Dr Tessa Tan

Dr Tessa Tan is a Consultant Psychiatrist experienced in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of a broad range of psychiatric conditions in women. She takes a warm, holistic and person-centred approach, integrating psychotherapy with evidence-based medication where appropriate. She aims to form trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationships with her patients, and believes that each person needs someone who truly understands their story.

She graduated from the University of Newcastle/New England Joint Medical Programme and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. She has worked across a range of community and inpatient services within the Northern Sydney Local Health District, including adult mental health, child and adolescent mental health, older persons’ mental health, eating disorders and addictions.

She has a special interest in women’s mental health, including:

• Mood and anxiety disorders (including OCD)

• Menstrual-cycle-related mood changes

• Pregnancy, postpartum adjustment and the transition to motherhood

• Disordered eating and body image concerns

• Women’s experiences of trauma, relationships and attachment

She recognises that these experiences can bring profound changes to a woman’s sense of self, identity, relationships and emotional wellbeing, often presenting unexpected challenges to navigate.

She draws from a range of therapeutic approaches (attachment, psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural) in her care and prescribes medication where it is indicated. She recognises the deep connection between mind and body, and believes in our fundamental human capacity for resilience and change.