Therapy services

Anxiety & Mood Therapy — Sunshine Coast

Evidence-based support for anxiety and depression in children, teens and adults. Practical, compassionate therapy that makes a real difference in everyday life — in person in Maroochydore or via Telehealth.

Anxiety and low mood are two of the most common reasons people seek psychological support — and they often travel together. At Neighbourhood Psychology, we provide evidence-based therapy for the full range of anxiety presentations and mood difficulties, tailored to each individual's age, circumstances and goals.

Whether you're dealing with constant worry that won't switch off, panic attacks, a persistent low mood that's flattened your interest in life, or a mix of all of the above — this page is for you.


Who this helps: Children, teenagers and adults experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, low mood, or depression. Sessions are available in-person in Maroochydore and via Telehealth Australia-wide. Medicare rebates apply with a valid Mental Health Care Plan. No referral is required to make an enquiry.

Anxiety

Anxiety therapy Sunshine Coast — Neighbourhood Psychology

Anxiety is a normal human response — but when it becomes persistent, intense or starts interfering with daily life, it's worth getting support. Anxiety can show up in many different ways, and what helps one person may look quite different for another.

Common anxiety presentations we work with

  • Generalised anxiety — persistent worry across multiple areas of life (health, work, family, the future)
  • Panic disorder — recurring panic attacks and fear of further episodes
  • Social anxiety — significant fear or avoidance of social situations or performance settings
  • Specific phobias — intense fear responses to particular objects, situations or experiences
  • Health anxiety — preoccupation with illness or physical symptoms
  • Separation anxiety — particularly common in children, but can occur in adults too
  • School refusal and avoidance — anxiety-driven difficulty attending or engaging with school

Signs anxiety may be affecting daily life

  • Excessive worry or overthinking that's hard to control
  • Feeling constantly on edge or unable to relax
  • Panic attacks or sudden intense fear
  • Avoiding situations, places or people
  • Sleep difficulties — trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea or muscle tension
  • Irritability or emotional overwhelm

Depression & low mood

Depression and low mood therapy Sunshine Coast — Neighbourhood Psychology

Depression is more than feeling sad. It can show up as a persistent flatness, a loss of interest in things that used to matter, difficulty getting through the day, or a sense of being disconnected from yourself and the people around you. It affects people differently — and it often goes unrecognised for longer than it should.

Common mood presentations we work with

  • Depression — persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
  • Grief and loss — navigating bereavement, relationship breakdown, or other significant losses
  • Postnatal mood difficulties — low mood or anxiety following the birth of a child
  • Adjustment difficulties — struggling to cope following a significant life change or stressor
  • Low self-esteem and self-worth — longstanding patterns of self-criticism, shame or feeling not good enough

Signs depression may be affecting daily life

  • Persistent low or empty mood most of the day
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Fatigue or low energy, even without physical exertion
  • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering things
  • Changes in sleep — sleeping too much or too little
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Withdrawing from friends, family or activities
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness

Our approach

We use evidence-based approaches tailored to the individual. Depending on what you're dealing with, this might include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that maintain anxiety or low mood
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — building psychological flexibility, values-based living and a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings
  • Exposure-based therapy — gradually and safely building confidence in avoided situations (highly effective for anxiety)
  • Behavioural activation — a practical, evidence-based approach to lifting mood by re-engaging with meaningful activity
  • Mindfulness-based approaches — developing present-moment awareness and reducing the grip of rumination and worry
  • Emotional regulation strategies — practical tools for managing difficult feelings day to day
  • Parent support and guidance — where appropriate, helping families understand what's happening and how to support progress at home

Working with children and teens

Anxiety and low mood look different in young people — and they don't always have the words for what's going on. What shows up as irritability, school avoidance, withdrawal, or "difficult" behaviour is often a young person struggling to manage something they don't yet have the tools for. We work in an age-appropriate, engaging way that meets kids where they are, while keeping parents informed and involved throughout.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between anxiety and depression?

Anxiety tends to involve excessive fear, worry or avoidance — often focused on future threats or uncertainty. Depression tends to involve persistent low mood, loss of interest or motivation, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. The two often occur together, and effective treatment addresses both. A thorough initial assessment helps clarify the picture and guides the approach.

Is anxiety common in children and adolescents?

Yes — anxiety is one of the most common presentations in children and adolescents. It can significantly affect learning, friendships, sleep and emotional wellbeing. The good news is that evidence-based therapy is highly effective for most anxiety presentations in young people.

Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Yes. Anxiety can contribute to headaches, nausea, muscle tension, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are real and can be very distressing — and they are also very treatable with the right support.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to book an appointment. However, if you wish to access Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan, a GP referral is needed. We can help you understand this process.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on the individual, the nature and severity of the concern, and your goals. We'll discuss a realistic plan from the outset and check in regularly on progress. Most people notice meaningful improvement within 6–12 sessions, though this varies.

Anxiety and depression are treatable. You don't have to manage alone.

With the right support, most people see real and lasting improvement. Reach out to find out whether we're the right fit.