FAQ

What can I expect during the first session?

Sessions are usually around 50 minutes in duration.  The first session typically involves a discussion of the reasons you have decided to commence therapy, your symptoms, any relevant background history, such as about your family, past mental health difficulties, past counselling, relationships and current life circumstances. Through this discussion I will develop a thorough understanding of your issues and in most cases we will come to an agreement by the end of the first session about what you would like to gain from the therapy and how often we will need to meet.  Questions are always welcome, it is always a collaborative process and I will ensure you feel heard and understood. 

You can come into my consulting room for a face to face session or you have the option of having a Telehealth secure video or phone session from the privacy of your own home or other location. Telehealth sessions are offered via the Doxy.Me platform which is secure and encrypted, or you can have a phone consultation.  If you opt for a secure video Telehealth session  a link will be sent to you 2-3 days prior to your appointment. The Doxy.Me platform is very reliable but if there were to be connection issues the consultation will switch over to a phone consultation if necessary

What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?

It's totally normal to be nervous about starting therapy. It can feel intimidating to sit with someone and talk about how you feel. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Taking steps to seek help for the challenges we face is a huge step, it takes courage to realise we can't face our issues alone. 

I will do everything possible to make therapy a space where you can be yourself and feel safe from judgement. If something feels overwhelming or even terrifying to discuss, that's actually very normal.  It can often feel difficult to talk about some things so during our sessions it will always be up to you if you feel ready to talk about something or not. I'll be there to guide you towards discovering what feels comfortable for you to share. Working with pace, we can look at the tough stuff if you're ready.  Many of my clients tell me that feeling more comfortable in the therapy space and being able to open up more deeply develops with each session. 

How do I make an appointment?

For new clients the first step is to fill in the contact form and fill in information required. I will then get in contact with you for a brief phone discussion of your situation and to decide whether I am the right psychologist for you to work with.  If there is agreement for therapy to  begin I will then send you intake and consent forms electronically for you to complete and submit. As soon as these are received I will contact you to book your first appointment and determine a schedule.

Please note that a doctor's referral is not required in order to access therapy, however you may wish to seek a Medicare rebate. See Payments & Rebates section below. 

For past clients who are seeking to resume therapy with me you can contact me directly by clicking on the  contact link  or email  

For all clients you will be sent an SMS reminder 72 hours prior to your first appointment. 



Consulting at: 

Mondays: 

Brunswick or Telehealth  10:30 am - 7:15 pm 


Wednesdays: 

Brunswick  9 am - 1:15 pm

Telehealth 9 am - 1:15 pm  & 4 pm - 6:30 pm


Thursdays:

Telehealth    9 am - 1 pm & 5:30 pm 


Fridays: 

Brunswick or Telehealth    9:15 am - 6 pm



Payment and rebates

Current fees are $210 during business hours and $230 for after hours sessions offered from 5 pm or starting before 9 am on weekdays.  Bulk billing is not available. 

If you have a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you may be eligible for up to 10 Medicare rebated consultations in a calendar year.  You will need to see your GP prior to your first appointment who will assess if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).  The Medicare rebate is $93.35 leaving a gap fee of $116.65 (or $136.65 for after hours sessions).  If you bring your Mental Health Care Plan & accompanying referral letter or just the Mental Health Care Plan referral letter to your appointment or send to my secure email then I can process the Medicare rebate for you and the rebate will go through within 1-2 days. Alternatively you can request that your GP send your MHCP and/or referral letter to me via email or fax (03) 5947 5096.   If you have any questions about Medicare please  email me & I'll do my best to answer any questions.

If you have private health insurance that includes psychological counselling in your extras cover you may be eligible for a partial rebate. Please ensure you contact your insurance provider prior to your appointment to clarify this.  I will send you a receipt and you can use this to seek your insurance rebate. 

I do not see clients through the following third parties: Workcover, TAC, Victims of Crimes, ATAPS or Employee Assistance Programs. I don't write letters or reports for the court or similar requests.  


Cancellations

You can notify me via  email if you need to cancel your appointment. Due to the demand for appointments and the loss of income for non-attendance or late cancellation, a strict cancellation fee applies to all appointments where 48 hours notice is not provided. Consideration of severe health or personal emergency circumstances will be considered in the application of the cancellation fee.  There is a cancellation fee of 50% of the fee for non-attendance or cancellation with less than 48 hours notice or 100% of the fee if cancellation occurs within  24 hours of your appointment.  (Medicare and private health insurance do not provide rebates for cancelled appointments or non attendance). Your cancellation notice would be much appreciated, as this can enable me to provide services to other clients who may be in need of an urgent appointment.   


This is not a crisis service, if you require urgent assistance please call a 24  hour service such as: 

Emergency Services: 000

Lifeline: 13 11 14