How do I book my first psychology appointment?

Privately Paying:

For most people, the first step to booking in with your therapist is to actually visit your General Practitioner (GP) to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan (also commonly referred to as a Mental Health Care Plan). Your GP may ask questions about your mental health history and what is happening in your life at the moment.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan can provide access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions with a psychologist within a calendar year. The specific rebate amount you receive per session will depend on the type of psychologist you consult. We offer a transparent overview of our fees and associated rebates on our website.

The next step is to find a psychologist that best suits your needs. Finding a psychologist is almost like finding a taxi, most will try to get you where you want to go, but they may have their own ways to get you there. If you have any questions, most psychologist would be happy to answer them before you book an initial appointment.

You do not have to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan; you can pay the full fee out of pocket

Private Health Insurance:

Many private health insurance plans can cover mental health under extras. Please know your extras limit, as it typically can only cover a couple of sessions.

Workers Compensation:

If you have a workers’ compensation case, you have likely already received paperwork with preliminary approval to see a psychologist. If this is the case, you can email and send through any relevant paperwork to your psychologist and they will be able to help you out.

NDIS:

NDIS participants can receive psychology from their plans if it has been adequately factored into the plan’s goals, and there is sufficient funding. Most Psychologists can only work with NDIS participants if they are plan-managed. Before booking, it is ideal to contact the psychologist and inform them that you are planning to pay via NDIS and discuss with them further.