Rooted in strengths. Tending toward light.
You don't need to have it all figured out to reach out.
Whether you're navigating a health crisis, feeling unseen by the systems meant to support you, or simply carrying more than you can hold alone — you deserve support that meets you exactly where you are.
Get in Touch

Welcome to Lomatia Social Work
We are a telehealth social work practice based in Tasmania, offering psychosocial support, therapeutic conversations, and case management to people across Australia.Our practice is built on one core belief: that you are the expert in your own life. Our role is to walk alongside you — not to fix, prescribe, or judge — but to listen deeply, advocate fiercely, and help you build on the strengths you already carry.You are welcome here, exactly as you are.WHO WE SUPPORT🌿 Chronic illness, disability & complex medical journeys
🌿 Mental health & trauma
🌿 Grief & bereavement
🌿 LGBTQIA+ individuals & families
🌿 Indigenous & culturally diverse communities
🌿 Older adults & aged care
🌿 AuDHD & neurodivergent adults
🌿 Parents navigating complex health challenges
🌿 NDIS participants (coming soon)WHY TELEHEALTH
Support from wherever you are
All of our sessions are delivered via telehealth — secure video or phone — meaning you can access support from the comfort of your own home, without the barriers of travel, waiting rooms, or geography.
Whether you're in regional Tasmania, interstate, or simply prefer the ease of connecting from your own space — we are here.Ready to take the first step?
Reaching out is often the hardest part. We keep our process as simple and low-pressure as possible — send us a message and we'll get back to you within two business days.

About

Hi, I'm Mel — a social worker, advocate, and the person behind Lomatia Social Work.
I founded Lomatia because I believe there is a gap between the support people deserve and the support they can actually access. Too many people fall through the cracks of a system that wasn't designed with them in mind — people who are too complex for a standard six-session plan, too exhausted by illness to navigate bureaucracy alone, too often made to feel like their needs are inconvenient. Lomatia exists for those people.MY APPROACH
I work from a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive framework — which in plain language means this: I don't see you as a problem to be solved. I see you as a whole person with your own wisdom, resilience, and capacity for growth, who might simply need someone in their corner right now.
I won't tell you how to feel or what to do. I'll listen — really listen — ask questions that help you find your own clarity, advocate alongside you when systems feel impossible, and celebrate the small wins that often go unnoticed.
Recovery, in my view, isn't a destination. It's a direction. And it looks different for every single person.MY BACKGROUND
I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Tasmania (2025) and a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Central Queensland University, where I graduated with Distinction. I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
My field placement experience spans over 1,000 hours across three distinct settings — community mental health, residential aged care, and child and family welfare — giving me a broad and grounded foundation across the lifespan and across complex systems.
Before and alongside my formal training, I have lived experience of navigating chronic illness, disability, and the particular exhaustion of managing medical complexity alongside everyday life. I know what it feels like to need support and struggle to find something that fits. That experience doesn't make me your therapist — it makes me someone who genuinely understands, and who won't ask you to explain yourself from scratch.
I also bring a background in art and photography to my practice — a creative lens that shapes the way I see people and tell their stories. Beauty and potential exist in every situation, even the hardest ones. Sometimes it just takes a different kind of looking.WHY LOMATIA?
Lomatia tasmanica is one of Tasmania's most remarkable native plants — ancient, resilient, and found nowhere else on Earth. It has survived for over 43,000 years not by being unchanging, but by quietly regenerating, tending toward light, and enduring.
That feels like the right metaphor for this work. For the people who keep going despite everything. For the slow, quiet, real kind of recovery that doesn't make headlines but changes lives.
Rooted in strengths. Tending toward light.MEMBERSHIPS & TRAININGAustralian Association of Social Workers (AASW) — Member
HoNOS (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales) trained
Trauma-Informed Practice
Cultural Competency — including Indigenous communities
Dementia Care
Evidence-Based Practice for Borderline Personality Disorder
Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)A NOTE ON LIVED EXPERIENCE
At Lomatia, lived experience is not a footnote — it is part of our foundation. We understand from the inside what it means to navigate illness, difference, and systems that don't always make space for complexity. This understanding informs every aspect of how we work, and it means you will never have to perform wellness or minimise your experience to be heard here.

Services

Our Services

Not sure where to start? That's okay — most people aren't. Get in touch and we'll figure it out together.

Sometimes life becomes too heavy to carry alone. Whether you're navigating mental health challenges, processing difficult experiences, managing the emotional weight of illness or disability, or simply feeling stuck — this is a space to be heard without judgement.

Sessions are collaborative, strengths-based, and paced entirely by you. We draw on trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches tailored to your individual needs and goals.

This service may suit you if you are living with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic illness, disability, or navigating a significant life transition.

Navigating health systems, government services, NDIS, Centrelink, housing, or aged care can feel like a full-time job — especially when you're already dealing with so much. We can help.

We work alongside you to understand your needs, identify the right services and supports, coordinate care across providers, write supporting letters, and advocate on your behalf when systems feel impossible to move.

This service may suit you if you feel overwhelmed by paperwork and systems, are unsure what supports you're entitled to, or need someone in your corner to help things actually happen.

Living with chronic illness — or caring for someone who does — is an experience that touches every part of life. The grief of a diagnosis, the exhaustion of appointments, the complexity of explaining yourself over and over, the way illness reshapes identity, relationships, and plans for the future.

This is support that understands all of that, without needing it explained from scratch.

We also work with families navigating genetic conditions, rare diseases, and the particular challenge of managing medical complexity alongside work, parenting, and everyday life.

This service may suit you if you are living with chronic illness, disability, or a complex medical diagnosis, or if you are a parent or carer supporting someone who is.

Grief doesn't follow a timeline or a checklist. It is not something to be fixed or moved through quickly — it is something to be witnessed, held, and gradually integrated into a life that keeps going.

We offer a gentle, non-prescriptive space to grieve in whatever way feels true for you — whether your loss is recent or long-carried, whether it is the death of a person, a relationship, a diagnosis, a future you had imagined, or a version of yourself.

This service may suit you if you are experiencing grief or loss of any kind and would like support that moves at your pace.

We offer an explicitly affirming, knowledgeable, and judgement-free space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. You will not need to educate us on your identity or experience — you can simply bring what you're carrying and be met with genuine understanding.

Support may include navigating identity, family relationships, community, mental health, discrimination, or any of the ordinary and extraordinary challenges of life.

This service is open to LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages and their family members.

We are committed to culturally safe, responsive practice for Indigenous Australians and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

We understand that mainstream services don't always feel safe, relevant, or accessible — and that culture, community, and identity are not separate from wellbeing, but central to it. We work within your cultural framework, not outside it.

We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Growing older brings its own particular joys and its own particular challenges — changing health, shifting independence, loss of peers and partners, navigating aged care systems, and questions about what comes next.

We offer psychosocial support, advance care planning conversations, and practical assistance navigating aged care services for older adults and their families.

This service may suit older adults, their family members, or carers navigating the aged care system.

Parenting is demanding under any circumstances. Parenting while managing your own chronic illness, neurodivergence, mental health challenges, or disability — while also advocating for children who may have their own complex needs — is an extraordinary undertaking that rarely gets the recognition it deserves.

This is a space specifically for parents who are doing an incredibly hard job, often invisibly, and who deserve support that sees the full picture.

This service may suit parents living with AuDHD, chronic illness, mental health challenges, or disability.

Not sure which service is right for you?

Many clients find their needs span more than one area — and that's completely fine. We work holistically, and your support can evolve as your needs do. Get in touch and we'll have a brief, no-obligation conversation about what might suit you best.
Lomatia Social Work is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000.

Fees

OUR APPROACH TO FEESWe believe that financial barriers should never be the reason someone can't access support. At Lomatia Social Work, we are committed to keeping our services as accessible as possible — which is why we offer concession fees. All you need to do is tell us you have a current healthcare card or pension card when booking your initial appointment, and you will be charged a concession rate.MEDICARE & PRIVATE HEALTH
Please note that Lomatia Social Work is not a Medicare provider. Sessions cannot be claimed through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or Medicare rebate.
Private health fund rebates may be available depending on your fund and level of cover — we recommend checking directly with your provider. We are happy to provide receipts and documentation to support any claim you wish to make.NDIS
We currently welcome NDIS participants who are self-managed or plan-managed. Sessions can be billed directly to your NDIS plan under the relevant support category.
If you are agency-managed, please get in touch to discuss options — we are working toward broader NDIS access in the future.
NDIS rates are set in accordance with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.PAYMENTS
We accept payment via:
Direct bank transfer
Credit or debit card via StripePayment is due at the time of your session. Invoices and receipts are issued automatically for every session — suitable for NDIS, private health, and personal records.CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand that life — especially life with chronic illness, neurodivergence, or complex caring responsibilities — is unpredictable. We approach cancellations with flexibility and compassion.
We ask that you give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee of up to 50% of the session fee. We will always consider individual circumstances.ANY QUESTIONS?
If you're unsure about fees, payment options, or whether Lomatia Social Work is the right fit for you, please reach out — there's no obligation and no pressure.
Get in Touch

Session FeesFull FeeConcession
Initial Consultation (60 Minutes)$130$80
Initial Consultation (90 Minutes)$180$110
Individual Session (50 Minutes)$120$70
Brief Check-in (30 Minutes)*$65$40
Case Management/Service Coordination (Per Hour)$120$80

*Existing clients only

Session PackagesFull PriceSavingsConcession
5-Session Package$530Saving $70$320
10-Session Package$990Saving $210$580

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch — we're happy to help.

Getting Started

Telehealth simply means we meet online rather than in person — via secure video call or phone, from wherever you are most comfortable. There's no waiting room, no travel, and no need to be anywhere other than a quiet space where you feel at ease.

All of our sessions are delivered through a secure, encrypted platform in line with Australian privacy requirements. You'll receive a link before your session — just click it at your appointment time and we're connected.

Not much! You'll need:

  • A device with a camera and microphone — a smartphone, tablet, or laptop all work well
  • A stable internet connection
  • A reasonably private space where you feel comfortable talking

If video isn't possible on a given day, phone sessions are always available as an alternative — just let us know.

The first session is relaxed and low-pressure. There's no set script or formal assessment process — it's really just a chance to get to know each other.

We'll talk about what's brought you here, what you're hoping support might look like, and any questions you have about how we work. We'll also cover some practical information about privacy, consent, and what to expect going forward.

You don't need to prepare anything or have it all figured out before you arrive. Showing up is enough.

The best way to find out is simply to reach out. We offer a brief, no-obligation phone or email conversation before you book your first session — just so you can get a feel for whether this feels right.

A good fit matters. If after connecting we feel that a different type of support might serve you better, we'll always say so honestly and help point you in the right direction. We'd rather you find the right support than the wrong support quickly.

That's completely okay — most people aren't sure, and you don't need to figure it out before reaching out. Just send us a message with a brief description of what's going on for you, and we'll suggest what might suit your situation best.

Many clients find their needs span more than one area, and that's absolutely fine — we work holistically and your support can evolve over time.

No referral is needed to book an appointment. You can contact us directly at any time — no Mental Health Care Plan, no paperwork required before your first session.

If you have a GP or other health professional you'd like us to communicate with as part of your care, we're very happy to do that with your consent — but it's never a requirement.

About Social Work

A social worker is a qualified health professional trained to support people's wellbeing across all areas of life — emotional, practical, social, and systemic. Social workers take a whole-person approach, meaning we consider not just how you're feeling, but the circumstances, systems, and relationships that shape your life.

The key differences are:

A psychologist holds a psychology degree and AHPRA registration, and can provide formal psychological assessment and diagnosis. They are Medicare-registered providers.

A counsellor provides talk-based support, but in Australia the title is currently unregulated — meaning anyone can technically use it regardless of training.

A social worker holds an accredited social work degree, and members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) are bound by a professional code of ethics and practice standards. Social work sits at the intersection of emotional support and practical advocacy — we can help you process difficult experiences and navigate the systems affecting your life.

Lomatia Social Work is not a Medicare provider, which means sessions cannot be claimed through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or Medicare rebate.

This does not mean social work support is less valuable — it simply means we operate outside the Medicare system. Many people prefer this, as it means there is no formal diagnosis required, no paperwork to navigate, and no limit on the number of sessions you can access.

Private health fund rebates may be available depending on your level of cover — we recommend checking directly with your provider. We are happy to provide receipts and documentation to support any claim.

We are unable to create or accept Mental Health Care Plans — these are issued by GPs and accepted by Medicare-registered providers such as psychologists.

If you are interested in accessing Medicare-rebatable mental health support, speak with your GP about your options. We are happy to work alongside a GP or psychologist as part of your broader support network.

Yes — everything you share in sessions is confidential. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions where we may be required to share information, including if there is an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of others, or if we are required to do so by law.

We will always discuss confidentiality with you in the first session so you know exactly where you stand.

NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government programme that provides funding to people living with permanent and significant disability, to help them access the supports they need to live a good life.

Social workers are recognised NDIS support providers. If you have NDIS funding, you may be able to use it to access our services — including individual support sessions, case management, and service coordination — without paying out of pocket.

It depends on how your NDIS plan is managed. There are three types of plan management:

Self-managed — you manage your own NDIS funds. You can engage any provider you choose, including us. You pay for sessions directly and then claim the cost back from the NDIA yourself. This is the simplest option for working with us.

Plan-managed — a plan manager handles your funds on your behalf. You can still see us — we simply invoice your plan manager directly rather than you. No out-of-pocket cost for you.

Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) — the NDIA manages your funds directly. At this stage Lomatia Social Work is not a registered NDIS provider, which means we are unable to directly bill agency-managed plans. Please get in touch to discuss your options — we are working toward broader NDIS access in the future.

Social work supports typically fall under the Improved Daily Living (Category 7) or Support Coordination funding categories in an NDIS plan. If you're not sure what's in your plan, check your plan document or contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or plan manager — they can tell you what categories you have funding in and whether social work is covered.

If you'd like help understanding your plan or figuring

Contact

We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're ready to book, want to ask a question first, or just want to get a feel for whether Lomatia Social Work might be the right fit — reaching out is the first step, and there's no pressure or obligation attached to it.
We aim to respond to all enquiries within two business days.

Other ways to reach us:
📧 [email protected]
📍 Telehealth — serving clients across Australia
🌐 lomatia.com.au
Social Media buttons are at the bottom of this pageNot ready to reach out yet?
That's okay too. Have a look around, take your time, and come back when it feels right. We'll be here.Please note: Lomatia Social Work is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000.

Privacy Policy

Lomatia Social Work — how we collect, use, and protect your information

Last updated: April 2026

Our commitment to your privacy

Lomatia Social Work is committed to protecting your personal information and handling it with care, transparency, and respect. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights in relation to it.

We comply with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

What information we collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Your name and contact details (email address, phone number)
  • Information you share in sessions, including health and wellbeing information
  • Appointment and billing records
  • Information provided through our website contact form
  • Any other information you choose to share with us

We only collect information that is necessary to provide our services to you.

How we collect your information

We collect personal information in the following ways:

  • Directly from you — through our website contact form, email, or during sessions
  • Through Halaxy, our secure practice management platform, which collects intake and booking information
  • Through telephone or video call sessions

How we use your information

Your personal information is used to:

  • Provide social work support and case management services
  • Communicate with you about appointments and enquiries
  • Issue invoices and process payments
  • Maintain clinical records as required by professional and legal obligations
  • Communicate with other health providers involved in your care, with your consent
Our promise We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Ever.

How we store and protect your information

Client records are stored securely in Halaxy, an Australian-hosted, encrypted practice management platform that complies with Australian privacy requirements.

Email correspondence is stored securely and accessed only by Melissa Downey.

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Record retention Clinical records are retained for a minimum of seven years from the date of last contact, or until a minor turns 25, in accordance with Australian health record requirements.

When we may share your information

We will only share your personal information in the following circumstances:

  • With your explicit consent — for example, when communicating with your GP or other health providers
  • When required by law — for example, in response to a court order or mandatory reporting obligation
  • Where there is an immediate risk to safety — if we believe there is a serious and imminent risk to your safety or the safety of others

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Make a complaint about how we have handled your information

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Complaints

If you have a concern about how we have handled your personal information and are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Updates to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practice or legal requirements. The current version will always be available on our website. The date at the top of this page indicates when it was last updated.

Questions about your privacy?

We're happy to talk through anything in this policy.
[email protected]  ·  lomatia.com.au