Lutheran Care’s vision of a building a more connected and healthy community, where no-one is left behind, has taken a significant step forward with the acquisition of Better Self Psychology, one of South Australia’s largest psychology practices. 

The Better Self team, led by clinical psychologist Tristan Duggan, now joins Lutheran Care with 18 skilled psychologists serving clients from two locations: Hutt Street in Adelaide’s CBD, and Anzac Highway in Plympton. 

Lutheran Care Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade shared his excitement about the acquisition, finalised this month, stating, “Better Self Psychology is a highly reputable and well-established practice. The addition brings significant benefits to our clients and communities, enabling a seamless and integrated care experience”.

“Clients only need to tell their story once, and if necessary, can be referred internally to psychology services,” Mr Feegrade said.

“This acquisition underscores Lutheran Care’s commitment to strategic growth focused on community needs and enabling better access to high-quality services that changes lives and strengthen the wellbeing of families, individuals, and the community. 

“It also aligns with our focus on early intervention strategies and support to improve long-term well-being for individuals and families alike. 

“And in particular, to clients and communities who may experience access and systemic barriers when in need of professional support. 

“In supporting access to better mental health and wellbeing strategies, we want to impact life paths positively by supporting mental health early, potentially reducing the need for crisis services down the line.”

While some of Lutheran Care programs are government funded, others, such as Emergency Relief and Crisis Support, rely on philanthropic and material donations and reinvestment from Lutheran Care’s fee for service revenue. 

“Offering compassionate therapeutic care such as Speech Pathology and psychology services alongside our growing pay-for-service disability branch, Elcies, aligns with our mission to walk alongside people to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential, while also creating a sustainable financial model that we can reinvest into underfunded crisis and community programs as well as pro bono services,” Mr Feegrade said. 

According to Mr Feegrade, strengthened mental health services can also assist with critical support to clients within Lutheran Care’s specialist trauma and family and domestic violence counselling services, Foster Care and parenting programs.

Better Self Psychology was founded by clinical psychologist Tristan Duggan as a two-person practice in 2019. Originally focusing on supporting youth, over the past five years the practice has grown very quickly and now supports clients across the full age range. 

The practice can provide a range of services and supports to assess, diagnose and assist with a range of mental health concerns and disorders. As well as providing clinical support, the practice is community minded, prioritising initiatives such as donating emergency meals to someone in need for every appointment attended, supporting homelessness initiatives, and hosting a safe environment for teenagers to connect both online and in person. 

A State Finalist in the 2022 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Mr Duggan is quick to credit his team for the solid reputation and the full scope of practice it has built. 

“Everyone says they are client first, but our team always looks for little ways to show it, and not say it,” Mr Duggan said.

“We recruit people who are genuinely interested in their clients. 

“We congratulate clients on the wins.” 

Mr Duggin praised the compassionate, people-focused approach at Lutheran Care and was confident that joining with Lutheran Care was the right way to take the business to the next level; “to improve on what we’ve built and take it to a better place”. 

“I am comfortable that this is the organisation that will look after the team,” Mr Duggan said. 

Better Self Psychology complements Lutheran Care’s existing allied health and disability services, including Speech Pathology and Positive Behavior Support. 

“The addition of Better Self Psychology signals a continued commitment to quality and accessible human services for all, setting a solid foundation for Lutheran Care’s future growth and impact,” Mr Feegrade added. 

“We are excited about integrating and working with the Better Self team, and how our entire allied health team and all of our clients can benefit from the processes, practices and experience they bring.” 

For more information about Better Self Psychology, visit https://www.betterself.com.au/ 

To find out about Elcies Allied Health & Disability services, please see: https://www.elcies.org.au/