Psychological Services - FAQ

Typically we meet with you, the parent/ guardian first, to allow a deep dive into what has led to the current referral for psychological assistance, and establish a plan of how to best approach your child. This is so we can maximise rapport and getting started with support quickly. 

Your child’s first appointment is usually a gentle introduction, though we are led by them. While some children need time to establish a connection, others want to jump straight in and start working on solutions. 

Either way, we move forward at a pace that works for your child. 

A Psychologist completes years of university training in understanding the science and complex mechanisms that contribute to developmental, emotional, psychological, relational, social and biological growth, along with knowledge of processes and tools for assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. 

Counsellors provide emotional support and guidance but generally do not diagnose conditions or conduct formal assessments. 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, often working alongside Psychologists as part of a broader care team. 

If your child is seeing us under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, we are required to send your GP a brief update after the first six sessions and at review points. Outside of this, we only share information with your GP (or anyone else) with your consent, unless there is a risk of harm and safety protocols apply. 

Your child’s safety and well being are our top priority. Having a parent or caregiver close by ensures we can reach you quickly if needed, and it also supports effective therapy — many sessions involve feedback, guidance, or shared strategies that are most helpful when an adult is available so children are not feeling solely responsible for their own change.  

No two clients have the same needs. The number of sessions varies enormously based on the reason/s for attending and how receptive or adaptable the child, family or system are to learning new approaches. 

Therapy session typically last for 50-60 minutes. Most children will attend between 6 to 10 sessions though often times, more sessions are needed to gain the most benefit.  

As part of the federal government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, eligible children, young people and parents can receive a rebate from Medicare for psychological services. 

In order to obtain a rebate from Medicare, your General Practitioner, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist must assess your child as eligible to receive a Mental Health Treatment Plan, following which you can be referred to a Psychologist.  

Once a Mental Health Treatment Plan has been completed by your doctor, you will be able to obtain a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year (that is, between January 1 and December 30 for any year). Rebates not accessed are rolled over to future years as referrals and Plans do not expire.