Your Complete Guide to Starting Therapy
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know – from your first contact to ongoing care and beyond.
Your Therapy Journey
Here's what to expect at each stage, from your first thought about therapy to ongoing care.
Before You Start
Recognise You Need Support
It's okay to need help. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just feeling 'stuck', reaching out is a sign of strength.
Tip: You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
Visit Your Usual GP
Book a longer appointment with your usual GP (or your MyMedicare-registered practice) to discuss your mental health concerns. Ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) to access Medicare rebates.
Tip: Request a 'long' or 'double' appointment (20-40 minutes) so your GP has enough time.
Get Your Referral
Your GP will complete the MHTP documentation and provide a referral letter. Bring these to your first appointment with us.
Tip: Without a referral, you can still see us as a private client – just no Medicare rebate.
Booking & First Contact
Contact Us
Call (03) 4252 8176 or email reception@cymp.com.au. Our team will help match you with the right psychologist based on your needs.
Tip: Have your referral ready when you call. It helps us book you in faster.
Choose Your Therapist
We'll discuss your preferences and concerns to recommend the best fit. You can also browse our team page to learn about each psychologist's areas of focus.
Tip: It's okay if you're not sure – we'll guide you through the options.
Complete Intake Forms
We'll email you intake forms to complete before your first session. This helps your psychologist prepare and makes the most of your appointment time.
Tip: Take your time with the forms. Honest answers help us help you better.
Your First Session
What to Bring
Your Medicare card, referral letter/MHTP, and payment method. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to settle in.
Tip: Where we hold a valid referral, we process your Medicare claim on the day of the appointment. Without a valid referral we can't lodge the claim, and you'll be given an invoice/receipt to claim later (within 2 years). Bringing a list of things you'd like to discuss can also help you feel prepared.
Getting to Know You
Your psychologist will ask about your background, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve. This is your time to share – go at your own pace.
Tip: There are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers. Just be yourself.
Creating Your Plan
Together, you'll discuss therapy goals and how often to meet. Most clients start with weekly or fortnightly sessions.
Tip: Don't worry about having everything figured out – your plan can evolve over time.
The Therapy Process
Building the Relationship
The first few sessions focus on building trust and understanding. Your psychologist will tailor their approach to suit your needs and style.
Tip: It's normal if therapy feels unfamiliar at first. Give it time.
Working Through Challenges
You'll explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns together. Your psychologist will teach you skills and strategies to manage difficulties.
Tip: Some sessions might feel harder than others – that's often where growth happens.
Homework & Practice
You may have exercises to practice between sessions. This is where real change happens – applying what you learn in daily life.
Tip: Be honest about what you tried and what was difficult. This helps refine your approach.
Ongoing Care & Progress
Regular Check-ins
Your psychologist will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Open communication is key.
Tip: Let your psychologist know what's working and what isn't.
Reducing Session Frequency
As you develop skills and feel more confident, you may move to less frequent sessions (e.g., monthly check-ins).
Tip: This is a positive sign of progress, not abandonment.
Endings & Maintenance
When you're ready, you and your psychologist will plan a thoughtful ending. Many clients return for 'tune-ups' when needed.
Tip: The door is always open if you need support in the future.
What to Expect Emotionally
Starting therapy brings up feelings. Here's what's normal.
It's Normal to Feel Nervous
Almost everyone feels anxious before their first session. Your psychologist understands and will help you feel comfortable.
Confidentiality is Protected
What you share stays between you and your psychologist, with rare exceptions (risk of harm). This is a safe space.
Progress Isn't Linear
You might feel worse before you feel better sometimes. This is a normal part of working through difficult things.
You're in Control
You decide what to share and when. If something doesn't feel right, you can always speak up or take a break.
Getting the Most from Therapy
Tips from our psychologists to help you get the best results.
Be Honest
The more open you are, the more your psychologist can help. There's no judgement here.
Do the Work
Therapy is most effective when you practice skills between sessions and engage with homework tasks.
Ask Questions
If you don't understand something, ask! Good therapy is collaborative.
Be Patient
Change takes time. Many people notice changes over several sessions; this varies from person to person.
Communicate Openly
Let your psychologist know if something isn't working. They can adjust their approach.
Celebrate Wins
Notice and acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Every step counts.
Understanding Your Options
Compare different funding pathways to find what works for you.
Compare Funding Options
See how Medicare, NDIS, private pay, and third-party funders compare for psychology services.
| Feature | Medicare + MHTP | NDIS Self/plan-managed | Private Pay Self-funded | Third-Party WorkCover/DVA/TAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Individual Therapy – Brett (Registered Psychologist) | $215 | Invoiced at or below the NDIS price limit | $215 | $0 gap |
Individual Therapy – Natalie (Provisional Psychologist) | $80 | TAC only | ||
Medicare Rebate | $101.55 | |||
Typical Out-of-Pocket | $113.45 | Depends on plan funding | Full fee | $0 |
Sessions per Year | 10 sessions | Plan-dependent | Unlimited | As approved |
GP Referral Required | ||||
Pre-Approval Needed | MHTP | Plan funding | Claim approval | |
Telehealth Available |
Medicare rebate shown as at 1 July 2026 (item 80110, sessions with Brett Mackie only). Most sessions are privately billed; a limited number of bulk-billed places may be available (ask reception). NDIS: self- and plan-managed participants only; we are not a registered NDIS provider.
Common Questions
Answers to questions we hear from new clients.
Have more questions? View all FAQs or contact us
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don't need to have everything figured out. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Take the first step toward positive change. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.