International Students
Studying in a foreign country, whether you're an international student in Australia or an Australian student studying abroad, can be an exhilarating experience. However, it also comes with unique challenges.
At Global Minds Psychology, we specialise in providing culturally sensitive, confidential, and stigma-free psychological services tailored to the needs of students navigating life far from home. Whether you’re dealing with academic stress, adjusting to a new culture, or exploring your identity, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our Services
Navigating life as an international student? We're here to support your mental well-being every step of the way. Global Minds Psychology—where your journey matters.
Counselling Services
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Melbourne-Based In-Person Counselling: If you're located in Melbourne, we offer in-person counselling sessions at our conveniently located office in Prahran, ensuring you have direct access to support when you need it most.
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Online Counselling: For Australian students studying abroad and international students across Australia, we provide online counselling, allowing you to access our services from the comfort of your home, dorm, or campus—wherever you are in the world.
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In-Person Sessions in Asia: We travel to various locations in Asia 5-7 times a year, offering in-person counselling during these visits. This flexibility allows both Australian and international students to continue receiving care when they return home during university breaks or after their studies.
Assessments and Reports
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Comprehensive Educational Assessments: We offer thorough educational and intelligence assessments to help you understand your cognitive strengths and areas for improvement or support, which can significantly impact your academic performance.
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Psychological Diagnostic Assessments: We provide psychological diagnostic assessments to identify and address mental health issues, helping you receive the appropriate care and support for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and more.
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Detailed Academic Reports: We can prepare detailed reports based on these assessments, which can be used to inform your academic journey, including applications for special considerations, extensions, or adjustments based on your cognitive profile and mental health challenges.
Support for Learning Needs
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Testing and Reporting: We provide comprehensive testing and reporting to identify your unique learning styles and needs, offering insights that can help you navigate your academic challenges more effectively.
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Letters of Support: We will work with you to prepare letters of support and complete documentation (where appropriate) that advocates for adaptations and support services tailored to your unique learning needs, aimed at enhancing your academic success. Please note, that this requires assessment that may cover several appointments prior to providing these.
Support for International LGBT Students
For those exploring their gender or sexual identity, especially in a new cultural context, we provide a safe and affirming space to navigate these journeys. We are sensitive to religious and spiritual backgrounds and understand that these, along with cultural backgrounds, can sometimes conflict with gender and sexuality identities. Awareness of these conflicts can often become more pronounced when studying abroad or living away from home, and we are here to support you through these challenges.
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While we generally work with adults aged 18+, we understand that some international LGBT students may require support earlier. In certain circumstances, we work with and support LGBT students aged 16+ who are living away from their parents, helping them navigate the unique challenges they may face abroad.
Why Choose Global Minds Psychology?
Benefits of Working with a Private Psychologist
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Ongoing, Personalised Care: University and community services are invaluable resources, often providing timely support for students. However, these services are typically brief and may focus primarily on academic-related issues. At Global Minds Psychology, we offer ongoing care that goes beyond the immediate academic concerns, addressing the broader spectrum of mental health and personal challenges you may face while studying abroad or far from home.
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Comprehensive Mental Health Support: With a private psychologist, you have the opportunity to explore a wide range of issues in-depth, including anxiety, depression, cultural adjustment, identity exploration, and more. This allows for a more holistic approach to your well-being, ensuring that all aspects of your life are considered and supported.
Address A Range of Mental Health Challenges
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Anxiety and Depression: We help you navigate feelings of anxiety and depression, providing strategies to manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
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Stress Management: University life can be stressful, especially when balancing academics with other responsibilities. We offer techniques to help you manage stress effectively.
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University-Related Mental Health Challenges: Academic pressure, performance anxiety, and the stress of balancing studies with personal life are common issues for students. We help you navigate these challenges, ensuring that you stay mentally healthy and resilient throughout your university experience.
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Alcohol and Substance Use Issues: We provide support for students struggling with alcohol and substance-related issues, helping you understand and manage these challenges in a healthy and constructive way.
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Trauma and PTSD: If you’ve experienced trauma, we provide trauma-informed care to help you process and heal from these experiences.
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Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming. We support you in navigating cultural identity, homesickness, and the challenges of integrating into a new environment, whether you're adjusting to life in Australia or abroad.
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Relationship Issues: Whether it’s family dynamics, friendships, or romantic relationships, we offer guidance in building and maintaining healthy, supportive connections.
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Eating and Body related Concerns: Support for managing and overcoming challenges related to disordered eating and body related concerns
Experienced and Culturally Sensitive Care
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Global Experience: Our lead psychologist, Brydan Xavier, has travelled extensively, studied abroad in Canada and Turkey, and lived and worked in the UK and Turkey. Additionally, Brydan served as an Australian immigration officer at the Australian High Commission in London, where he dealt with temporary holiday and student visas. Although he does not provide immigration advice or services, this experience gives him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by both international students in Australia and Australian students abroad.
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LGBT Community Insight: Brydan identifies with the LGBT community, bringing personal insight and empathy to his work with LGBT students.
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Cultural Competence: We strive to be culturally sensitive and competent, understanding the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our clients.
Inclusive & Affirming Environment
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Confidential and Private: Your privacy is our priority. We offer a confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly.
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Stigma-Free: Our practice is free from stigma and discrimination. We embrace diversity and work to create a welcoming environment for all clients.
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Culturally Inclusive: We are committed to inclusivity across all cultural backgrounds, understanding and respecting the diverse experiences and identities of our clients.
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Religion and Spirituality Sensitive: We are sensitive to religious and spiritual backgrounds, recognising the importance of these aspects in our clients' lives and ensuring our support is aligned with their beliefs and values.
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Gender and Sexuality Inclusive: We offer gender-affirming care, supporting individuals of all genders and sexual orientations.
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Neuro-Inclusive: We support neurodiverse individuals, offering tailored services for those with ADHD, ASD, and other neurodivergent conditions.
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Sex and Body Positive: We are sex-positive, body-positive, and inclusive of all identities. Whether you’re dealing with issues related to sexuality, body image, or relationships, we provide non-judgemental support.
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HIV and STI Friendly: Our practice is HIV and STI friendly, ensuring that clients feel safe and supported regardless of their health status.​
Getting Started
Booking an Appointment:
Ready to begin your journey towards better mental health? Book an appointment online or via email. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy student life.
Reduced Fee for International Students
We offer a 10% reduced fee for international students studying in Australia at an Australian university or TAFE, making our services more accessible to you.
Contact Us Today
Take the first step towards well-being with Global Minds Psychology. We’re here to support you throughout your time in Australia and beyond.
