Welcome to Nest Health Hub
Supporting children and families with a holistic approach.
Psychologists and Occupational Therapists
The Nest Health Hub is a unique service based in Kotara, NSW, created to bridge the gap between clinical psychology and occupational therapy intervention for children, adolescents, and adults.
Additionally, our experienced child psychologists developed personalised programs to foster resilience and confidence in growing children. Those programs are for parents looking for ways to maximise their child's cognitive potential and finding support for a wide range of challenges, including mental health, developmental, relational, and behavioral concerns.
Our Newcastle-based team of psychologists and occupational therapists are passionate about neuroscience-informed treatment. Our philosophy focuses on a deeper understanding of the brain to provide a pathway for every child, adult, and family to unlock their full potential.
The Nest Health Hub provides services across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW, which may be supported under Medicare, NDIS (self or plan-managed), private, or third-party cover for those eligible.
A nest: where young are kept safe and warm, or a place in which to live or rest.
A Holistic And Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Psychologist Newcastle
At our practice, we understand the importance of taking a personalised approach to each child and family's unique situation. With our clinical expertise in child and adolescent psychology, we strive to provide a caring and empathetic environment for all seeking our services.
We offer a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including play-based therapy, sensory-based interventions, neurofeedback, EMDR, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to address a range of mental health concerns. Our goal is to promote the mental health and well-being of children and families in Newcastle and beyond by addressing challenges such as anxiety disorders, childhood trauma, developmental delays, and difficulties with emotion regulation, attention, memory, and learning.
As child and adolescent psychologists, we understand the importance of building a strong connection with young people, and we take pride in our ability to help them create positive and lasting change in their lives. We are committed to helping your child develop resilience and capacity to reach their full potential and achieve their goals, both now and in the future.
Occupational Therapist Newcastle
At the Nest Health Hub, we believe in providing empathetic and people-centred occupational therapy for young people, including children and adolescents. Our experienced occupational therapists focus on supporting young people facing anxiety, trauma, behavioural difficulties, sleep difficulties, sensory processing, and more. Our aim is to help young people tackle daily life with greater confidence and ease.
We understand that mental health and behavioural difficulties can be incredibly daunting, particularly for young people dealing with significant life changes. Our occupational therapists take a compassionate approach, working closely with each young person to provide tailored support wherever needed.
If your child struggles with everyday tasks that their peers typically manage with ease, an occupational therapist may be able to help. This could be due to various reasons, including physical, emotional, or mental health issues, developmental delays, or intellectual disabilities. At the Nest Health Hub, we recognise that every young person is unique, and we work closely with our Nest psychologists to create a holistic approach to their health and well-being.
What Makes The Nest Unique?
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Neuroscience
Our team is passionate about using the latest research in neuroscience to create strategies that support young people's well-being. We believe that by taking a compassionate and aspirational approach, we can help every young person reach their full potential.
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Evidence Based
To work positively towards a care goal involves a commitment to methods that are well-understood, safe, and justifiable. That is why our care always involves evidence-based practices and solutions.
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Safety
Children must feel a sense of trust between themselves and their mental health therapist in both directions. That is why we are open and honest regarding our care and are dedicated to developing a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment.
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Transdisciplinary
Nest Health Hub offers children, teens and adults a unique opportunity for care with our collaborative framework involving psychology and occupational therapy – with the combination of therapies, we can help young people and their families to experience better outcomes.
Meet Our Psychologists And Occupational Therapists
Psychology and occupational therapy can each be beneficial forms of care that can support young people as they deal with various situations, changes, and conditions. Bringing these two therapies together and utilising a collaborative approach means that we can support children and families in a targeted and holistic manner to make the most out of our interaction.
Our psychologists, provisional psychologists, occupational therapists, and allied health assistants are dedicated and passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families as they navigate life.
A Unique Collaboration
The Nest Health Hub is a one-of-a-kind allied health service that focuses on providing targeted therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and adults facing mental health and behavioural difficulties. The result of a unique collaboration between two experienced professionals, Phil Bird (Psychologist) and Rhiannon Pilgrim (Occupational Therapist), this practice offers an innovative approach to mental health care.
Drawing on their extensive experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds, Phil and Rhiannon developed The Nest Health Hub to provide a collaborative service that optimises outcomes for children, families, and adults alike. Combining their knowledge and expertise has created a unique approach to mental health care that is available for families in Newcastle and beyond.
Phil Bird - Psychologist/Director
Phil is a child and adolescent psychologist with an extensive background working with a range of conditions and mental health challenges, such as complex developmental trauma, grief and loss, attachment difficulties, and dissociation.
Alongside providing therapy, Phil also offers trauma-informed workshops for allied health and education professionals, and trauma-informed supervision to various professionals and carers.
Rhiannon Pilgrim - Mental Health Occupational Therapist/Director
Rhiannon has dedicated her career to enabling children to work towards their goals and aspirations, no matter their challenges.
As a qualified OT, Rhiannon has extensive experience in working with children and adolescents who are dealing with challenges such as sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, developmental trauma, and anxiety, with a focus on sensory processing and play-based therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, you do not need a referral from a doctor to see us. However, one is required for financial support claims.
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If you or your child or adolescent is concerned about their mental health, their coping mechanisms, or the situations and events they have faced or are facing, seeing a psychologist could be beneficial to improve their well-being and safety. Psychologists are not only able to support children with a mental health condition or who are dealing with difficult circumstances. They can also provide all young people with strategies to better equip them for everyday life to get the most out of their opportunities.
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Occupational therapy can benefit children and adolescents with a wide range of challenges, including developmental delays, physical, emotional, or mental health issues, sensory processing difficulties, and more. If you notice that your child is struggling with everyday tasks that their peers are generally able to do, or if they seem to have difficulty regulating their emotions or behaviours, it may be time to consider seeing an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist in Newcastle can work closely with your child to develop personalised strategies and interventions to improve their ability to participate in daily activities and promote their overall well-being.
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The term ‘therapist’ is an umbrella term for a variety of health professionals and workers. Not every therapist is a qualified psychologist. Our psychologists in Newcastle offer solution-focused therapy and are registered with the Australian Psychological Society.
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Trauma-informed psychologists in Newcastle are experienced in assessing and treating trauma-induced mental health issues. This field requires a more in-depth understanding and knowledge of trauma to deliver care that is appropriate for children who have faced adversity and suffering. Read more about our approach on our trauma psychology page.
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Psychology care is financially supported for eligible people. Ensure you have a referral and consult your provider for clarification. Medicare, NDIS (self or plan-managed), private, and third-party funding may be options for you.
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Yes – we offer evidence-based treatments in both face-to-face and online therapy sessions in a warm and welcoming environment.
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Simply contact us to book your appointment – we look forward to welcoming you to The Nest.
The Nest Provides A Supportive Environment For Positive Change
Young people deserve and require the best opportunities possible to grow and develop into happy and productive adults. When they face challenges and difficulties, seeking support can be beneficial.
Visiting our dedicated and experienced team can bring a unique style of care to your child or adolescent, enabling them to work towards reaching their goals and gaining a better quality of life. Our friendly psychologists and occupational therapists look forward to meeting you and your child and assisting them in making positive strides.
Start Your Journey At The Nest Health Hub
By taking a compassionate and collaborative approach, The Nest Health Hub aims to empower individuals and families to achieve their full potential. Whether you are struggling with mental health or behavioural difficulties, or simply looking for support and guidance, this practice offers a safe and nurturing environment where you can access the care and resources you need to thrive.
Where To Visit Your Newcastle Psychology and Occupational Therapy Team
To access our unique service, please contact us for an initial consultation. We are located a short distance from Newcastle, conveniently located next to Kotara, NSW.
Level 1, Suite 22
10 Bradford Cl, Kotara, NSW, 2289
Hours
Monday–Friday
9am–5:30pm
Phone
(02) 4058 4151
Fax
(02) 4058 4152
We are located just 1 minute from Kotara Homemaker’s Centre and 3 minutes from Westfield, Kotara.