Welcome to
Damien Tuffano Psychology
Sutherland Shire

Damien Tuffano Psychology (DTP) offers expertise in managing mental health challenges in children, adolescents and young adults in the Sutherland Shire and St George region. With over 15 years experience, DTP will ensure a genuine, tailored approach using evidence based assessment and treatment methods.

My Approach

Not all psychologists are cut from the same cloth.

Genuine

It's not simply a matter of going through the motions. I care and am committed to use all the evidence based tools at my disposal to improve your mental health.

Individualised

Mental health is complex. Solely treating symptoms will not lead to lasting change. Rather than a cookie-cutter approach, I tailor my treatment plans to each individual and their unique set of circumstances.

Unique

Although mental health issues are sensitive in nature, that doesn't mean that the process and relationships that develop can't be enjoyable.

About

Damien Tuffano

About the Team

I am the Principal Clinical Psychologist at Damien Tuffano Psychology and have been working with young people and their families for over 15 years. Since completing a child and family placement as part of my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, I've discovered a passion for working with young people and their families

I offer an energetic and down to earth approach which ensures rapport and comfort develop quickly. My approach encourages engagement with clients, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and the use of evidence-based approaches.

I'm a keen sportsman and love many sports, basketball in particular. I enjoy my time outdoors, whether it be at the beach, oval or national park with my 3 young children.

I understand the challenges of juggling modern day life while trying to preserve our own and our children's mental health.

Image of Damien Tuffano Clinical Psychologist

Polly Havard

I am a registered psychologist with a keen interest in supporting young people towards achieving peak mental well-being. I believe good rapport is key to any successful therapeutic relationship and once established, rely on evidence-based treatments to address a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotion regulation challenges, school refusal, and parenting support.

I am also enthusiastic about psychometric testing including cognitive (IQ), academic, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive/ Impulsive (ADHD) Disorder assessments. I work hard to guide families and young people through the process from beginning to end so that they have a clear direction about what to do with their assessment outcomes.

In my spare time, you will catch me swimming off one of Cronulla’s beaches most weekends in summer, or in one of the local dog parks with my ball-obsessed Kelpie, Duke.

Treatment

Specialising in the Mental Health of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

Anxiety, OCD & Depression

Damien has experience using a variety of evidence based methods of assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions that impact the functioning of children, adolescents and young adults.

CBT and ACT are treatment modalities used by Damien to manage a variety of common mental health disorders.

ASD

Incorporating modified CBT approaches, social skills training and functional behaviour analyses to better understand the factors maintaining problematic behaviour , Damien Tuffano Psychology is able to provide effective intervention in managing challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Behavioural Challenges

Damien is experienced in providing intervention for behavioural challenges. Behavioural difficulties are often multifaceted and tend to be the combination of a variety of factors which are thoroughly investigated as part of treatment.

This allows us to identify the factors contributing to the challenges and provide intervention best suited to the difficulties which may incorporate individual sessions and/or parent sessions.

Parent Coaching

A critical component to effective behaviour management. Parent coaching consists of identifying challenges in current systems, improving consistency between parents, clarifying expectations within the family and implementing effective and sustainable reward systems, consequences and routines.

Life Stressors

In addition to diagnosing and treating common mental health disorders, Damien can also provide support for coping through other life stressors that occur in school environments such as HSC / exam stress and bullying.

Assessments

Damien Tuffano Psychology offers a variety of formal diagnostic assessments using gold standard psychometric assessment tools. This includes assessments that investigate Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., Dyslexia), Intellectual functioning (IQ) and ADHD.

Getting Started

To book your initial consultation contact us at info@dtpsych.com.au or use our Contact Us form. Alternatively, call 0468 770 542 to leave a message and your call will be returned.

The first session will provide a thorough investigation regarding your presenting concern as well as a detailed history. This will provide sufficient information to identify goals which will guide what assessments and / or treatment will be required.

Although a referral is not required for services to occur, it is strongly recommended as you may be eligible for a 'Mental Health Care Plan' which provides a Medicare rebate of $141.85 per session for a Clinical Psychologist and $96.65 per session for a Registered Psychologist for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. GPs, psychiatrists and paediatricians are able to provide 'Mental Health Care Plans'. Private health insurance may be used instead of a Medicare rebate depending on level of cover.

Clinical Psychologist fees are $240 for a 50-minute session. Registered Psychologist fees are $220 for a 50-minute session.

Please ensure that all forms have been completed and submitted prior to your initial session.

Service Explanation

Provides important information regarding the service delivery at Damien Tuffano Psychology including fees, cancellation policy and payment information.

Consent Form

This form must be completed prior to services being provided. It provides consent for Damien Tuffano Psychology to engage in psychological services and clarifies what professionals Damien Tuffano Psychology has permission to liaise with.