Kathy Cleland
Principal Psychologist | Clinical Director
MAPS, MAAP, LOAPAC, BSc (Psych) (Hons), GC Psych (Forensic), MEdNeuro
Kathy is MindScope’s Principal Psychologist and Clinical Director. Her clinical leadership and practice are shaped by a neurodiversity-affirming lens and a deep commitment to ethical, person-centred care.
Kathy was an early proponent of the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm and remains a passionate advocate for this human rights movement.
Areas of interest
Kathy’s clinical experience includes:
Autism and ADHD (AuDHD)
Complex trauma
Dissociation and plurality
Suicidality
Kathy is particularly skilled in working at the intersection of these presentations, where complexity and risk require nuanced, compassionate care.
Professional background
Kathy began her career as an early childhood educator. After starting her family, she worked extensively with adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. Following her relocation to Brisbane in the late 1990s, she expanded her professional experience through roles in business, homelessness support services, and as a First Responder with the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Her growing interest in how people process information, think, behave, and function led her to return to university to study psychology. After completing her training, Kathy served as an Associate Supervisor for Honours students conducting suicide prevention research, and she continues to value research that produces meaningful social impact.
Outside of work
Outside of her professional role, Kathy enjoys bushwalking, online forums, creating artwork, attending theatre, and spending time with friends over coffee.
Clinical approach and services
Kathy has advanced training in crisis care and suicide prevention. Her approach is relational, person-centred, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming.
She provides comprehensive, neuroaffirming Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments, carefully tailored to the individual needs of each client. Kathy uses current, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming assessment tools and is committed to supporting individuals and families to access meaningful supports that respect the unique way each person’s brain works.