Dr John Livingston

About Dr John Livingston

Man in sunglasses and cap climbing rocky terrain.

Compassionate Care

Dr. John Livingston is a Townsville local, an Australian Defence Force Veteran, and a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 27 years of experience providing psychological services in both Australia and overseas as a clinician, manager, and operational officer.

John has a special interest in mental wellness, focusing on areas such as anxiety, disability, autism, occupational stress, neurofeedback, and neurotherapies. He has undertaken specialist training in various fields, including Behaviour Management and Positive Practices with the Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Medicine.

When not at work, John divides his time between family, participating in charity fundraising activities (e.g., The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride), and has recently completed further studies in medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at clinic@drjcliv.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and does Dr John Livingston offer it?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. At Dr John Livingston, we offer CBT as one of our many therapy approaches.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology and provide therapy and counseling services. Psychiatrists hold a medical degree and are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders with medications, in addition to providing therapy.

What types of referrals does Dr John Livingston accept?

Mental Health Treatment Plans
GP Chronic Disease Management Plans
Private Referrals
NDIA Therapy Referrals
Behaviour modification and cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Substance misuse and addictions
Culturally sensitive counselling
Chronic disease management
Mood disorders
Depression and anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Childhood abuse.
Sexual assault counselling
Pregnancy counselling
Corporate psychology
ADHD behaviour management
Autism spectrum behaviour management
Mood disorders
Reactive attachment disorder
Relationship issues
Delivery of a vast array of psychological programs

What types of referrals does Dr John Livingston NOT accept?

Emergent and crisis referrals – We are unable to provide emergent and crisis interventions, and do not offer the necessary 24hour crisis intervention required for appropriate and responsible treatment of these patients.

Such patients are more appropriately referred to the Townsville University Hospital, Acute Care Team or other emergency crisis services.

Significant psychiatric referrals – I am unable to offer the capacities of coverage to effectively or responsibly deal with such cases, and such cases should be referred to the appropriate agencies.

Assessments and reports for Parole, Court, Sex Offender treatment, etc – I am unable to provide these services under Medicare, and consequently as a we are a bulk billing practice, we do not provide these services under any circumstances.

Work Cover and Income Protection Claims

Medico-legal and Insurance Claim referrals - I am unable to provide these services under Medicare, and consequently as a we are a bulk billing practice, we do not provide these services under any circumstances.

National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Assessments – Assessments for eligibility for NDIA and capacity assessments, positive behaviour support plans, etc are not covered under Medicare and require specialised instruments to complete. Subsequently, whilst we may contribute to these assessments and/or provide conjoint treatment, we are unable to provide these assessments.

**** Cases fitting the above criteria, or who do not fit the current scope of Service, will be referred back to the referring GP ****

What is the cancellation policy at Dr John Livingston?

We understand that life can get in the way of scheduled appointments. We ask that you provide us with at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Otherwise, you may be charged a cancellation fee.