FAQs

Q: How long is a therapy session?

Sessions typically last up to 50 minutes. The remaining 10 minutes are dedicated to the psychologist updating treatment notes.

Q: What are your fees, and do you offer Medicare rebates?

Medicare or private referrals incur a fee of $220 per session on weekdays and $240 on Saturdays. Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $98.95 for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Fees for clients referred under Worker’s Compensation or CTP claims are charged to the insurer under current SIRA psychology practice fees.

Everything you need to know about getting started with Clear Minded Psychology

If you’re new to therapy or just have a few questions, you’re not alone. Here are answers to the things people most often ask when considering starting therapy.

How do I book an appointment?

You can call us on 0452 608 253 or fill out our online booking enquiry form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to arrange a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what’s going on and see if we’re the right fit for you.

What happens in the free 15-minute consultation?

This is a no-pressure phone call where we can chat about what’s brought you to therapy, answer any questions you have, and help you decide if Clear Minded Psychology feels like the right fit. There’s no obligation to book further sessions – it’s just a chance to get to know each other.

How long is a therapy session?

Sessions typically last up to 50 minutes (the remaining 10 minutes are dedicated to the psychologist to update treatment notes).

Where are you located?

Our clinic is based in Bella Vista, Sydney. You can find us at The Bond, Level 3, Suite 3.14 (inside Sydney Health Connections), 8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153.

Do I need a referral?

You don’t need a referral to see a psychologist, but if you’d like to access Medicare rebates, you’ll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. We can guide you through this process if needed.

What are your fees, and do you offer Medicare rebates?

Medicare or Private referrals will incur a fee of $220 per session on weekdays, and $240 on Saturdays, as it falls outside of standard hours. For reference the national peak bodies—the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPi)—recommend a fee of $340 for the 2026-2027 financial year, while the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends a fee of $330. I have set the fees below these recommendations to keep them more affordable.

For clients who are seeking treatment under the Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), a rebate of $98.95 from Medicare will be provided. If you have an MHTP from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. For reference the national peak bodies—the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPi)—recommend a fee of $340 for the 2026-2027 financial year, while the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends a fee of $330. I have set the fees below these recommendations to keep them more affordable.

Fees for clients who are referred under Worker’s Compensation or CTP claims will be charged to the insurer under the current psychology practice fees outlined by SIRA.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

We require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments will incur a fee.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is an opportunity to discuss consent to services, your concerns, background history and treatment goals. We’ll work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others prefer ongoing support.

How often will I need to come to therapy?

It depends on your individual needs and goals. Many clients find fortnightly sessions work well for depth-oriented therapy, allowing time to reflect and integrate between sessions. Some people prefer weekly sessions, especially at the start. We’ll work together to find a rhythm that suits you.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a key part of therapy. However, there are some legal exceptions, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

Do you provide telehealth sessions?

Yes, we offer secure telehealth (online via zoom) sessions for clients who prefer remote support.

Do you offer after-hours or weekend appointments?

Yes, we offer after-hours such us 5pm appointments and Saturday appointments until 2pm to fit around your work, school, or family schedule. We’ll do our best to find a time that works for you.

What should I do if I’m in a crisis?

Our practice does not provide emergency crisis support. If you need urgent help, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14), your local crisis service, or emergency services (000).

I'm not sure if my issue is "serious enough" for therapy. Should I still reach out?

Yes. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress, navigating a life transition, or managing a diagnosed mental health condition, therapy can help. If something is affecting your well-being, relationships, or quality of life, that’s reason enough to reach out.

Prevention can be considered part of your treatment to ensure you are dealing with challenges as they come and help develop a greater sense of independence

What if I don't feel comfortable sharing something?

You’re always in control of what you share and when. There’s no pressure to talk about anything you’re not ready to discuss. Therapy works best when you feel safe, so we’ll move at your pace and respect your boundaries.

How will I know if therapy is working?

We’ll check in regularly about your progress and whether the approach is helping. You might notice changes in how you feel, how you respond to situations, or how you think about things. Sometimes progress is gradual and subtle; other times it’s more noticeable. We’ll track this together and adjust our approach if needed.

Still have questions?

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, we’d love to hear from you.