

Kelly Arundel
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
The Holding Nook
Specialties: Eating disorders, EMDR

Michelle Driscoll
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist
Specialties: Biodynamic craniosacral therapy, trauma, pain

Melissa Smith
Registered Counsellor
Ataraxis Counselling
Specialties: Grief and bereavement, palliative care, women’s health counselling, and vicarious trauma

Prakash KC
Clinical & Relationship Counsellor
Now Moksha
Specialties: Relationships, couples and family therapy

Saba Khan
Psychologist
Specialties: Assessments (ADHD, autism, cognitive and learning), therapy across the lifespan, NDIS support

Sarah Miller
Speech Pathologist
Good With Words Speech Pathology
Specialties: Early language, neurodiversity, AAC

Sarah Godfrey (maternity leave)
Psychologist
Specialties: Adolescents, EMDR, health psychology, and assessments

Myndie Bungbrakearti (maternity leave)
Clinical Psychologist
PsychReach
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, complex trauma, parenting