Optimum Psychology, Dunedin, New Zealand
Psychological care
after trauma
Assessment and therapy for psychological injury and trauma, with support for recovery in everyday life.
Enquire about supportOur practice
Optimum Psychology
Based in Dunedin, we provide psychological assessment and trauma therapy tailored to each person’s needs.
Our Lead Psychologist, Olga Pushenko, coordinates psychological care and support from other disciplines, according to individual needs and availability.
ACC is one of our key clients. We also work with private clients, other ACC suppliers and teams across the mental health sector.
Explore our approachCare at Optimum
How we can help
Our care considers both how you feel and function, and the relationships and practical supports around you.
Our approach to recoveryDepending on your needs and availability, your care may include support from counsellors, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists or dietitians.
Trauma and psychological injury
Support enquiries relating to distressing experiences, including sexual violence, family violence, displacement and combat trauma.
Psychological assessment
A conversation about the purpose of an assessment, the questions it needs to address and whether our service is suitable.
Recovery in everyday life
Care that considers emotional wellbeing alongside relationships, practical supports and participation in the things that matter.
Olga’s biography
Olga Pushenko
Lead Psychologist · Registered Psychologist
BPsySc, MAppPsy, PGDipPsychPrac
I am a Registered Psychologist with a clinical focus on psychological injury and trauma.
My work draws on international experience and ongoing professional development, alongside extensive experience in psychological assessment, crisis intervention and trauma therapy.
My professional experience spans crisis intervention, trauma therapy and psychological assessment across some of the most challenging contexts of human suffering—including sexual violence, developmental trauma, combat-related trauma, forced displacement and family violence.
Working with these populations has reinforced one consistent observation: while psychological injury may profoundly disrupt human functioning, people retain an extraordinary capacity for adaptation when the right conditions for recovery are restored.
Enquire about careTaking the next step
Enquiries and access to care
We welcome enquiries from individuals, insurers, businesses and support organisations, including nib and Victim Support. Other ACC suppliers and mental health teams can also contact us about working together.
Make an enquiryACC enquiries
If you are seeking support through ACC, let us know. We can discuss your enquiry and clarify the pathway, suitability and current availability with you.
Insurance enquiries
We provide support through nib and other insurance companies. Enquire to discuss your policy, the proposed service and any cover or approval requirements.
Private enquiries
You are welcome to enquire directly. The proposed service, fees and next steps need to be agreed before care begins.
Organisational referrals
Insurers, businesses, support organisations and professional referrers are welcome to enquire or refer. Contact us to discuss service fit and funding arrangements.
What happens after I enquire?
The first step is a brief conversation about what you are looking for. We consider fit and availability, then explain the options. An enquiry does not automatically book an appointment.