ABOUT ORIANA CO
Warm. Human. Evidence-informed. Person-centred.
Oriana Co is a holistic, person-centred practice supporting individuals with emotional, behavioural, developmental, and mental health needs across NSW.
We specialise in working with people who experience complexity — whether due to disability, trauma, mental health challenges, or co-occurring conditions — and we walk beside them with compassion, clarity, and practical tools for growth.
Our work blends therapeutic skill, mental health nursing experience, and genuine connection.
We don’t just focus on reducing challenges; we focus on helping people build safer, more meaningful, and more independent lives.
The name Oriana means “golden light” — symbolising hope, empowerment, and the belief that every person carries the potential to grow, heal, and thrive when supported with dignity.
Meet Claire
Hi, I’m Claire Higgins, Founder and Director of Oriana Co.
I’m a Registered Mental Health Nurse and Therapeutic Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience working across hospital, community, disability, and forensic mental health settings.
Throughout my career, I’ve supported people with a wide range of needs — from acute mental health presentations to long-term psychosocial disability, trauma histories, emotional dysregulation, and behaviours of concern.
My work has included leadership roles in mental health services, collaborative case planning with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting individuals and families during periods of significant change, distress, or transition.
I created Oriana Co because I am deeply passionate about bridging the gap between clinical mental health care, therapeutic support, and disability-informed practice.
I believe real progress comes from understanding the whole person — their environment, their experiences, their communication, and their strengths.
WHAT WE VALUE
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Compassion
We lead with empathy, respect, and genuine understanding. We take time to listen deeply and respond with care. Every person’s story matters, and we honour it with warmth and sensitivity.
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Integrity
We are transparent, ethical, and committed to doing what is right. Our decisions and actions are guided by honesty and accountability. We uphold best practice to ensure safe, high-quality support every step of the way.
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Growth
We believe in building confidence, capability, and resilience over time. Our focus is on supporting meaningful progress at a pace that feels safe. Every small step forward is celebrated as part of a bigger journey.
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Collaboration
We value working together toward shared outcomes. By connecting with families, schools, and professionals, we create stronger, more consistent support. True change happens when everyone moves in the same direction.
Our Support
Oriana Co works with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, families, caregivers, support coordinators, allied health teams, schools, and community organisations. We support children, teens, and adults with psychosocial or developmental disabilities, as well as individuals experiencing emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges.
Our work is grounded in a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, and holistic approach, ensuring every person feels safe, understood, and valued. We focus on strengths rather than deficits, adapting our support to each individual’s communication style, preferences, and goals. Collaboration is central to our practice — we work closely with families, educators, and professionals to create consistent, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes.
We proudly service Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, the Hunter, and Upper Hunter regions, with telehealth available Australia-wide.
READY TO CONNECT?
We’re here to support individuals, families, and professionals with clarity, kindness, and confidence.