faq.

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychologist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse, dependent adult, or elder abuse. The psychologist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The psychologist is required to notify the police.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The psychologist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

When do I need to get a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan can only be used if you are seeing a Registered Psychologist. A registered psychologist has completed their tertiary requirements and sat their board exam to obtain registration. This allows them to hold a Provider number through which you receive a rebate.

If you are seeing a Provisional Psychologist, you are still welcome to have a Mental Health Care Plan, however you will not be able to use this to obtain your rebate until they become registered.

A Provisional Psychologist is someone who has completed their tertiary requirements, and are undergoing an ‘internship’, or a period where they are completing their practical requirements before sitting their board exam.
Whilst this means you cannot obtain a rebate; the fee is decreased so you are no more out of pocket for seeing a provisional psychologist.

Please note you do not need a mental health care plan to be added to our waiting list.

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy.

Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or difficulties with anxiety or depression.

Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a psychologist as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.

Working with a psychologist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges.

Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions.

Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Psychologists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.

Many people also find that counsellors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life.

Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution.

The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values.
• Developing skills for improving your relationships.
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy.
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures.
• Improving communications and listening skills.
• Changing old behaviour patterns and developing new ones.
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage.
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence.

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions.

It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes.

Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.

There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviours.

It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions.

For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.

People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding.
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings.
• Real strategies for enacting positive change.
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance.

Are you a NDIS provider?
Are you a Medicare Service Provider?

Yes, we are Medicare and NDIS Service Providers.

How much do appointments cost?

Provisional Psychologist: $110.00 for a 50-minute session
NDIS Fee Equivalent: $193.99  

Psychologist: $230.00 for a 50-minute session
NDIS Fee Equivalent: $234.83

Clinical Psychologist: $240.00 for a 50-minute session
NDIS Fee Equivalent: $234.83

What is your cancellation policy?

If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. Unforeseen circumstances can be accommodated where it is not possible to provide 48 hours' notice.

What are my mental health benefits?

Under Medicare, a Mental Health Care Plan has 10 sessions available for one year where you can obtain a rebate. This is a partial credit of the total fee you pay for your session. The out-of-pocket expense will depend on your Medicare threshold, so please reach out to Medicare directly to determine specific figures.

Can I claim through my private health?

Eligible sessions can be claimed through private health. Please reach out to your Private Health Provider to firstly see if  Psychology is covered, and to make any claims. Private Health Rebates cannot be claimed in our office.