About Us
Advanced Therapy Mackay was founded in 2020 by Director Sarah Fenech, who identified the limited therapeutic options for people with disabilities in the Mackay region. Especially NDIS registered providers for Specialist Behaviour Support, Psychotherapy, Psychology, and Allied Health.
With over 20 years of experience as a Social Worker, Sarah leads the professional team at Advanced Therapy Mackay. They are passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, recognizing that helping people achieve their goals is the most effective way to do that.
We are not a desk-based team producing paper-based assessments, we walk the journey with each participant and their support team. We will be beside you, observing and supporting you, and providing advice, mentoring, and therapy whenever and wherever needed.
Advanced Therapy Mackay is committed to the core values of NDIS:
“The NDIS Commission aims to uphold the rights of people with disability, including the right to dignity and respect, and to live free from abuse, exploitation, and violence. This is in keeping with Australia’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.” (www.ndiscommission.gov.au)
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Allied Health Services
Psychology/Cognitive Testing
Our Vision and Values
We are passionate about protecting the rights and interests of people with disabilities. We are accessible and responsive to the Mackay community and inclusive of its diversity
“Your goals are our goals”
At Advanced Therapy our values aren’t just something you’ll find in a brochure – we live them every day. They are the attributes we look for in our team members.
Respect
We respect our participants, their family members and other significant people in their lives, and we respect our employees and recognise the roles each of them has to play.
Excellence
We are committed to excellence and strive to continuously improve. We are passionate about being ‘the best we can be’.
Integrity
We are honest with others and with ourselves. We do what we say we will do and accept responsibility for our actions.
Innovation
We look for creative ways of assisting participants to meet their goals and are open to ideas and constantly see new and better ways of working.
Our Services
Positive Behaviour Support
We will meet with you, your family, support workers and service providers to identify unwanted or challenging behaviour. We understand that everyone communicates differently, and we will take the time to find the meaning of your challenging behaviour and then help you find other, more positive ways to have your needs met.
After getting to know you and your goals, we’ll put together a plan and work with you to implement a strategy so you can positively manage your behaviour and emotions.
This plan will tell your support people how to help you when you do things that are not safe. We will work with you to decrease restrictive practices and improve the quality of life and relationships.
Allied Health Services
We offer 1-on-1 talking sessions to help you develop healthier relationships and improve your wellbeing. Whether you’re feeling anxious, depressed, angry, confused or generally overwhelmed, we can help you identify coping strategies and capabilities so you can be more confident.
Our team are experienced at providing the following therapies,
• Cognitive behavioural therapy, which can help you address conditions like anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges facing someone with a disability.
• Social skills training, which can help you understand social and conversation cues and help you interact with others more effectively.
• Family therapy, which can help your family and supports learn how to interact with you in a positive way that promotes things like good social and living skills.
Psychology Cognitive Testing
Through testing, we can identify your areas of strength and difficulty. We will then write a report so other people in your life can understand your needs better. This report will also assist NDIS to make decisions around the most suitable accommodation and level of support services you require.
To see if Advanced Therapy Mackay can assist you with your Behaviour Support and Therapy needs, get in touch today.
Meet the Team
Sarah Fenech
Director - Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner
Nicole Archer
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Hayley Ridley
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Mufaro Nyamandi
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Alis Shern
Administration
Hayden Shepherd
Behaviour Support Practitioner
FAQ
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Behaviour Support is funded under Improved Relationships. We may still be able to provide a form of behaviour support if you are funded under Improved Daily Living dependent on your NDIS plan goals and needs.
You do not have to have NDIS funding to access our behaviour support services. There are no Medicare rebates available for behaviour support though. Fee for service quotes can be provided if needed.
In general, you will need at least 65 hours of funding for Behaviour Support. Some plans will need over 90 hours to provide comprehensive support and training and ensure all reporting to the Commission is completed.
A restrictive practice is a practice that is used to limit or control an individual’s behaviour. These practices are always used as a last resort to ensure the safety of the client and others around them. There are specific requirements for assessing the need for a restrictive practice and for reporting such practices to both the Quality and Safeguard Commission and Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Your Behaviour Support Practitioner is legally required to follow these guidelines.
To become an NDIS participant, you will need to meet the age, residency and disability or early intervention access requirements:
• Have a permanent impairment that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities, or have a developmental delay;
• Be aged less than 65 when you first apply to enter the NDIS;
• Be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or a Protected Special Category visa.
With Improved Daily Living NDIS participants receive support to build and improve their life skills. With more life skills comes the opportunity to lead a more independent and enriched life. The way in which you develop these skills will depend on your individual needs, capacities and goals, which is why Advanced Therapy will work with you to ensure your everyday life improves in the best way possible.
Business Information
Don’t hesitate to contact us regarding any query you may have
8:30-3pm Monday- Friday or by appointment
Saturday/Sunday – closed