Appointments
If you have never attended therapy or counselling, you might not be sure what to expect. That’s okay. Below are answers to some common questions you might find helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
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No. You can make an appointment with a psychologist without a referral.
If you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible psychology sessions, you will generally need an appropriate referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or another eligible medical practitioner.
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Your first appointment is primarily about getting to know you and understanding what has brought you to therapy.
Your psychologist may ask about what is happening now, relevant experiences from your past, what is important to you and what you would like to get from therapy.
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what to say.
The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and decide whether the psychologist and approach feel right for you.
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No.
Trauma therapy does not mean telling your entire story at the first appointment.
Good trauma therapy involves preparation, understanding your current needs and making sure there are adequate strategies and supports in place before beginning trauma processing.
You remain an active participant in deciding what you are ready to work on.
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Standard psychology appointments are generally approximately 50 minutes.
EMDR Intensives involve longer appointments and are structured differently. Details will be discussed during the assessment and preparation process.
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Yes. All New Tracks Psychology appointments are provided via secure telehealth.
Telehealth allows us to work with clients throughout Australia and is particularly useful for people living in rural and remote areas where access to specialist psychological services may be limited.
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Limited face-to-face appointments and EMDR Intensives may be available at selected times and locations.
Please contact New Tracks Psychology for current availability.
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Absolutely.
Rural and remote psychology is an important part of New Tracks Psychology.
We understand some of the realities of living and working remotely, including limited access to services, travel distances, small-community confidentiality concerns and the challenges of finding specialist trauma treatment locally.
Telehealth allows you to access therapy from your own community without needing to travel long distances.
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There isn't one answer that applies to everyone.
The number of sessions depends on what you would like help with, your history, your circumstances and the type of therapy being undertaken.
Your psychologist will discuss treatment options with you and regularly review how therapy is progressing.
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Yes. Information discussed in therapy is treated confidentially and psychologists have professional and legal obligations regarding the protection of your information.
There are some circumstances where a psychologist may be legally or professionally required to disclose information, including where there are serious concerns about safety or where disclosure is required by law.
Your psychologist will explain confidentiality and its limits at the beginning of therapy.
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Finding the right therapist matters.
Different psychologists have different personalities, approaches and areas of expertise. Sometimes two people simply aren't the right therapeutic fit.
We encourage you to talk with your psychologist if something isn't working for you. Where appropriate, we can also help you consider other treatment or referral options.
Fees & Rebates
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Individual therapy:
For rural and remote Australia $190
Non R&R $250
EMDR Intensive:
$2100 (includes 3 x 2hr sessions and a 1hr follow up session)
EMDR Intensive 30-minute Discovery Call:
Free
Supervision:
$170 + GST
All EAP/WorkCover:
$250
Current Medicare Rebate is $101.55 for eligible clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (this can also be used with your EMDR Intensive if you have sessions available)
Please contact us if you are unsure which fee applies to your appointment.
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Eligible clients may be able to claim Medicare rebates for psychology appointments when referred under an appropriate Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Please speak with your GP about your eligibility.
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We understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice.
Appointments cancelled, rescheduled or missed within less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full session fee, which will need to be paid before your next appointment.
Please note that Medicare and most third-party funders do not cover late cancellation or missed appointment fees, so you will generally be responsible for this cost even if your usual sessions are funded by another organisation.
Appointment reminders are provided as a courtesy, however you remain responsible for keeping track of your appointment even if a reminder is not received.
Providing as much notice as possible helps us offer the appointment to someone else and helps us keep our services accessible and costs as low as possible.
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If this is your first appointment, please contact New Tracks Psychology or complete the online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
After your first appointment, you will have access to your own Client Portal, where you can make and change all your own appointments.
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Payment for your appointment will be processed on the day of your appointment, prior to your session using the payment method you have provided.
If you are elibible for a Medicare rebate, we will process this for you after your appointment has been completed. The rebate will then be paid by Medicare into the bank account you have registered with them.
If your appointment is being funded by a third party, different payment arrangements may apply.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.
Still have questions?
Get in touch with our friendly admin team directly, or submit our enquiry form below.