Psychological Support
Scoliosis Support Network (mental health) Australia is a Non-Profit Organization designed to empower scoliosis patients and assist the healthcare providers treating them.
Psychological support for those living with and being treated for scoliosis or similar conditions
Whether it be initial diagnosis, watching and waiting, brace wearing, preparing or recovering from surgery or living with scoliosis as an adult, we are here to help support you through your journey considering more than just the curve.
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Beyond the physical curvature of the spine, scoliosis—particularly Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)—exerts a profound psychological impact on individuals, often leading to mental health challenges that persist into adulthood. Factors influencing mental health include treatment burden, pain (in some cases) and research indicates that one third of patients with scoliosis feel shame regarding their bodies and experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their peers. Because scoliosis often manifests during adolescence, it intersects with a critical period for self-image, making it particularly damaging to self-esteem, and 66% of parents may be unaware of the severity of their child's psychological distress, highlighting the need for better mental health support during treatment.​​​
Our mission was born through the joining of a therapist treating scoliosis for over 10 years and a parent of a child with scoliosis; both sharing lived experience and desire for improving pscyhological support services for those in Australia. As a therapist, I see outcomes are better when psychological or physiotherapeutic care is added to treatment. As a parent of a child with scoliosis who underwent brace treatment, I saw the huge role the therapist was playing in my daughters brace wear compliance and mental health, she was her cheer leader and empowered her to focus on how strong she was as a person for enduring the process, and is now living life surgery free. Multiple studies are starting to show the benefits of adding pyschological support to scoliosis treatment and we also hope through the non-profit to be able to further inform care through a pilot study on the effects of adding this care to the treatment of our patients within our clinic.
It is vital we address "the whole person and not just the curve" : Dr Manuel Rigo
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Mentoring Program
Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be very empowering, our mentoring program is FREE to join, and unique in that you or you and your child are supported by a mental health therapist.
Therapy with a Scoliosis Mental Health Provider
Adding psychological support to standard care, especially with a therapist that has undergone training on the physical and psychosocial impact of scoliosis can help to empower and support you or your child through your treatment and lead to improved outcomes.
Management and Support Services
​The following Services are available through Scoliosis Support Network Australia
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Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences in treatment locations near you.
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Mentoring program; FREE to join, and unique in that you or you and your child are supported by a mental health therapist.
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Individual Therapy with a Scoliosis Mental Health Therapist: Therapy or counselling to address mental health challenges (referral from doctor recommended)
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Scoliosis Support Australia endorse that successful treatment approaches need to focus on the whole person, and as such recommend:
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Diagnosis & Monitoring: Early identification is crucial to prevent the progression of the curve.
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Adding psychological support to care, especially for brace wearers
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Beyond bracing, treatment often involves scoliosis-specific exercises (e.g., PSSE) to address the structural, postural, and muscular components of the curve. ​
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Management: While severe curves may require surgery, many patients successfully manage their condition with non-invasive methods.
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Life Quality: With proper management and a focus on core strength, individuals with scoliosis can maintain an active, normal lifestyle
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Psychological Support FAQ
How do I sign up?
Head over to the Scoliosis Support Australia website to sign up.
Do I need to have scoliosis to benefit from the services?
Each curve is unique, although the program is geared towards those with scoliosis, services are open to all people with variations of the spine and ribcage.
Do I need a referral to see a Psychologist?
Yes you need a referral from your GP to have 1:1 therapy sessions, however you can join mentoring programs without a referral.