Exercise Physiology for mental health
Regular exercise is recommended as part of care for depression, anxiety and PTSD. We build a program that starts where you are, flexes with how you feel on the day, and works alongside your GP and mental health team.
✓ Start where you are✓ No referral needed✓ Telehealth available
Exercise is part of mental health care, alongside your other treatment
Research consistently shows that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and Australian clinical guidelines include it as part of treatment. It works alongside therapy and medication. It does not replace them, and you should not change medication without talking to your doctor.
Our director, Braeden King, began his Exercise Physiology career in a psychiatric and mental health inpatient setting. That experience shapes how we work: patient, flexible, and without judgement.
Depression, anxiety and PTSD
We look at your situation before designing anything.
Small steps, building momentum
Low energy and motivation are part of depression, so we start with something achievable and build routine gradually.
Predictable and in your control
Sessions are structured so you know what is coming. Regular aerobic exercise can help with tension and restlessness.
Trauma-informed
Choice, predictability and control come first. We plan with your psychologist or psychiatrist so exercise supports your treatment.
A program that meets you where you are
We do not expect you to arrive motivated or energetic. Many people come in having not exercised for months or years.
Aerobic exercise
Walking, cycling or swimming, in an amount that is realistic from where you are starting.
Resistance training
Strength work, which research also links with improved mood, added where it suits you.
Routine
Exercise as a regular anchor in your week, which supports getting back into daily activities.
Trauma-informed sessions
Predictability and choice at the centre. We talk through anything that might be uncomfortable before trying it.
Flexible sessions
On a hard day a session might be a conversation and a short walk. That still counts.
Sleep, energy and physical health
We look at fitness, weight change and other physical effects that can come with mental illness or its treatment.
Working with your team
With your consent we send updates to your GP, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Telehealth
If getting to the clinic is a barrier, we can start with sessions at home by video.
Who we see
Adults whose mental health is affecting their activity, energy or physical health.
What to expect
A first appointment at your pace
We talk through your situation, current treatment, medications, physical health and what you would like to change. If the first visit is mostly conversation, that is fine.
A realistic plan
A program you can manage from day one, in our app with simple instructions.
Flexible, supervised sessions
We adapt each session to how you are on the day. Turning up regularly matters more than how hard any one session is.
Reviews and reports
Regular reviews. With your consent we send written updates to your GP and mental health team.
If we are worried about your safety, we will talk with you about it and help you contact your GP or a crisis service.
Ways to fund your program
What you pay depends on your funding. We can check your options before your first visit.
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
If your GP includes Exercise Physiology on a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously called a Chronic Disease Management plan), for example for a long-term mental health condition, Medicare pays a rebate on up to five allied health sessions per calendar year. Your GP decides eligibility.
Gold and White Card
With a GP referral, DVA covers clinically necessary Exercise Physiology for Gold Card holders, and for White Card holders with an accepted condition such as PTSD.
Self and plan managed
If Exercise Physiology is included in your NDIS plan and you are self managed or plan managed, we can provide it. Funding depends on your plan and goals.
Extras cover
Most extras policies that include Exercise Physiology pay a rebate. Your fund can tell you your annual limit.
No referral needed
You can book directly and pay privately. See our pricing page for current fees.
See pricing for current fees and rebates.
Mental health FAQs
Does exercise really help depression and anxiety?+
I am on antidepressants or other medication. Can I still exercise?+
What if I do not feel up to it when I arrive?+
Do you work with my psychologist or psychiatrist?+
Can I use a Mental Health Treatment Plan?+
Do I need a referral?+
Keep reading
Ready to take a first step?
Call or book online. If a conversation is all you can manage at the first appointment, that is enough to start.
✓ No referral needed✓ Start where you are✓ Free on-site parking