Frequently Asked Questions

Our psychologists are qualified professionals.  We can help you take charge of your life to pursue a more fulfilling life.  You might have tried dealing with issues on your own or spoken to friends and family.  However, there may be times when impartial support from a psychologist would be more beneficial.  We can help if you answer “yes” to any of these life problems:-

• I’m constantly feeling sad, angry or generally “not myself” and don’t know what to do
• I always think the worst
• My coping mechanisms are over-stretched and I’m abusing food, alcohol, sex, drugs or other substances
• I’ve lost someone close to me
• I’ve lost my job
• I’ve had a panic attack
• I feel anxious or worried a lot of the time
• I feel helpless when I’m stressed
• I am alone and have nobody to confide in
• I’ve experienced a traumatic event and I can’t stop thinking about it
• I feel disconnected from activities I used to enjoy
• I have to make an important life decision
• I’m getting poor feedback at work
• My relationships at home and/or work are strained
• I have lodged a workers’ compensation claim
• My family or friends have expressed concern for me
• I’m having trouble sleeping
• I have unexplained and recurrent headaches, stomach aches or a rundown immune system

Depending on your issues, the first appointment is usually investigative with some initial problem-solving.  Your psychologist will listen to your concerns, issues and background to get your story and may make notes as you talk.

You may be telling your story for the first time;  talking about very emotional issues;  or feel very distressed.  Your psychologist will be non-judgmental, empathetic and supportive.

In collaboration with you, your psychologist will then plan how to proceed, discussing your best treatment and intervention options.  Please note that you may be asked to complete forms and questionnaires at your first appointment and at other times during treatment.

Sessions usually last about 50 - 60 minutes.

You can expect your psychologist to listen and not jump to conclusions, to ask plenty of questions and to work in partnership with you, at a pace that suits you achieving your goals.

We use a range of short-term evidence-based therapy techniques, including CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy).  CBT is not just about talking through issues.  It is an active process of discussing and understanding why a particular problem is occurring and learning specific skills to manage the issue better.  CBT aims to teach you the necessary skills to initiate and maintain the required change.

There is no standard as each person’s situation is unique.  The length of therapy depends on factors including the nature and complexity of your issues, your expectations and motivation to change.

Sometimes, one productive problem-solving session is sufficient.  However, you may need a few months to achieve more sustained life changes.  For major change, or if you are dealing with long-term issues, the sessions can take a year or more.  Typically, we schedule sessions regularly at the beginning, then decrease them after a few months for review or ongoing support.

Yes -whatever we discuss is done so in confidence.  As registered psychologists and members of the Australian Psychological Society, you can expect the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct.

No, you can make an appointment directly.  However, if you would like to access the Medicare system, please consult your doctor and you may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan which entitles you to a rebate for a set number of sessions.

Yes, but you can only claim from either Medicare or your health fund.  If a GP or Psychiatrist completes a Mental Health Care Plan and refers you to a registered psychologist with a Medicare provider number, then you are entitled to a rebate for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions in a calendar year.  The rebate is for treatment of a range of mental health issues.

Currently, the rebate ranges from $84.80 to $124.50.

The cost of your consultations count towards the Medicare Safety Net Thresholds. Rebates are around 80% of your out-of-pocket expenses when you reach the threshold in a calendar year.

Please check with your health fund if psychology service rebates are available.

The standard fee for a 50 – 60 minute individual therapy session ranges from $170 - $220

Bulk billing is available for children, pensioners, unemployed and low income health care card holders.  To ensure our services are accessible to as many people as possible, we offer a sliding scale of fees for clients experiencing financial difficulties.

We accept Cash, Visa, Mastercard or EFTPOS

If unable to attend an appointment, please give a minimum of 1 business day notice or you may be charged the full fee for the missed appointment.