Clinical Psychologist & Director of Nestara Psychology
MEET THE THERAPIST
Hi, I'm Luvena Susanto
I am a Clinical Psychologist with experience in private practice and public health.
I love working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, attachment trauma, and interpersonal conflict.
I believe that psychotherapy can offer a meaningful opportunity to deepen self-understanding and create lasting psychological change.
My approach to therapy is more relational than skills-based. This means that instead of teaching you techniques or strategies, our sessions will be less structured. I value this approach because it invites reflection and curiosity. It also places you and I on equal footing; I am not the “knower” of all knowledge or what you need just because I am the therapist. Rather, we are “fellow travellers”, working collaboratively to explore your problems, yourself, and how you would like to change.
Book a free 15-minute discovery call or a full appointment using the link below.
🌏 In addition to English, I offer therapy in Bahasa Indonesia for Indonesian clients or immigrants living in Australia.
Our Values
What we stand by
01
Transparency & Trust
We communicate openly and thoughtfully, creating a foundation of mutual understanding.
02
Integrity
We are committed to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards in all aspects of our practice.
03
Empowerment
We support you in exploring your inner world and experiences, fostering greater self-understanding and movement towards a more integrated sense of self.
04
Excellence
We provide evidence-based, individualised psychotherapy, while maintaining an ongoing commitment to learning, reflection, and professional development.
FAQ
Common questions
Nestara Psychology operates from two locations in Melbourne and Telehealth Australia wide. On Mondays and Thursdays, we are at our Prahran location (1/9 Carlton Street). On Saturdays, we are at our Hawthorn location (37 Queens Ave). Telehealth appointments are also available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Yes. You can come in person to our Prahran or Hawthorn locations, depending on what day your appointment is. Alternatively, Telehealth (video or phone call) is available Mondays–Saturdays.
Yes. On weekdays, after hours appointments are available from 5–7PM. On Saturdays, appointments are from 10AM–2PM.
You do not need a referral to see a Clinical Psychologist. However, if you would like to obtain rebates from Medicare, you need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or Psychiatrist.
Yes. An invoice will be emailed to you after your session or you can access it via your client portal. You will need to submit the claim yourself. Note that private health insurance rebates depend on your extras policy — please check with your health fund if you are unsure of your cover.
Medicare rebates for a Clinical Psychologist are $142.25. You can obtain these rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or Psychiatrist.
A lower-cost option is available for students. If this is you, please email us at hello@nestarapsychology.com and we will get in touch with you.
To book an appointment, click the Book an Appointment button at the top of the page. It will take you to Zanda (our practice management software) where you will be asked to create an account. This account helps you to book, cancel, reschedule, and view your upcoming appointments. If you do not wish to make an account, you can also contact us via email, text message or phone call.
Yes. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled within 48 hours of the appointment time will incur a 50% session fee. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours will incur the full session fee.
Unfortunately, both our Prahran and Hawthorn locations do not have lift access. You will need to go up one floor via stairs to get to the waiting and consultation rooms.
Payment is due on the day of the appointment. You can pay by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, PayID, or cash. Card transactions have a 1.7% + $0.30 processing fee — waived for Bank Transfer and PayID. Medicare rebates are processed at the end of each session.
