Psychology appointments jump 58% at Ballarat’s FedCare clinic

Federation University’s FedCare clinic has clocked up more than 5,000 client appointments for Ballarat patients in the first half of 2026 – equivalent to more than 200 a week, or 40 each working day. 

The milestone reflects strong and growing demand for accessible, low-cost care, with the clinic supporting more than 750 children, adolescents and adults through treatment and assessment services.

Compared with the same period last year, this represents a 58.2 per cent increase in appointments and a 35.7 per cent increase in clients supported.

FedCare’s school outreach program also continues to grow, offering services and assessments to 19 primary and secondary schools with reach into Ballarat, the western suburbs of Melbourne, Central Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong and Golden Plains.

Launched in 2023, FedCare clinic services are delivered by students who are provisionally registered psychologists under the close supervision of experienced clinical psychologists, ensuring patients receive quality care while supporting the training of the next generation of mental health professionals.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley said the milestone highlights Federation’s critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of regional communities.

“Surpassing 5,000 appointments in just six months – more than 40 every working day – is a powerful demonstration of Federation’s impact in our communities,” Professor Bentley said.

“Caring for our communities is central to our purpose. Through services like FedCare, we are improving access to care, supporting families and making a meaningful difference to health outcomes across the regions we serve.”

“At the same time, we are training the next generation of practitioners, ensuring our communities have the skilled workforce they need into the future.”

Senior Clinical Lead Jessica Hodgetts said the milestone reflects both the scale of local need and the dedication of the FedCare team.

“Reaching more than 5,000 appointments in just six months is a significant milestone and speaks to the level of need in our community,” she said.

“Every appointment represents someone accessing care that might otherwise have missed out.”

Federation University student Daniel Downey, who recently completed the first year in the Master of Psychology (Clinical), said stepping into real-world clinical work has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.

“The journeys we go on with clients are truly incredible — and to be part of that, even in a training capacity, has been such a meaningful experience,” he said.

“Working at the Federation University clinic, alongside supervisors, leadership and support staff, has made the whole experience even more valuable. It’s a really supportive environment to learn in.

“One of the biggest strengths of the clinic is accessibility — sessions are affordable, and because there are a number of students, we’re able to see a large number of clients and reduce wait times.

“At the end of treatment, hearing from clients that you’ve made a genuine, tangible difference in their lives — that’s the most rewarding part of all.”

FedCare provides treatment and assessment services for children, adolescents and adults, supporting communities across Ballarat and surrounding regions.

Services are designed to be accessible, with the first session free, followed by $10 per session – or $5 with a concession card – for both adults and children.

You can find out more about FedCare and its services here.