No, you do not need a referral. However, by seeing a GP and obtaining a referral under the Better Access Mental Health Care Plan, you will be able to receive Medicare rebates.

To access a psychologist under Medicare, you must be referred by your GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician. Your GP will need to prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. You will likely need to book a longer session with your GP to enable time for this.

Your MHCP enables you to have up to 10 individual sessions with a psychologist per calendar year. Initially, your first six sessions are covered under your initial plan, with the option to access an additional four by attending a review appointment with your doctor.

More information can be found on the Services Australia website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare

Psychologists

Psychologists are trained in understanding how people think, feel, and behave. They use evidence‑based therapies to support mental health, wellbeing, and coping. Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but they often work closely with GPs and psychiatrists when a team approach is helpful.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide medical treatment. Some also offer therapy, though their role is usually more medically focused.

Counsellors

Counsellors provide supportive, talk‑based guidance for a wide range of life challenges. Training and qualifications can vary, and many counsellors offer short‑term or practical support. They do not diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication.

Yes, we currently provide adult assessment options (18 years and older). Please contact us to discuss your needs.

If you’re hoping to explore medication for ADHD, it’s usually more cost‑effective to book directly with a psychiatrist, as they are the specialists who can prescribe and manage medication.

At the same time, medication is only one part of ADHD support. A psychological assessment offers something different — and equally important. Our ADHD assessments are comprehensive and include standardised testing that psychiatrists typically do not complete as part of a medical consultation.

These assessments help you understand your cognitive strengths and challenges, and how these patterns may influence daily life at work, in relationships, and at home. This insight is incredibly valuable for building self‑understanding and identifying the behavioural strategies that will genuinely support you in everyday life.

If you or your child is seeing us under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, we are required to send your GP a brief update after the first six sessions and at review points. Outside of this, we only share information with your GP (or anyone else) with your consent, unless there is a risk of harm and safety protocols apply. 

The length of therapy can vary from person to person. It depends on the type of support you’re seeking, the goals you’re working toward, the nature of the challenges you’re facing, and how things evolve over time.

Some people come for a short series of sessions to focus on a specific concern and learn practical strategies they can use right away.

Others benefit from moderate or longer‑term support, especially when working through deeper patterns, past experiences, or changes they’d like to make in their wellbeing or relationships.

Therapy is always a collaborative process. You and your psychologist will regularly check in about your goals, your progress, and what feels most helpful, so the pace and duration of your sessions are tailored to your needs.

Absolutely. Children never exist in isolation, and supporting the family is an important part of helping a child thrive.

Your first appointment will be a parent‑only session, giving your psychologist the space to understand your child’s needs, strengths, and the context around what’s been happening.

From there, sessions will focus on working directly with your child, while keeping you informed, involved, and supported every step of the way.