FAQs

What will I expect when seeing a Psychologist?

It is understandable to feel uncomfortable or anxious in talking to a new person about sensitive personal information. In the first session, your psychologist will talk with you to gain a full picture of your current concerns and circumstances, and any related factors and history. The psychologist will also explain how they work and establish some guidelines for the sessions together (such as frequency of sessions, fees, confidentiality, etc). There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have for the psychologist.

Are the Sessions Confidential?

It is natural to be concerned about your confidentiality when you are sharing intimate details about yourself with a psychologist. Information obtained from you during sessions is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent. There are some legal limitations to confidentiality which your psychologist will discuss with you in the first session. Your psychologist will ask you to sign a consent form if there is a need to discuss information about you with another person (such as a GP, lawyer, or third-party billing source).

How many appointments will I require?

This depends on the individual’s needs and the presenting issue. Most clients require between 6 to 12 sessions. This matter will be discussed with your psychologist after the first session.

Many clients have issues that have existed for many years and have deeper origins, and sessions may be needed over a longer period of time. Some clients are interested in doing deeper and longer-term insight-oriented psychotherapy in order to understand themselves and their issues in more depth. These clients usually have a deep interest in their own personal development and this can lead to significant and lasting change. Depth psychotherapy generally involves therapy occurring over many months or longer.

How long are the appointments?

Each session with a Psychologist lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Is the treatment covered by Medicare?

The Medicare rebate is obtainable to clients who are referred by their GP, psychiatrist, or pediatrician with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. The Medicare rebate makes accessing a psychologist more affordable by offering a considerable rebate to clients for 10 sessions per calendar year. The Medicare rebate is $84.80. There will be a gap fee of $100.00 per session. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your eligibility.

Is the treatment covered by the NDIS?

If you have Capacity Building Support with a sub-category ‘Improved Daily Living Skills’ then your sessions will be covered by your NDIS plan. If you are unsure, please book a free initial consultation with us and send us a copy of your plan.

Is the treatment covered by Private Health Insurance?

If you have private health insurance eg. Medibank, HBA, Bupa, etc., and have Extras cover, your health fund will pay for all or part of the consultation fee. You will be required to make the full payment and claim back via your Private Health Insurance. Different insurance will cover different costs depending on your coverage, please contact your Private Health Insurance if you are unsure.

Do I need a Doctor’s Referral?

If you are seeing the psychologist privately then no referral is required. If you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan then you would need to consult your doctor first and bring this with you on the first day of your consultation.