Samuel Ma

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

BPsych(Hons I), MClinPsych, MAPS, MACPA

Samuel is a Clinical Psychologist and the Principal of Hearth Clinical Psychology. He is a dedicated clinician who empowers his clients through a multifaceted treatment approach that utilises evidence-based methods while remaining deeply sensitive to personal objectives and core principles. Samuel currently works within the Sydney Local Health District (New South Wales Health) in the Employee Assistance Program. Specifically, he consults out of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Concord Repatriation General Hospital. There, Samuel supports the psychological wellbeing of medical, nursing and allied health staff, with a special interest in workplace matters. Prior to that role, Samuel was employed at the University of Sydney at their Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic (Brain and Mind Centre) as part of the GambleAware Blue Mountains and Western Sydney regional team. He implemented a highly specialised cognitive therapy program to support individuals and their families living with gambling harm.

Across recent years, Samuel has supplemented his work with clinical psychology group private practice across the Lower North Shore and St George areas of Sydney. Working with diverse client presentations across the lifespan, he coordinated with General Practitioners to deliver psychological care through Mental Health Treatment Plans. Samuel’s postgraduate training occurred in Canberra at the Australian National University. This included secondments to CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn and The Canberra Hospital through Australian Capital Territory Health.

Professional Credentials and Affiliations

Endorsed Clinical Psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (Ahpra)
Authorised Medicare Provider under the Better Access Scheme (Mental Health Treatment Plans)
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours Class I) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney
Master of Clinical Psychology from the Australian National University (ANU)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society and the Disaster Response Network
Member of the Australian Clinical Psychologists Association

Areas of Expertise

Samuel has expertise and practices extensively with adults seeking support for:

Depression or otherwise pervasive low mood

Anxiety conditions, including generalised anxiety, social phobia, panic disorder and agroaphobia

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder

Complex trauma

Gambling harm and relevant behaviour change
Occupational burnout
Carer or compassion fatigue

Relationship and interpersonal stress

Major life transitions and adjustment difficulties

Samuel has received postgraduate training and undergoes continuous professional development across the following therapies:

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Clinical Ethos

Samuel conveys a compassionate and calming therapeutic presence where individual concerns are actively heard. Each conversation is collaborative, respectful, and with integrity in mind. Samuel is growth-oriented, driven to support every person thrive in alignment with their goals and values. People of diverse backgrounds are embraced with the belief that each interaction is an opportunity for learning. Importantly, Samuel’s practice is evidence-based, and driven to share therapeutic tools and insights with a high level of fidelity to current research and best practice models of care.