Frequently asked questions

If something is getting in the way of you living the life you want — whether that's anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, or just feeling stuck — speaking with a psychologist can help.

You don't need to be in crisis to seek support. Many people see a psychologist to build skills, gain perspective, or work through challenges before they escalate. If you're unsure, the best step is simply to reach out and have a conversation with us.

You're welcome to read about each of our psychologists on the Our Psychologists page and let us know if you have a preference. We'll do our best to accommodate your request.

If you're not sure, just let us know a bit about what you're looking for and we'll match you with the most suitable psychologist based on their areas of expertise and availability.

Yes. You're welcome to bring a support person to your appointment if that would help you feel more comfortable. Please let us know in advance so we can arrange seating appropriately.

For children and young people, a parent or caregiver is typically involved in the initial session and may participate in sessions as appropriate to the child's age and the focus of the work.

Yes, we offer sessions via Telehealth (video or telephone) for clients who are unable to attend in person, or who simply prefer the convenience of remote appointments.

Telehealth sessions are conducted through a secure platform. Medicare rebates are available for Telehealth sessions under a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan. Please contact us to discuss Telehealth options.

Your first session is an opportunity for your psychologist to get to know you — what brings you in, your background, and what you're hoping to work on. It's also a chance for you to get a feel for your psychologist and ask any questions.

There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. The first session is about building rapport and forming a shared understanding of your goals. At the end, your psychologist will discuss a plan for how you might work together going forward.

Standard individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Assessment sessions may be longer depending on the type and scope of assessment being conducted.

Session frequency depends on your individual needs and goals. Many clients start with weekly or fortnightly appointments and then move to less frequent sessions as they progress.

Your psychologist will discuss a recommended frequency at your first session and will adjust this over time with you. You're always in control of how often you attend.

We ask that you give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows us to offer the time to another client.

• More than 48 hours notice — no charge
• 24–48 hours notice — 50% of the session fee may apply
• Less than 24 hours notice or non-attendance — full session fee may apply

If extenuating circumstances arise, please contact us and we'll do our best to assist. Medicare and private health insurers do not cover cancellation fees.

For your first appointment, it helps to bring:

• Your Medicare card (if claiming a rebate)
• Your Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral letter from your GP (if applicable)
• Your private health insurance card (if claiming a rebate)
• Any relevant reports or letters from other health professionals (optional)

Payment is processed on the day. We accept EFTPOS, credit card, and HICAPS for on-the-spot private health claims.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is prepared by your GP or psychiatrist. To get one, book a longer appointment with your GP and let them know you'd like a referral for psychology services. They'll assess your needs and, if appropriate, prepare the plan.

Once you have your plan, bring the referral letter to your first appointment and we'll process your Medicare rebate on the day.

Under the Better Access initiative, you can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. Your GP will initially refer you for up to 6 sessions; after reviewing your progress, they can refer you for a further 4 sessions if needed.

Sessions beyond the 10-session limit can continue at the full private fee or may be covered by private health insurance.

The Medicare rebate for a standard psychology session with a registered psychologist is approximately $141.85 per session (as of the current schedule). Rebate amounts are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change.

We'll apply the rebate on the day via our HICAPS terminal, so you only pay the gap amount.

Yes. We have HICAPS available, so eligible private health fund members can claim their rebate on the spot at the time of payment. Rebate amounts vary depending on your fund and level of extras cover.

Please check with your insurer before your first appointment to confirm your psychology benefit and any annual limits.

No. You cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session. You will need to choose one or the other. In most cases, the Medicare rebate is higher — but it depends on your individual policy.

Yes. We are registered to provide services funded by WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). If you have an accepted claim, we can bill the insurer directly — meaning no out-of-pocket cost for you in most cases.

You'll need a valid claim number and a referral from your treating GP. Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.

Our psychologists draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and will tailor treatment to your individual needs and goals. Approaches used include:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Schema Therapy
• Mindfulness-based interventions

The length of therapy depends on what you're working on and your individual goals. Some people find that 6–10 sessions gives them the tools and insight they need; others choose to engage in longer-term work.

Your psychologist will discuss expectations and goals with you from the outset and regularly check in on your progress. There's no obligation to continue beyond what feels right for you.

It's important to share any concerns about your progress with your psychologist. Sometimes the approach needs to be adjusted, or a different psychologist might be a better fit — and that's completely okay.

We want therapy to be helpful and meaningful for you. Please don't hesitate to raise any concerns openly — your feedback helps us provide better support.

Yes. Our psychologists have extensive experience working with children and adolescents across a range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental concerns, including school anxiety, low mood, and family adjustment.

Parents are typically involved in the initial session and, depending on the child's age and the nature of the work, may participate in ongoing sessions. We offer a warm, age-appropriate environment for young people.

Yes. Everything you share in your sessions is treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with professional ethical standards and the Privacy Act 1988.

There are, however, a small number of situations where confidentiality may need to be limited — specifically, where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where disclosure is required by law. Your psychologist will explain these limits at your first session.

If you've been referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, we are required to send a brief letter to your referring GP following your sessions — typically after your 6th and 10th sessions. This letter summarises your progress in general terms and does not include session content.

We will not share the details of what you discuss in sessions with your GP or any other party without your consent, except where required by law.

Your records are stored securely and handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Access to your records is restricted to your treating psychologist and authorised practice staff only.

If you'd like to access information held about you, please contact the practice directly.