What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your psychologist will begin by getting to know you and exploring your current concerns. This involves asking questions about your background to better understand your circumstances. While the focus is typically on the present, there may be times when discussing past experiences is necessary to address current challenges. During sessions, you'll work together to break down problems into smaller parts, examining your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to identify patterns that may be unhelpful or unrealistic.
Understanding these patterns is just the first step; implementing change takes effort. Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, your psychologist will guide you in practising these changes through tasks or ‘homework’ in your daily life. At each session, you’ll review your progress and refine strategies as needed.
Counselling typically involves between 5 and 20 sessions, scheduled weekly or fortnightly, with each session lasting 50 minutes. For added flexibility, telehealth appointments via Zoom are also available—please speak to your psychologist for details.
Telehealth Appointments
For clients who prefer or require remote sessions, telehealth appointments are conducted via Zoom. To ensure a smooth experience:
- Choose a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking freely.
- Ensure your device has a stable internet connection and functioning camera and microphone.
- Rest assured that telehealth sessions are not recorded, and we take every measure to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of online appointments.
Fees and Rebates
Our psychologists are Medicare-registered, allowing you to access a rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year under a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
- Session Fee: $220 per session.
- We offer a sliding scale for clients experiencing financial difficulty—please discuss this with your psychologist.
- Payment is required on the day of your appointment. EFTPOS facilities are available, and Medicare rebates can be processed on the spot for eligible clients.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Cancellations on the day of your appointment or failure to attend without notice will incur the full session fee. Exceptions are made for severe and unexpected situations, such as hospitalisation.
Confidentiality
All personal information shared during your sessions is treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be disclosed in the following situations:
1. When required by law, such as through a court subpoena.
2. If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
3. If you provide written consent for your psychologist to share information with other professionals or agencies, such as your GP, lawyer, insurer, or government department.
For telehealth sessions, we ensure strict confidentiality through secure platforms, and no session recordings are made without prior agreement.
Emergency Contact Information
Please note that our psychologists are not available outside of scheduled sessions. If you are in immediate distress or require urgent help, please contact Lifeline at *13 11 14* or your nearest hospital emergency department.
Client Feedback and Concerns
We value your feedback and are committed to providing high-quality care. If you have any concerns or suggestions about your sessions, please feel free to raise them directly with your psychologist or contact our practice manager.
Medicare Requirements
If you are referred through the Better Access to Mental Health Scheme, Medicare requires your psychologist to send a summary letter to your referring doctor. This letter will outline the outcomes of your assessment and progress in treatment.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to ask your psychologist.