FAQ’s

No, a referral is not necessary. However, you may be eligible for a referral from your GP that would allow you to access a rebate from Medicare. For more information about Medicare and rebates please see our fees, NDIS & Medicare page.

Yes, we offer a limited number of evening appointments throughout the week. Please contact us to discuss this further.

We are a non-bulk billing practice. Our fee structure is set up to minimise out of pocket expenses to assist families in accessing therapy.

All of our registered psychologists have six years of training that includes a four-year Psychology degree, followed by either two years' supervised therapy practice or a two-year Master in Educational & Developmental Psychology.

Our provisional psychologists are undertaking either the 4+2 or 5+1 internship program pathways. This means those completing the 4+2 internship program have successfully completed a four-year sequence of accredited undergraduate study in psychology. They are undertaking two years full-time (or equivalent part-time) of supervised training.

Those undertaking the 5+1 internship program have completed an accredited fifth-year program of study in professional psychology, such as a Master of Professional Psychology. They are completing a one-year full time (or equivalent part-time) internship of practical training.

Ideally, it is preferable for the parents or carers to attend the initial consultation with the psychologist on their own, as during this session the psychologist will gather relevant background and diagnostic information. By bringing your child or adolescent to the second session, they are able to meet the psychologist and begin the rapport building process straight away.

We require parents to be present at the beginning of the session, as the psychologist may be required to speak to you about your child's progress since the previous session.

During the session you are welcome to leave the premises. However, we require that you return at least 10 minutes prior to session end so that the psychologist can provide feedback from the session and discuss any strategies to be implemented prior to the next appointment.

In order to provide the most accurate results, we require one-on-one time with your child while we conduct an assessment. Our assessments are conducted in a safe environment, and we talk with the parents or carers both before and afterwards. This allows us to explain what is involved and answer any questions or concerns you may have. More information on our assessments and what to bring is on our Assessments page.

Psychometric testing, cognitive or IQ testing refers to tools used to identify a child’s intellectual potential in addition to providing specific information about areas of strengths and limitations. Read more about assessments on our Assessments page.

Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive and specific assessment process. It carefully assesses social and communication skills, restricted and repetitive interests and stereotyped patterns of behaviour. This often involves a clinical interview with parents or carers using the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R), a clinical observation at preschool or school and clinical child interview using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) in combination with further diagnostic assessment tools which are relevant to each individual. For more information, see our Assessments page.

Seeing a psychologist or any other health care professional can be daunting to some children and adolescents. It is important to give the child or young person sufficient notice in order to allow them time to process this. It can be helpful to explain that just like they may see a teacher to help with their literacy and numeracy skills; or a doctor to help with a fever or stomach pains; you may need to see a psychologist to help with how you feel and think.

All personal information gathered during psychological consultations remains confidential. The only exceptions to this rule are:

• If it is subpoenaed by a court of law.
• If failure to disclose the information would place the individual or another person at risk of harm.
• If your prior written consent has been obtained to provide or receive information from another professional or agency, such as your child's school, GP, paediatrician, or other allied health practitioners.

Counselling intervention is most effective where there is open communication and transparency between all parties involved in the individual’s care. This may include schools or preschools, GP's and other allied health professionals. To allow us to do this, please ensure that you sign the consent form at your initial session.

Psychologists are bound by the APS Code of Ethics. For more information about the Code of Ethics, please click here.

At your initial consultation, the psychologist will be able to advise you as to the best way forward for your individual situation. This will be reviewed periodically along the way. To maximise the effectiveness of counselling sessions, consistency in attendance is recommended, as well as the completion of suggested strategies outside of your counselling sessions. Parent involvement in the counselling sessions and suggested home-based strategies is paramount in the success of the intervention process.

Still have questions? Contact us.