Empower your Mind with Expert Psychology Services

Before the Session:

• Please complete our New Patient Form 
• Email your referral and/or your Mental Health Treatment Plan to our team
• We encourage clients to open the Telehealth link 3-5 minutes earlier to avoid technical issues 

During the Session:

• Introduction: Your psychologist will begin by discussing confidentiality and your rights as a client.
• Assessment: The session will focus on understanding your reasons for seeking therapy, your current concerns, and relevant background information.
• Therapeutic Approach: Based on the gathered information, your psychologist will collaborate with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, ensuring it aligns with your needs and goals.

After the Session:

• Emotional Reflection:  You may feel a range of emotions after your first session. Taking time to reflect on the session can be beneficial.
• Ongoing Process: Remember, therapy is a journey. Subsequent sessions build upon the foundation established in the initial meeting, focusing more on specific strategies and interventions to address your concerns.

Feeling anxious before your first session is natural. Acknowledging this step demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and well-being. Each therapy journey is unique, and your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to navigate the path ahead.

To ensure a smooth and effective telehealth appointment, consider the following:

• Technology Setup: Use a device with a camera and microphone, such as a computer, Laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and ensure a stable internet connection. We recommended using a larger device, as these devices have larger screens and easier to see one another.

• Environment: Choose a quiet, private space free from interruptions. Inform household members of your session to minimise disturbances.

• Materials: Have a pen, paper, water, and tissues readily available.

• Headphones: Using headphones can enhance audio quality and provide additional privacy.

• Preparation: Log in a few minutes before your appointment to confirm the link works and to settle in before starting.

No, a referral from your GP is not required to schedule an appointment with a psychologist. However, obtaining a referral from your GP can make you eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, to help manage the session costs. 

The number of psychology sessions you may need depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Some people find that they only need a few sessions such as 3 to 4 to address a specific concern or gain personal insights. Others may require more therapy, ranging from 6 to 10 sessions to feel better about themselves. Some individuals may need longer-term support, especially when dealing with complex or long-standing issues where they may require 10 to 20 sessions or more. 

In Australia, the Medicare Better Access Scheme provides rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a psychologist when referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan. This allows flexibility in the number of sessions you can attend, based on your needs. 

It is important to discuss your goals and preferences with your psychologist. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and you can always reassess as therapy progresses.

Standard therapy sessions last for 50 minutes.

Extended sessions of 90 minutes or more are available upon request.

Our psychologist will discuss with you if longer sessions would be beneficial for you.

Our psychologists are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of their clients. 

There are specific situations where a psychologist may be legally or ethically obligated to disclose your information and break confidentiality. These situations include:

• Risk of Harm: Concern that you might harm yourself or harm may come to others. The psychologist must take steps to ensure safety. 
• Legal Requirements: If a court issues a subpoena (legal document that requests your attendance to the court of law to provide information), a psychologist may be required to provide records or testify.
• Supervision / Second opinion: Registered psychologists in Australia engage in supervision sessions to discuss their professional practice. During these meetings, aspects of your treatment may be reviewed to ensure high-quality care. 
• Coordination of Care: If you’re using a Mental Health Care Plan, the psychologist will communicate with your General Practitioner (GP) to provide updates on your progress.
• Consent to Others: If you provide written consent, the psychologist can share information with specified individuals or professionals.

Psychologists typically explain confidentiality policies before your first session and may remind you of them during therapy as needed. If they must break confidentiality due to legal obligations, they will inform you unless doing so could cause harm.