Question 1

What should I expect in my first session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss your concerns, goals, and history to develop a personalised treatment plan. It's natural to feel nervous, but our therapists work hard to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable opening up at your own pace.

Question 2

How long does each session last?

Accepted Answer

Standard therapy sessions are 50-55 minutes. This gives us enough time to do meaningful work while also allowing a few minutes between appointments.

Question 3

How often will I need to attend sessions?

Accepted Answer

Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. As you progress, we may move to fortnightly sessions. The frequency is always tailored to your needs, availability, and goals.

Question 4

How long does therapy typically take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Many people notice changes over several sessions; this varies from person to person. More complex concerns, such as trauma, long-standing anxiety or relationship patterns, often take longer. We'll work together to regularly review your progress.

Question 5

Why are session estimates just estimates?

Accepted Answer

Session estimates are indicative guides based on typical treatment patterns, not guarantees. The actual number of sessions you need depends on many factors: the severity and complexity of your concerns, how long you've been experiencing difficulties, your personal history, external support systems, and your engagement with the therapy process between sessions. Some people achieve their goals faster than expected, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your psychologist will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Question 6

What factors affect how long therapy takes?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence therapy duration: the nature and complexity of your concerns, whether you're addressing a single issue or multiple interrelated challenges, your readiness for change, the consistency of attending sessions, whether you practise strategies between sessions, life circumstances and stressors, and your therapeutic goals. Someone seeking brief support for a specific life transition may need fewer sessions than someone working through complex trauma or long-standing patterns.

Question 7

What happens between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Therapy works best when you engage with the process between sessions. Your psychologist may suggest activities, reflections, or exercises to practise. This might include journaling, mindfulness practice, trying new behaviours, or completing worksheets. These 'homework' tasks help reinforce what we discuss in session.

Question 8

How do I know if therapy is working?

Accepted Answer

Progress in therapy can look different for everyone. You might notice changes in how you think about problems, how you respond to difficult situations, improvements in relationships, or reduced symptoms like anxiety or low mood. We regularly check in about your progress and adjust our approach if needed.

Question 9

Can I extend or shorten my treatment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Therapy is collaborative, and your treatment plan can be adjusted at any time. If you're progressing well and feel ready to finish earlier, we can work towards a planned ending. If you discover you need more support or want to explore additional issues, we can extend your sessions. There's no rigid requirement—your psychologist will work with you to determine what's best for your situation.

Question 10

What if I don't connect with my therapist?

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. If you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, please let us know. We can discuss what's not working or help you find another psychologist in our team who might be a better fit. Your comfort is our priority.

Question 11

Where is your psychology clinic located?

Accepted Answer

We're located at 399 Queen Street, Altona Meadows VIC 3028. Our clinic offers free on-site parking and is easily accessible from across Melbourne's western suburbs.

Question 12

Do you serve Point Cook, Werribee, and Hoppers Crossing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We see many clients from Point Cook, Werribee, and Hoppers Crossing at our Altona Meadows clinic. These suburbs are just 5-8km away. We also offer telehealth for those who prefer the convenience of online sessions.

Question 13

What suburbs do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our Altona Meadows clinic welcomes clients from across Melbourne's west including Point Cook, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Altona, Williamstown, Footscray, Sunshine, Tarneit, Truganina, and Williams Landing. For clients further afield or interstate, we offer telehealth sessions Australia-wide.

Question 14

Do you offer telehealth for clients outside Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We provide secure telehealth sessions via Google Meet for clients anywhere in Australia. Whether you're in regional Victoria, interstate, or simply prefer online therapy, you can access therapy from the comfort of your own home. Research suggests telehealth can be as effective as in-person therapy for many common concerns, such as anxiety and depression. It may not suit everyone.

Question 15

Is there a psychologist near me in Melbourne's west?

Accepted Answer

If you're in Melbourne's western suburbs, our Altona Meadows clinic is conveniently located for in-person sessions. If you're further away or prefer online therapy, our telehealth services are available Australia-wide via secure video sessions.

Question 16

Do you offer home visits or only in-clinic appointments?

Accepted Answer

We offer in-clinic appointments at our Altona Meadows clinic and secure telehealth video sessions via Google Meet. While we don't offer home visits, telehealth provides the convenience of therapy from anywhere in Australia.

Question 17

How does telehealth work?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth sessions use secure, encrypted video calls via Google Meet. Simply book a telehealth appointment, and we'll email you a private meeting link before your session. You can join from any device with a camera and internet connection. Medicare rebates are available for eligible telehealth sessions.

Question 18

How long does it take to get to your clinic from Werribee/Point Cook?

Accepted Answer

From Werribee, it's approximately 10-15 minutes by car via the Princes Freeway. From Point Cook, it's about 5-10 minutes. There is free on-site parking at the clinic. Alternatively, you can choose a telehealth session from home.

Question 19

Do you offer Medicare rebates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer Medicare rebates under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative for sessions with our Registered Psychologist. To access these rebates, you'll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your usual GP or MyMedicare practice. This entitles you to up to 10 subsidised individual sessions per calendar year. Most sessions are privately billed, so there is usually an out-of-pocket gap. Where we hold a valid referral, we process the Medicare claim on the same day as the appointment, and Medicare pays the rebate to the bank account you have registered with Medicare. If we do not hold a valid referral on the day, we cannot lodge the claim; you will be given an invoice/receipt and can claim later (within 2 years) through myGov, the Medicare app or a Services Australia service centre. Sessions with our Provisional Psychologist are not eligible for Medicare rebates. We can also provide invoices for private health insurance claims.

Question 20

Do you offer bulk billing?

Accepted Answer

A limited number of bulk-billed places may be available at the practice's discretion, depending on circumstances and availability. Please ask reception. Most sessions are privately billed, with a Medicare rebate available under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Sessions with Natalie ($80) are not Medicare-eligible.

Question 21

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

We understand that life happens! We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid a cancellation fee. You can easily manage your appointments through our online booking system or by contacting our reception team.

Question 22

Do you offer telehealth appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer secure video telehealth appointments for clients who prefer remote sessions or cannot attend in person. Telehealth is available for most of our services. Research suggests telehealth can be as effective as in-person therapy for many common concerns, such as anxiety and depression. It may not suit everyone. Medicare rebates apply equally to telehealth sessions.

Question 23

Is what I share in therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. What you share in sessions remains private, with only a few legal exceptions: if there's a risk of harm to yourself or others, if child abuse is disclosed, or if records are subpoenaed by a court. We'll discuss confidentiality in detail during your first session.

Question 24

Do you see adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Provisional Psychologist, Natalie Bryson, sees young people aged 12 and over (as well as adults) via telehealth on Fridays. A parent or guardian is involved in the initial intake. Please call (03) 4252 8176 to discuss whether this is the right fit.

Question 25

What is a provisional psychologist?

Accepted Answer

A provisional psychologist holds provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (through AHPRA). They have completed an accredited psychology degree and see clients while completing the supervised training needed for general registration. Our Provisional Psychologist, Natalie Bryson, is supervised by a board-approved, fully registered psychologist weekly and as required. Sessions with Natalie are $80 and don't attract a Medicare rebate.

Question 26

Can I use my Mental Health Treatment Plan with Natalie?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You're welcome to see Natalie with a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan. She works from your GP's referral and sends your GP updates. Because she is a Provisional Psychologist, sessions with her don't attract a Medicare rebate, so the fee is $80 per session. If you have private health insurance, check with your fund whether your extras cover includes provisional psychologists.

Question 27

What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists are trained in psychological therapies and cannot prescribe medication. We focus on talk therapy and evidence-based treatments. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health and can prescribe medication. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work together to provide comprehensive care.

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