Your first step, made simple
Whether you’re looking for counselling support or considering an assessment, we’ll help you understand what happens next.
How counselling works
Getting started takes a few simple steps.
Reach out
Book online, send us an enquiry or give us a call. We’ll help you find the right place to start.
We match you
Tell us a little about what's going on and we'll help you find a psychologist or therapist who suits your needs, preferences and availability.
Your first session
Meet your clinician, talk through what's brought you in at your own pace and begin working out what support may be most helpful.
Ongoing support
Together you'll decide what comes next, including how often to meet and what you'd like to work towards.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book with us directly, whenever you're ready.
You don’t need a referral to book a counselling appointment.
If you'd like to claim Medicare rebates, your GP can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and refer you. This gives you rebates on up to 10 sessions each calendar year. The referral just needs to be in place before your first rebated session.
What your first counselling session looks like
Your first session is an opportunity to meet your psychologist, share what has brought you to therapy and begin understanding what support may be most helpful.
Your psychologist will explore what’s important to you and work collaboratively with you to understand the best way forward. There’s nothing to prepare, and you can share at a pace that feels comfortable.
Everything you share is confidential, and we’ll always be upfront about the rare exceptions.
How assessments works
Getting started takes a few simple steps.
Start with an enquiry
Book online or contact our intake team and tell us what you're hoping to understand or assess. You don't need to know exactly which assessment you need.
We clarify what you need
We'll talk through your concerns and recommend the most appropriate assessment pathway, including any reports, questionnaires or other information we may need.
Assessment appointments
You'll meet with your psychologist for interviews and testing. Depending on the assessment, this may happen over one or several appointments.
Feedback, report & next steps
Your psychologist will bring the information together, explain the findings and recommendations, and provide a written report.
Do I need a referral for an assessment?
An assessment is more than a single appointment.
Depending on the assessment, the process may include interviews, standardised testing, questionnaires, reviewing previous reports or school information, and a feedback session with a written report.
We'll explain exactly what's involved before you begin, including appointments, fees and any information we need from you.
Ways to get in touch
Choose whatever feels easiest.
Book online
The quickest way. Browse our team and book directly through our secure booking system, any time of day.
Make an enquiry
Not sure who to see or where to start? Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
Call us
Prefer to talk to a person first? Our friendly intake team is here during clinic hours.
A few common questions
How do I make an appointment?
You can book online or call our Intake Team on (03) 9872 6255. If you enquire online, our Intake Team will call you within one business day to understand your concerns and help determine the right assessment and clinician. For assessment bookings, please allow approximately 5 minutes for this call. We may also ask you to provide previous reports, questionnaires or other relevant information.
What if I'm not sure which service or clinician I need?
That's what we're here for. Make an enquiry, tell us a little about what is happening and we'll help you find the right starting point.
How much do counselling and assessments cost?
Counselling fees vary depending on the clinician you see and when your appointment takes place. Assessments are generally priced as a package, with fees depending on the type of assessment and what is required. Visit our Fees & Rebates page for current pricing and funding information.
Can I have my sessions online?
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for counselling services, depending on your needs and the clinician you’re seeing. Assessment appointments are conducted face to face, although feedback sessions can be held via Telehealth. Our Intake Team can help you decide whether online or in-person appointments are the best fit for you.
How long does an assessment take?
The time you need to spend attending an assessment varies depending on the type of assessment and the number of referral questions. All assessments involve a clinical interview and testing, usually completed using iPads, followed by a feedback session. Some assessments may be completed in one appointment, while others may require several appointments depending on their complexity and the number of questions being explored. We’ll explain the expected appointments and timing before you begin.
Can I use an existing referral?
Yes, if it is less than 12 months old: just bring it along or have it emailed to us. Mental Health Treatment Plans are reviewed after the first 6 sessions, care plans can be reviewed every 3 months, and a new referral can be written every 12 months. Our reception team can help you work out where yours is up to.
Can I choose my psychologist?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to browse our team, filter by service and read profiles before booking with a psychologist who feels like the right fit. If you’d prefer, our intake team can suggest a clinician based on your concerns, preferences, and factors such as therapeutic style and age.
Please keep in mind that your preferred psychologist may not always have immediate availability or capacity to meet your needs at that time. We encourage considering a few options so we can help connect you with the right support as soon as possible.
Ready to take the first step?
You don't need to have it all worked out. Take the first step, and we'll help with the rest.
