NEW CLIENT INFORMATION

Supporting your mental wellness with evidence-based treatment that delivers real-world benefits.

Starting therapy at Fellow Psychology

Reach out by phone at 03 9964 0717, email at team@fellowpsychology.com, or via our website’s contact form. In our initial conversation, we’ll ask for your name, contact details, previous experience with therapy, and your goals for therapy. It’s also the ideal time for any questions you might have.

Following our initial conversation, we’ll explore more about your therapy journey, including any specific goals you have for working with a therapist. This important step ensures that our approach matches your expectations right from the start.

If you haven’t thought about a specific therapist, that’s completely fine. Our practice director will carefully review your situation and introduce you to a therapist who’s best equipped to support you.

Once you’ve been matched with a therapist, we’ll coordinate with you to find a convenient time for your first session. We aim to accommodate your schedule as closely as possible, providing you with appointment options and confirming your choice via email or phone. You’ll also receive an automated booking confirmation for your records.

Our Practitioners

No matter your path in therapy, you can trust our skilled team to use the latest evidence-based approaches tailored to suit you.

Practioner Fees & Rebates

Our fees align with the recommended consultation rates established by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), typically ranging from $200 to $220.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. It’s possible to see a psychologist without a GP’s referral or a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). However, if you obtain an MHCP from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of between $96.65 and $136.35 for up to 10 sessions each calendar year, directly deposited into your Medicare-linked bank account. 

Alternatively, you have the option to use private health insurance, a third-party payment provider, or cover the cost directly. For those with Private Health Insurance, we recommend checking your plan’s extras to determine if psychology services are covered. 

Please remember, that you can only claim a rebate from either Medicare or Private Health Insurance, not both.

Connecting with a psychologist is a collaborative and transparent process where you and your psychologist work together towards your goals. The practice is grounded in evidence-based research and tailored to meet your individual needs.

No diagnosis or acute symptoms are needed to seek therapy. Whether you’re looking to grow personally, navigate life’s hurdles, or simply explore your thoughts and feelings, therapy offers a valuable space for self-discovery and progress.

Therapy is a personalised journey and varies from one individual to another. It typically involves open discussions about your specific challenges. Through these conversations, we begin to identify patterns, beliefs, emotions, and themes related to your concerns. Highlighting these areas often reveals new perspectives and approaches to life. Insights, realisations, and emotional shifts gained during therapy can pave the way for progress. However, therapy is not always a quick fix; some issues may require continued effort to manage and alter effectively.

Effective therapy requires a blend of a skilled psychologist’s experience and evidence-based treatments. This means the methods used have been rigorously tested and proven to work. Your psychologist will work closely with you to set clear goals and develop new skills, aiming to help you regulate your emotions and achieve these goals. Our approach is always transparent, ensuring you’re fully informed and involved in the treatment process.

Our clinical psychologists are equipped to handle a wide range of issues, from common concerns like depression and anxiety to more unique or complex challenges. Regardless of the nature of your struggles, our team is here to provide clarity and teach you the skills necessary to manage effectively.

Each session typically lasts 50 minutes, with the frequency tailored to your specific needs. We start with an assessment to ensure our therapy approach is the perfect fit for you. The number of sessions varies based on your personal goals, which we’ll discuss in your first meeting. Therapy can be short-term for specific issues or longer-term for ongoing support.

Our diverse team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualised care. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or looking for specialised psychological support, we’re here to guide you toward improved mental health and well-being.

  • Clinical Psychologists: These are doctorate-level professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They use evidence-based therapies to address complex psychological issues. With years of training in the latest psychological research and methodologies, they are adept at creating personalised treatment plans that address your unique mental health needs.
  • Registered Psychologists: These professionals have a comprehensive background in psychology and provide a wide array of clinical services. They possess a master’s or equivalent level of education in psychology and work under supervision to deliver quality mental health care. They apply a broad spectrum of therapeutic approaches to support clients with diverse needs.
  • Provisional Psychologists: These are recent psychology graduates in the midst of completing their required hours of supervised practice before obtaining full licensure. Under the guidance of experienced psychologists, they offer valuable support while gaining practical experience. They’re committed to learning and applying evidence-based practices to help clients navigate their mental health journeys.
  • Counsellors: With specialised training in talk therapy, counsellors focus on providing emotional support and developing coping strategies for clients. They work with individuals to navigate life’s challenges, improve mental well-being, and foster personal growth. Counsellors use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help clients explore feelings, behaviours, and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment.

Medicare Rebates: Available for sessions with Clinical and General Psychologists under a Mental Health Care Plan, not applicable for Provisional Psychologists or Counsellors

Finding the right psychologist doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. For some, a strong therapeutic connection is immediate, making the therapy process feel right. For others, the relationship and its impact on therapy unfold over 4 to 6 sessions. Particularly for those with a history of emotional trauma or difficult relationships, therapy may focus on exploring these therapeutic dynamics. If the fit doesn’t feel right, it’s important to communicate openly about it. Together, we can explore alternatives, whether that means adjusting our approach or finding a different therapist to better meet your needs.

Many people hesitate to seek therapy due to uncertainty or anxiety about the process, often waiting until issues escalate. Yet, therapy can benefit anyone observing signs like decreased mood, heightened stress and anxiety, or trouble focusing. Therapy is inclusive and supports a wide range of individuals, increasingly recognised as a valuable resource for support. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background, therapy offers a space for everyone to discover how it can aid in their well-being. We encourage you to see how therapy might be beneficial for you.

Starting is as simple as reaching out. Feel stuck or unsure? That’s what we’re here for. Call us, fill out our contact form, or send over your referral if you have one. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you need support with; discovering that can be part of your therapy journey. Our Client Support team is ready to guide you through your options with understanding and care.