Athelas Psychiatry
Dr Megan Richardson
BAppSci MBBS FRANZCP Cert C&A Psychiatry
Dr Megan Richardson is an experienced Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who works with ​young people and their families and supports them as they move from ​childhood into early adulthood.
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Dr Richardson specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders, OCD, ADHD and the formal diagnosis and ongoing support of patients with autistic neurotypes. She also offers supervision for other professionals in this area. She has worked in psychiatry for over 13 years.
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She is an experienced prescriber in children, adolescents and young adults, and is also able to rationalise and reduce medication regimes when needed and appropriate.
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She is a psychotherapist for child and adult patients and has undertaken training in multiple therapy modalities, including ACT, CBT and DBT and in general psychiatric reviews, utilises a supportive approach. She has completed training specific to Schema Therapy for Adults and Child & Adolescent Patients and is actively undertaking official training in Internal Family Systems therapy, focusing on these for patients involved in regular therapy.
Having been in private practice since becoming a Consultant Psychiatrist last decade, she ​feels strongly about providing quality treatment to patients and supporting ​their families.
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She also believes in the value of specialist psychiatric care, with ongoing professional development, as this is the best way to ensure patients and their families are given quality care.
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Dr Richardson provides longitudinal care to child and adolescent patients and when needed, she can help the young person transition to the care of an Adult Psychiatrist with admitting rights, ​particularly if she recommends that they have greater access to inpatient facilities.
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If the patient needs admission to hospital or referral to a day program, she can help co-ordinate care and refer for admissions to accepting psychiatrists. However, she does not work as an admitting psychiatrist, preferring to focus on clinic work.
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While she provides clinical care, she does not offer independent medical ​assessments for court.
Education
2001
BAppSci (Medical Imaging)
QUT
After graduating from QUT, I worked as a radiographer in private clinics, RBWH and TPCH both prior to and during medical school.
2010
MBBS
UQ
I studied Medicine at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. During this time, I studied a broad range of medical disciplines (like all medical students) and qualified for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
2019
FRANZCP
Cert C&A Psychiatry
RANZCP
After completing general medical training and working in psychiatry from 2012, I was awarded fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry in 2019. I was also awarded the Certificate of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry after completing sub-specialist training in child and adolescent psychiatry.
I believe that these intense years of training are necessary and for the benefit of patients and their families.
Ongoing studies
As it is vitally important to remain up-to-date on current clinical progress and refine my skills in order to provide the best support for my patients, I have completed additional training in the assessment and treatment of neurodivergence (including MIGDAS-2 training), attend conferences for updates and further study, attend regular study meetings with colleagues of various psychiatric disciplines and continue to attend one-on-one training and courses focused on the psychotherapies, including ACT and more dynamic therapies. Most recently I have completed Levels 1 and 2 in Schema Therapy training and Level 1 in Schema Therapy training (Live Accreditation Training) for Children & Adolescents, and am undertaking official training in Internal Family Systems Therapy.
What Are My Special Interests?
Mood Disorders
I offer ongoing assessment and support for mood and trauma disorders including therapy, lifestyle support and (where needed) medication.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
I help treat OCD and support those struggling with it, providing effective therapy, medication, and support.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
I provide comprehensive assessment and support for individuals with ADHD alongside supportive treatment and help with co-occurring conditions.
Autism
I am passionate about the identification of the autistic neurotype, particularly in people who have spent their lives trying to fit in and not knowing why it was so hard.
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I am pleased to offer guidance and therapy services for individuals with autism. I aim to support overall development, boost confidence, and assist autistic individuals and their families in navigating life while prioritising their needs.
Additionally, I am equipped to identify and confirm autism for our patients and can also refer for additional and targeted assessment (e.g. OT, Speech Pathology or Psychology) if needed.
Therapeutic Interventions
All therapypatients are seen for 50 minute appointments. Regular review appointments are also supportive and may include supportive therapy, practical advice about life difficulties and resources and non-medication ideas, more intensive reflective therapy or just planning ahead between now and the next appointment.
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I can provide parent support through parent appointments (Medicare provides this option for qualified psychiatrists) to help the family and the young person. No young person exists in a vacuum. To help the young person, sometimes parents need extra time.
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I also provide individual therapy as an intentional focus, either for the your entire time as a patient, or for a block of work during long-term treatment.
Our
Location
Athelas Psychiatry is located within The Work Well at 108 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, in a dedicated room with a lovely view.
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There are some amazing coffee places nearby so please arrive early, grab a cup and have a peaceful moment to yourself prior to your appointment.
There is parking behind the building and free street parking on the surrounding suburban streets. There is also parking at the Woolworths across the road if you are also a customer during that visit. If you arrive at a time of day when the cafes start to get busy, please allow 5 to 10 minutes to walk.
If you need non-stair access, please let me know as there can be access at the top of the building.
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