What to expect

Prior to your first session you will speak with one of our friendly admin team to book your appointment. You will be requested to send through a copy of your mental health care plan if you intend to claim a Medicare rebate.

Following this, our admin team will send you a consent form to read and sign, as well as a short questionnaire about common symptoms people experience. Lastly, you will receive a reminder text for your appointment. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to reschedule.

Your first session

We will spend this time gaining a shared understanding of the psychological problems that you would like my help with. To do this, I will be asking you what are the problems that you have been experiencing that have led you to therapy, with a specific focus on the emotional aspects of these difficulties.  We will also explore the barriers that have stopped you from gaining the outcomes you have been seeking.

Subsequent sessions

You are the driver of your sessions. What we talk about will be driven by you.  I will keep us focussed so that our conversations are meaningful for your treatment goals. I will be alongside you, to help you overcome your emotional difficulties and bring you closer to the results you wish to achieve.  I recommend that we schedule regular sessions to maximize therapy gains and create lasting change.

How many sessions will I need?

Therapy is an investment in your mental health. Treatment length varies depending on individual need. I am committed to providing therapy that is specifically tailored to your needs and therefore there are no set rules regarding the length of treatment. 

Is what we talk about confidential?

Absolutely.  

Clinical notes will be taken and stored safely.  I am bound by the Australian Psychological Society’s ethical code of conduct to ensure that everything discussed in a session is strictly confidential.   

There are, however, certain rare circumstances under which psychologists are legally obligated to break confidentiality.

• If they are concerned about your immediate safety or that of others
•  If your information is subpoenaed by a court of law
•  If you disclose information regarding your involvement in or knowledge of criminal activity

How long is a session?

Consultations last between 50 and 60 minutes.

Medicare Questions

What is involved in a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, a referral can occur through a GP, a psychiatrist or a pediatrician. If referral is by a GP, the GP must complete a detailed assessment and diagnosis of the client as part of preparing a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

Generally, you need to book a longer session with your GP to enable them to complete the assessment and treatment plan.

In order to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions, you will need to send a copy of the referral to the clinic prior to your first appointment.

How many sessions am I entitled to?

Under the Better Access initiative, eligible people can receive up to 10 individual sessions in a calendar year (1 January to 31 December). 

Referrals cannot be provided for the full 10 sessions. A referral is for a maximum of six sessions. Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions and determine whether further sessions are needed.

After you have reached the maximum number of allowable sessions for the calendar year you will not be eligible for any further Medicare rebates for treatment you receive until the new calendar year.