Working with a psychologist can help you better understand and manage difficult emotions, reduce behaviours that may be unhelpful or harmful, and develop effective ways to navigate challenges and solve problems

Assessment and Treatment

Your psychologist will begin by conducting an assessment tailored to your concerns and circumstances. This may include exploring your current symptoms, previous treatment, relevant developmental and social history, physical health and goals for therapy.

Together, you and your psychologist will establish treatment goals and develop an approach suited to your needs. Therapy may involve learning practical skills, developing new ways of responding to difficult situations, and working towards changes that support your wellbeing. Your psychologist may also suggest activities or skills to practise between sessions.

As therapy progresses, you and your psychologist will review your progress and consider whether your treatment goals are being met. When it is appropriate to conclude regular sessions, you can discuss strategies for maintaining the progress you have made and managing future challenges.

You are free to discontinue therapy at any time. If you are considering stopping, discussing this with your psychologist may help you make an informed decision about your ongoing care.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Your privacy is important. Information you share during therapy is treated confidentially and will not generally be shared with others without your consent.

There are some circumstances in which your psychologist may need to disclose information without your consent. These may include situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, or where disclosure is required by law, such as in response to a court order.

Where possible and appropriate, your psychologist will discuss any proposed disclosure with you beforehand. Only relevant information will be shared, in accordance with applicable legal and professional obligations.

Medicare Rebates

You are welcome to see a psychologist privately without a referral. However, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate under the Better Access initiative, you will need a referral letter from your GP and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligible clients can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychological treatment sessions per calendar year. A referral generally covers up to six sessions initially, with a review by your GP required before further sessions can be accessed.

Medicare provides a rebate towards the cost of treatment, and an out-of-pocket fee may apply. Please provide your referral letter and Mental Health Treatment Plan before your first appointment if you intend to claim a Medicare rebate.

Eating Disorder Treatment

Medicare rebates may also be available for eligible people with an eating disorder through an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDTMP).

An eligible medical practitioner can prepare the plan and refer the person for treatment. Depending on eligibility and clinical requirements, Medicare may cover up to 40 eating disorder psychological treatment services and 20 dietetic services over a 12-month plan period. Reviews and other eligibility requirements apply.

If you are seeking psychological support for an eating disorder, your GP can help determine whether this pathway is appropriate for you. Telehealth treatment may be suitable in some circumstances, depending on your individual needs and clinical presentation.

Health funds 

If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate for psychology services under your extras or ancillary cover, depending on your policy.

Receipts will be provided following your appointment for you to submit to your health fund to claim any eligible rebate. Please check with your health fund to confirm your level of cover and eligibility.

You cannot claim a private health insurance benefit and a Medicare rebate for the same service