Focused Psychological Strategies on the Northern Beaches
Practical, GP-led mental health support, Medicare-rebated
GP-Led Mental Health Support in Mona Vale
Struggling with your mental health is such a common scenario. You are not alone and help and support is always available. Sometimes you might not find a psychologist who is the right fit for you, or you would prefer to speak to your GP.
Dr Staś has completed additional accredited training in mental health skills which allows him to offer Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS) as a GP. These sessions are Medicare-rebated.
FPS are practical therapies that help people:
Understand how thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical sensations interact
Learn coping skills to manage symptoms
Make manageable changes to behaviour and thinking
Common conditions treated:
Depression
Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Stress and Adjustment Issues
Grief and Loss
Insomnia and sleep disturbance
Our Focused Psychological Strategies
Common Focused Psychological Strategies include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Behavioural Strategies
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
CBT is a practical, evidence-based approach that helps people understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing healthier ways to respond to stress, anxiety, low mood, and everyday challenges. CBT is goal-oriented and designed to provide practical strategies that can be used in daily life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
These strategies help patients better manage the physical and emotional effects of stress. Techniques may include breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxation training, grounding strategies, and ways to improve work-life balance and sleep. The goal is to reduce stress levels, improve coping, and support overall wellbeing.
Behavioural Strategies
Behavioural strategies focus on building healthy habits and making small, achievable changes that can improve mental wellbeing over time. This may include improving routines, increasing physical activity, re-engaging in enjoyable activities, improving sleep habits, or reducing avoidance behaviours. The aim is to help patients feel more motivated, confident, and in control.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is a structured therapy approach that focuses on relationships, communication, and life changes that may affect mental health. It helps patients improve communication skills, manage conflict, adjust to major life events, and strengthen support networks. IPT can be particularly helpful for stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, and relationship difficulties.
Meet Our Caring and Experienced GPs
Dr Staś Ulaszyn (BBehSc(Psych), LLB(Hons), MBBS, FRACGP) has a special interest in Focused Psychological Strategies and men’s mental health. His background in behavioural science and psychology, combined with additional accredited training in mental health skills, allows him to offer practical, evidence-based mental health support as a GP.
Dr Staś takes a collaborative, solution-focused approach, working with you to understand what’s going on and develop strategies that actually help in day-to-day life. Because your GP can see the bigger picture, he can also consider how sleep, stress, physical health and lifestyle all connect to how you’re feeling.
Having grown up on the Northern Beaches, Dr Staś is proud to support the local community with approachable, confidential mental health care close to home.
Why Mona Vale Patients Choose Us for Mental Health Support
GP-led Focused Psychological Strategies, delivered by a doctor with additional accredited mental health training
Private and confidential, just like any other medical appointment
Medicare-rebated sessions for eligible patients with a Mental Health Care Plan
Whole-person care that considers both your physical and mental health
A practical, solution-focused approach, talk as much or as little as you feel comfortable with
Telehealth appointments available depending on eligibility and availability
FAQs
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Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS) are practical, evidence-based mental health support sessions provided by a qualified GP with additional mental health training.
These sessions can help people manage stress, anxiety, burnout, low mood, sleep issues, anger and life pressures in a supportive and confidential setting.
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Yes. Dr Stas has a particular interest in men’s mental health and understands that men can sometimes find it difficult to seek help or talk openly about mental health concerns. Men may seek FPS support for stress and burnout, work or financial pressures, anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, anger or irritability, relationship or family stress, adjusting to fatherhood, grief or other major life changes.
You don’t need to be experiencing a crisis to seek support. Some men book because they’ve noticed they’re more stressed than usual, constantly flat or exhausted, snapping at others, struggling to switch off or no longer enjoying things they usually would.
Dr Stas provides a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where you can discuss concerns at your own pace, with a practical focus on strategies that can help in day-to-day life. Getting support early can help men better manage stress, improve relationships and sleep, function better at work, and feel more like themselves again.
For many men, speaking with a GP can also feel more approachable and familiar than traditional counselling.
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A GP can look at the bigger picture, both physical and mental health.
Sometimes stress, poor sleep, fatigue, chronic pain, or health concerns can all be connected. Seeing a GP with FPS training means you can receive practical mental health support from someone who understands your overall wellbeing.
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No.
You do not need to hit a crisis point before getting support. In fact, early support is often one of the best ways to prevent things from becoming harder to manage later on.
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Yes.
FPS consultations are private and confidential, just like any other medical appointment.
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Sessions are relaxed, practical conversations focused on helping you feel more in control and better equipped to handle challenges.
Together, you and your GP may work on:
stress management strategies
improving sleep
managing anxious thoughts
building healthier routines
communication and relationships
coping techniques for difficult situations
The focus is on achievable, realistic steps.
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Not at all.
Seeking support is a proactive step toward looking after your health, no different from addressing a physical injury or medical condition.
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Your GP can discuss whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, which may provide Medicare rebates for FPS sessions.
If you are unsure, our team can help guide you through the process.
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This varies from person to person. Some people benefit from only a few sessions, while others may prefer ongoing support over a longer period.
Your GP will work with you to create a plan that suits your needs.
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Depending on eligibility and availability, telehealth appointments may be offered. Please contact the clinic to discuss the best option for you.
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Booking an appointment is the first step.
You do not need to have everything figured out before coming in.
Support is available, and you do not have to manage everything on your own.
