About Us

Because Your Health Deserves the Best Care

About Us

We Are A Professional Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Care Centre All Under One Roof

Welcome to Simchat Health Centre. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals facing neurological and mental health challenges, all under one roof. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to supporting you on your journey towards improved well-being and quality of life.
Happy Couple Hugging After Successful Group Therapy In Marriage Counsellor's Office
20+
Years of Experience

Meet Our Experts

Dr Lara Howard

MBBS, FRANZCP

Professional Summary
Dr. Lara Howard is a highly qualified psychiatrist with extensive experience in both clinical practice and research. After completing her MBBS immediately after high school, she has engaged in numerous practical placements and research projects. Her work includes a significant randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in the Journal of ECT and presented at the 2018 International WPA Conference. As a consultant in the public sector, Dr. Howard leads initiatives focused on service improvement in areas such as complex trauma and perinatal-infant mental health.
 
Clinical Experience
Dr. Howard’s career is marked by her work in the public sector, where she has undertaken unique initiatives, including the establishment of a complex trauma clinic within Penrith CYMHS and the rollout of the Safe Start Clinic program across the Western Sydney LHD. Her contributions extend to the development of district guidelines for the safe prescribing and management of psychotropics, as well as her role in the operation of the Mother and Baby Unit in Western Sydney.
 
Specialties
• Child Psychiatry
• Perinatal and Infant Psychiatry
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Complex Childhood Trauma
• Transgenerational Familial Trauma
 
Approach to Care
Dr. Howard is known for her high standard of professional and ethical commitment. She adopts a patient-centered approach, tailoring her methods to meet the specific needs of her patients, whether they are infants, children, or adults. Her ability to address a wide range of psychiatric issues with compassion and expertise makes her a trusted provider in her field.
 
Special Interests
Dr. Howard has a special interest in addressing complex childhood and transgenerational familial trauma, as well as perinatal-infant mental health. Her work in establishing specialised clinics and contributing to the operation of a new Mother and Baby Unit in Western Sydney highlights her dedication to these areas.
 
Telehealth Services
As part of her commitment to accessible mental healthcare, Dr. Howard offers telepsychiatry services through Simchat Health Centre. These services allow her to reach a broader range of patients, ensuring they receive the same level of comprehensive care as in-person consultations.
Simchat logo

Dr Dulani Siddhisena

MBBS, MD Paediatrics, MRCPCH, FRACP

Professional Summary
Dr Dulani Siddhisena is a general paediatrician with extensive experience in managing children with a range of chronic and complex medical and behavioural conditions. She works as a part-time staff specialist at Orange health service in addition to this Telehealth role. 
 
Dulani obtained her primary medical degree in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She commenced her paediatric career in Sri Lanka and completed her MD Paediatrics training programme through the postgraduate institute of medicine Colombo. She subsequently completed the membership exams of the United Kingdom whilst working as a paediatric registrar in Australia. Dulani went on to successfully complete her fellowship training in Australia through the John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, completing an additional year of training as a genetics fellow at the Hunter Genetics Unit. Her interests include general and behavioural paediatrics, neonatology and clinical genetic conditions relevant to children and young people. 
 
Dulani is a mother of two children, including a teenager, and understands the unique challenges faced by modern day youth. She is a passionate, kind and compassionate doctor who works cohesively within our team towards improving the health and wellbeing of our clients.
 
Our Value

Make the Right Choice: Opt for Simchat, Your Trusted Health Partner

Empowering Minds, Nurturing Wellbeing: Simchat's Holistic Approach to Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Care

Our Vision

At Simchat Health Centre, we are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those we support.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals and families by providing exceptional neurodevelopmental and mental health care, while fostering growth, resilience, and well-being through a holistic and collaborative approach.

Person-Centered Approach

We prioritise personalised, patient-centred care, considering the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each individual. Our supportive environment fosters trust and collaboration.

Innovative Treatments

We are at the forefront of utilising cutting-edge therapies to address neurodevelopmental and mental health challenges. Our commitment to innovation leads to improved outcomes and a higher standard of care.

Multidisciplinary Team

Our team includes psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychologists, mental health nurses, and administrative support staff, all working together to create positive change in the lives of our patients.

Skip to content