FCG treatment service supports clients during and after their legal involvement to reduce mental health impact and assist in rebuilding their lives.

Forensic Treatment Services

The FCG treatment service is dedicated to aiding clients throughout and after their involvement in the legal system. The goal is to minimize the effect of their mental health issues, which may be a result of or lead to their legal interactions. The service strives to assist them in overcoming these challenges so that they can rebuild their lives.

We treat clients who have one or several of the following:

  • involvement in the criminal justice system to address underlying mental health issues, personality, and substance use which may contribute to their offending and risks.

  • have suffered institutional abuse or other traumatic incidents.

  • have psychological issues secondary to personal injury.

  • are involved in family law proceedings which can be protracted and highly distressing and require support, or who may need to engage in treatment as part of Family Court requirements. We recognize family law often intersects with criminal proceedings and can provide interventions for both.

  • are facing immigration issues including refugees and asylum seekers, those facing deportation, or those who require psychological support whilst they are detained, or whilst preparing protection visa applications.

Treatment Services

Treatment sessions are available with two of our FCG team members; Marlese Bovenkerk or Alessia Mattia. Both have worked within Corrections and the prison system and have specialised expertise delivering individual and group treatment to violent and sexual offenders, as well as having expertise in managing a wide range of presentations.

Treatment sessions are conducted via videoconference which allows flexibility with clients both in and out-of-custody, interstate, and those residing overseas, ensuring their mental health needs are being adequately treated regardless of their location.

​*Medicare rebates are available through Mental Health Treatment Plans (only for Australian residents eligible for Medicare services. Note clients in custody are not eligible for Medicare).

**Other rebates or funding may be applicable for NDIS participants, or under TAC/WorkCover; please contact our Treatment Administration Team to discuss your individual circumstances.

  • FCG offers individuals currently involved in the legal system for various matters treatment for their mental health and/or require offence-specific interventions. This can commence during Court proceedings, whilst individuals are in the community or in custody, in immigration detention, are on bail, as part of a community-based order, or whilst on parole.

    Our forensic psychologists are skilled in providing offence-specific treatment for violent (including family violence and stalking) and sexual offending, with training in treating CAM offences as well. Our treatment psychologists having previously worked in Corrections in various States, and in Forensicare and Caraniche (VIC) providing both individual interventions and group programs.

  • FCG offers specialized treatment for individuals currently involved in immigration proceedings.

    Our forensic psychologists are skilled in providing treatment that is culturally appropriate and inclusive, are experienced in providing treatment with the assistance of interpreters, and understand the particular challenges that are faced by clients with immigration matters pending before the AAT and Department of Home Affairs.

    They are particularly attuned to the difficulties faced by individuals in detention or in the community who are facing visa cancellation/deportation which may be due to criminal offending or other factors, those who are refugees or seeking asylum in Australia due to protection issues, and migrants who are experiencing difficulty adjusting.

  • FCG offers treatment to individuals prior to, during, and post their involvement with the legal system for institutional abuse matters as well as compensation claims related to other personal and psychological injury.

    This can commence at any stage of the legal proceedings or post; we provide services to individuals whilst they are in the community or in custody, and to those incarcerated or residing in different States in Australia. We also have the capacity and experience to provide services to those who now reside overseas. 

  • Coming soon in July 2025

    We have a number of upcoming online psychoeducation courses available, which upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for Court. Our courses are flexible and can be enrolled in at any time, meaning there are no waiting periods.

    Each course is evidence-based treatment and is complemented by the inclusion of three treatment sessions with one of our psychologists to extend the application of the course to individual’s own circumstances.

    CURRENT PROGRAMS:

    • Substance Abuse (commencing July 2025)

    • Emotional Regulation [Anger Management] - (commencing September 2025)

Interested in treatment?

*​Immediate appointments - no waitlist.

Treatment Fees

    • Forensic Psychologist (Registrar or Full) - $250.00 per session*

    • Provisional Psychologist (if available) - Reduced Fee - $130.00 per session.

    *Fees are based on a standard 50-minute consultation.

    ​**Medicare rebates are only available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan referral for eligible clients. In-custody clients are not eligible for Medicare rebates.

    Sessions with provisional psychologists are not eligible for Medicare rebates. Additionally, reports do not attract a Medicare rebate.

  • 3 Tier Treatment Report:

    • Attendance Letter - No Charge - appointment dates and confirmation of attendance.

    • Brief treatment report - less than 6 sessions - $330 (incl. GST) - outlining attendance, presenting symptoms, and treatment plan.

    • Comprehensive treatment report - 6+ sessions - $550 (incl. GST) - full comprehensive report regarding clients symptoms, diagnosis, engagement/progress in treatment, and ongoing treatment plan.

      Note that Medicare rebates do not apply to reports.

    • $2,500.00 (inc GST) inclusive of the report (includes a standard consultation prior to testing to complete a comprehensive interview to inform the assessment).

    *Private health insurance may also provide rebates dependent on your coverage. Please check with your health fund. Healthcare cardholders may request consideration for reduced rates via their GP.

“I underestimated how hard it would be adjusting to returning to the community after being in prison, but with Marlese’s help, I was better able to deal with stress and my anxiety without returning to drugs, and my sessions with her each week kept me going each week”.

— FCG TREATMENT CLIENT, 2023

“I was against seeing a psych…talking about my feelings isn’t easy for me and I was really nervous and embarrassed about my offences. Although it’s taken me a while, Alessia helped me get to a point where we can talk about what happened, and I’m starting to understand why I offended. I’m working on those things to make sure I don’t offend again… I know therapy is what I need to have a better future, hopefully reconnect with my family and be a better role model for my kids”.

— FCG TREATMENT CLIENT, 2024