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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Feeling anxious about starting therapy? What to expect at your first appointment?

Whether or not you have engaged in counselling or therapy in the past it is normal and natural to feel nervous before your first appointment with a psychologist. Listed below are some points that outline what you can expect from your first appointment:

  • Each session will run for 50 minutes.
  • Therapy is completely confidential, with certain exceptions that will be explained to you before therapy begins.
  • The first session is an opportunity for you to get to know your psychologist, discuss the reasons you are seeking treatment, and for the therapist-client relationship to start forming. We will ask questions about your current symptoms, distress, relationships, family and defining, significant or traumatic experiences. This is so we can assess and explore the things that might be contributing to how you are currently coping, and decide the best approach to treatment.
  • The pace of the therapy is directed by the client and this is really important to us.
  • The assessment phase will typically take two to three sessions depending on your specific circumstances and history.
  • At the end of each session you will discuss and decide when you will next meet and whether or not to book a regular recurring appointment in.
What will it cost to see a mental health professional?
Session fees vary depending on the length of the session and the qualifications of your psychologist. Please call the practice to confirm the fee that applies to you. Payment is requested on the day of the consultation. Where a Medicare rebate applies, the current rebate is $149.45 for a clinical psychologist and $101.50 for a general psychologist. Mind Psychology is not a bulk billing practice.
How do I get a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from my GP?

A MHCP is only necessary if you wish to claim the Medicare rebate, you are able to see a clinician or therapist without a referral or MHCP if you are willing to pay the full cost. Should you wish to obtain a MHCP, you will need to:

  • Book an appointment with a GP. You will need to ask for an extended consultation or tell the receptionist that you specifically require a MHCP.
  • Discuss your concerns with your doctor. They may ask you to complete a brief questionnaire.
  • Be sure to get your GP to refer you to Mind Psychology.
  • You must remember to bring your referral along to your first appointment with the psychologist in order to claim the rebate.

Please note – Psychiatrists can also refer directly to a Psychologist by writing a letter (without preparing a MHCP).
If you already have a MHCP and referral and you are ready to book an appointment now, or would like further advice about the MHCP process, please Contact Us

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
Not necessarily. You can arrange to be seen without a referral. This is called a self-referral.
We accept referrals from all sources, although Medicare rebates are only available upon referral from your GP with a mental health care plan. It is possible to attend your first session under a fee-per-service basis and then arrange the GP referral. Please see your GP to discuss a referral and whether or not you are eligible for a mental health care plan.
What if the therapy or the therapist is not the right fit for me

Client-therapist fit is one of the most important factors in the therapy because the therapeutic work needs to occur in the context of a trusting relationship. Research has shown that the quality of the client-therapist fit is one of the primary predictors of client progress in therapy. In short, for the therapy to be effective, there must be trust and positive regard in the client-therapist relationship.

The psychologist should address this in the first few sessions by opening up the conversation and encouraging the client to think about how they feel the relationship is going, the potential for the relationship and the fit. The psychologist should encourage the client to be open about sharing any concerns and feedback about what they do, and do not, like or want. If you as a client, at any point feel you would like to stop the work and find a new therapist you should feel safe to say so and the psychologist should offer any resources they have to assist you in this process.

Are you a registered NDIS provider?

Mind Psychology is not a registered NDIS provider. If you have self-managed or plan-managed funding, you may be able to use applicable services at the clinic. Please have your NDIS participant details and plan information ready. If your plan manager needs a claim or reference number, have that available as well. We can provide an invoice for your claim. Contact reception before your appointment so we can confirm what your plan requires.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please give at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel an appointment. Otherwise a cancellation fee of $120 applies, except in exceptional circumstances. No Medicare rebate is available for a cancelled session. If you are unsure, please speak with our admin team.

What appointment times are available?

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. Face-to-face and telehealth appointments are available, and some after-hours times may be offered. Please contact our reception team to discuss a time that suits you.

Ready to get started?

Please contact our friendly reception team to have a chat or ask any further questions.

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