Psychology Session questions Answered – FAQ

You don’t need a referral to book. Without one you pay the full fee, and with one you pay only the gap.

To claim the Medicare rebate, ask your usual GP (or your MyMedicare practice) for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral before your first session. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a plan your GP writes with you after talking about what you are finding hard. It is what lets you claim the Medicare rebate.

The first referral covers up to 6 sessions. Your GP then reviews your plan and can refer you for up to 4 more, so Medicare covers up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year.

With a referral from your GP, you pay the gap: $130.95 with a clinical psychologist ($280 fee minus a Medicare rebate of $149.05), or $148.45 with a registered psychologist ($250 fee minus a rebate of $101.55). The fees are the same online and face to face.

Without a referral, or if you have used your 10 sessions for the year, you pay the full fee: $280 with a clinical psychologist and $250 with a registered psychologist. Medicare pays nothing, but private health insurance might cover part of it.

If paying our full fee would cause you real financial hardship, please talk to your clinician to come up with a plan that is sustainable for you. We are here to help.

Ready to book? Book a psychologist online

The first session or two are about getting to know you. Your psychologist asks what has been going on, how it affects your days, and what you have already tried. Together you work out what keeps the problem going and what to try first.

Setting your own goals for therapy is a big part of this. Your goals help you and your psychologist stay focused on what matters to you right now.

Each session is 50 minutes. If a longer session is clinically necessary, your psychologist will explain why and discuss the details with you.

Adam Horvath is a clinical psychologist who sees adults, teenagers from 14, couples, and families, in Neutral Bay, Brookvale, and telehealth. Languages: English and Hungarian.

Paul Fam is a registered psychologist who sees adults, in Neutral Bay and telehealth.

A clinical psychologist has extra postgraduate training in assessing and treating mental health conditions, and the session fee is higher ($280 compared with $250) with a higher Medicare rebate. If you are unsure, read about each of them or book with either of them and ask for a change if it doesn’t feel right.

Online booking shows each psychologist’s next available time, so you can pick the earliest one that suits you. If nothing suits, contact us and ask about other times.

Yes. Both psychologists also see clients by telehealth (video). All you need is a computer or phone with a stable internet connection. There is nothing to install.

You can choose in-person or telehealth when you book. Even if you booked in person, you can move your session online if things change on your end.

Your sessions are confidential. If you come with a Medicare referral, your psychologist writes to the GP who referred you. Nothing goes to your employer or insurer without your written consent, unless the law requires it or someone is at serious risk.

For teenagers, see the question below about children and adolescents.

You pay when you book because your psychologist’s time is reserved for you alone. We don’t overbook, so you’re seen on time.

To cancel or reschedule free of charge, email us at least 2 business days before your appointment. Later changes and no-shows are charged the full session fee. Read the cancellation policy.

You don’t need to be in crisis. Many people come when stress, worry, low mood, or relationship problems have been getting in the way of work, sleep, or home life for a while. If it is bothering you, that is reason enough, and the first session can help you work out what might help.

Neutral Bay: Level 1/50 Yeo St, Neutral Bay NSW 2089

Brookvale: Brookvale, on the Northern Beaches, by appointment

Monday to Friday, mornings to evenings, by appointment. Times vary by psychologist.

Parking is available nearby. Your booking confirmation email tells you exactly where.

Both psychologists also see clients by telehealth (video).

We’re not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25): 1800 55 1800

Yes, you can. A valid referral allows you to see any psychologist, not just the one it was originally made out to. If you start seeing a psychologist and later decide to switch, you can reuse the same referral with a different clinician.

We need at least one parent or guardian to attend the first session with the child or adolescent, so we can ask questions if necessary and gather relevant background information.

After the first session it’s up to the client and the clinician to decide what is the best way going forward. You can read more about therapy for teenagers, including how parents are involved.

Your couples counselling session will be $300. Medicare doesn’t cover couples or family sessions. Private health insurance might cover part of the fee.

Your family therapy session will be $300. Medicare doesn’t cover couples or family sessions. Private health insurance might cover part of the fee.

It varies a lot between people. Some people make great progress in 6 sessions, some might need ongoing support.

We recommend initially meeting up weekly, and when things start to get back on track, space it out a bit more. Attending infrequently and having gaps of 3 weeks or more between sessions substantially reduces the effectiveness of the therapy. If you cannot attend regularly, let your therapist know as soon as possible.

As many as you need, there is no upper limit. The first referral covers up to 6 sessions. Your GP then reviews your plan and can refer you for up to 4 more, so Medicare covers up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year.

This can be a tricky situation, as your therapist will know you in two different contexts. Let your therapist know that this is what you would like so they can discuss with you what the most appropriate and effective approach is.

Yes, we support clients with approved Workers Compensation (SIRA) claims. Please email us before you book your session.