Melissa Freestun graduated from James Cook University. She has a Masters in Clinical Leadership (University of Tasmania) and Masters in Suicidology (Griffith University). Melissa also has postgraduate degrees in Psychology and Child Protection Practice. She has been a practising Psychologist in Townsville for over 10 years.

Melissa’s clinical interest areas include:

• Perinatal work and birth trauma

• Children

• Parenting

• Adolescents

• Women’s health

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD

• Trauma (simple and complex)

• Suicidality

• Work stress and peer conflict

• Coaching

• Cognitive and functional assessments

• ASD assessments

• ADHD assessments

• NDIS assessments

During her time as Assistant Director (Queensland) with the National Disability Insurance Agency, she gained an in-depth working knowledge of the NDIS and awareness of the challenges of access for many clients.

As Executive Director of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, she oversaw the commissioning and delivery of primary health services across Northern Queensland.

Melissa has previously held local, state and national roles in the following organisations: ACT for Kids, Department of Education and Training, headspace, Lifeline Community Care and Department of Communities (Child Safety Services), and has worked in private practice since 2009.

In addition to providing therapy, Melissa also offers clinical supervision for psychologists and mental health, child protection and healthcare providers.