At Life Changing Psychology, we believe in providing an affordable service for clients with competitive fees. The current Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended fee is $300 per hour.

As at 1st July, 2024, initial consultation fees to see a Clinical Psychologist at Life Changing Psychology are $270 and subsequent consultations are $250. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your General Practitioner (GP) you will receive a Medicare rebate of $141.85 per session. You may be entitled to additional rebates.

To be eligible to receive psychological services under Medicare, a person must be referred by their GP and in some instances by another medical specialist. Speak to your GP about your eligibility to claim these Medicare benefits.

If you need to cancel, we request you provide at least 48 hours’ notice so to avoid any cancellation fees. If you fail to change or cancel an appointment prior to 48 business hours of the appointment time, 50% of the consultation fee will be charged to cover the cost of the appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours of the appointment time or do not attend the appointment, the full fee payment will apply. You cannot claim Medicare rebates for non-attendance.

Clinical psychologists undergo specialist further education and training to work with individuals who have more serious and complex mental health issues. Clinical psychologists focus on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with more severe and complex psychological disorders including severe anxiety and trauma related disorders, depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders. They often work with clients who require more intensive and specialised therapeutic interventions. Due to their specialist education and training, clinical psychologists attract a higher Medicare rebate than psychologists. Indeed, the maximum Medicare rebate from 1st July 2024 for general psychologists is $96.62 and for clinical psychologists is $141.85.

Unfortunately we do not. Please speak to your GP or school counsellor for these assessment recommendations.

At your first session, you can expect to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your current concerns, and any relevant background information. You will likely be asked questions to understand your goals and assess your mental health. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the therapy process and to establish a therapeutic relationship with the psychologist. Keep in mind that the first session is often an initial assessment to determine the best treatment approach for your needs.

Treatment will involve the use of various therapeutic techniques tailored to your specific needs and goals. It may include counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and/or other evidence-based modalities. The psychologist will work with you to explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and help you develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

The number of sessions needed in therapy varies for each individual and depends on several factors, such as the nature and complexity of the concerns being addressed, your personal goals, and your progress in therapy. Some people may find significant improvement in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term treatment.

Yes, therapy is typically confidential. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are bound by ethical and legal guidelines to keep all client information confidential.

However, there are specific legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. For instance, if the psychologist believes there is a risk of harm to you or others, they may be required to disclose relevant information to ensure safety. Additionally, in some situations, therapists may have a duty to report certain issues, such as child abuse or harm to vulnerable individuals.