Question 1

How do I find the right psychologist for me?

Accepted Answer

Finding the right fit is important. When you contact us, our admin team will speak with you to understand your needs, preferences, and goals before matching you with a psychologist. We consider factors including your presenting concerns, preferred appointment times, and any preferences regarding the psychologist's experience or approach. After your first session, we check in to make sure you felt the match was right. If it wasn't, we can arrange a different clinician.

Question 2

What does 'contemporary psychology' mean?

Accepted Answer

The name reflects our approach: grounded in current scientific evidence, responsive to the way people actually live, and open to integrating across different therapeutic frameworks rather than taking a rigid or dogmatic approach. Contemporary psychology, as a discipline, draws on neuroscience, cognitive science, social science, and clinical research to understand and support human wellbeing. We believe that effective psychological care should keep pace with that evidence.

Question 3

Why should I go to therapy?

Accepted Answer

People seek psychological support for many reasons, from a specific episode of distress to longer-standing patterns that they want to understand and change. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from psychology. Therapy can be a useful space for self-understanding, building coping skills, working through difficult experiences, improving relationships, and making decisions aligned with your values. Many people find that it helps them function better in daily life, though we cannot guarantee specific outcomes.

Question 4

How do I know if I need an assessment?

Accepted Answer

An assessment may be worth considering if you are seeking clarity about your mental health, want to understand whether you may have ADHD or autism, have been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, or simply want a clear clinical picture to inform your treatment. Our team can help you decide whether assessment is appropriate during your initial conversation. Assessments are not required before accessing therapy.

Question 5

What can I expect in my first session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is largely about us understanding you. Your psychologist will ask questions about what has brought you in, your history, your current life and circumstances, and what you are hoping to get from the process. It is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of how your psychologist works. You do not need to prepare anything in advance. Just come as you are. Most clients find that the first session feels more like a conversation than anything clinical.

Question 6

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Both psychologists and psychiatrists are trained mental health professionals, but their training and roles differ. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialist training in psychiatry, and they can prescribe medication and manage complex or treatment-resistant presentations. Psychologists have postgraduate training (typically a master's or doctoral degree) in psychological assessment and therapy, and they do not prescribe medication but provide evidence-based psychological treatment. Many clients work with both a psychiatrist (for medication management) and a psychologist (for therapy) concurrently.

Question 7

I've tried therapy before and it didn't help. Should I try again?

Accepted Answer

It is unfortunately common for people to have had unhelpful therapy experiences, sometimes because of a poor fit with the therapist, an approach that wasn't well-matched to the presenting concern, or simply that the timing wasn't right. Previous unhelpful experience does not mean that psychological support cannot be effective for you. When you contact us, we encourage you to share what did and didn't work previously. This helps us match you more carefully and approach the work in a way that is more likely to be useful.

Question 8

Do you offer bulk billing?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer bulk billing. Our fees range from $165–$300 depending on service and clinician. If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, a Medicare rebate of $101.55 is available per session (up to 10 sessions per calendar year). We process the rebate on the spot, meaning you pay the gap only. Private health insurance may also provide a partial rebate depending on your policy. Please contact us if you have questions about costs.

Question 9

Do I need a GP referral to book?

Accepted Answer

No. You can book directly with us without a referral. However, if you want to access a Medicare rebate, you will need a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or a psychiatrist's referral. We can see you without one, but you would pay the full fee. If you are unsure, our admin team can help you understand your options before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you book.

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