Question 1

What happens if I need Support now?

Accepted Answer

• Resource page(https://www.consciouscalmpsychology.com.au/resources)

Question 2

How do I choose the right therapist?

Accepted Answer

• Your doctor will be able to help you find a therapist that they have worked with before and/or someone who has experience in the area that is concerning you.  
 • You may be offered a choice of several therapists you could see. Some may be busier than others. 
 • You could also ask for a recommendation from trusted sources such as friends and family.
 • To decide who to choose, consider the therapist’s:
    • Qualifications and experience
    • Areas of interest
    • Location
    • Availability
    • Cost
    • Health cover, NDIS, Work cover, TAC, Concessions cards

If you choose to see a therapist as a private patient, you may need to pay the therapist's fees and you will not always be able to claim reimbursement from your insurer.

Question 3

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to see a psychologist under a mental health care plan, then you will require a referral from your GP. However, if you’re planning to see the psychologist and will be paying out of pocket or via private health insurance, you will not require a mental health care plan.

Question 4

What is a mental health care plan?

Accepted Answer

A Mental health care plan, also called Better Access, was designed by the federal government to subsidise sessions with a psychologist. Currently, the government provides 10-sessions per calendar year at a subsidised rate. You must visit your GP to obtain a mental health care plan. They usually provide you with a referral for 6 sessions first, and then you’ll need to go in for a review to obtain a further 4 sessions.

Question 5

Medicare Rebates & Referrals

Accepted Answer

Under the Medicare Better Access program, Medicare card holders with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) are entitled to a rebate of part of the fee for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. To receive a rebate for your session fee through Medicare, you must have a valid referral (MHCP) from a GP, psychiatrist, or a paediatrician. To get a MHCP, you need to schedule an extended appointment with your GP. If you already know of the clinic or therapist you want to book an appointment with, take this information with when you visit your doctor. It will be useful to have our practice’s name, address, and possibly fax number on hand so your doctor can make out the referral for you.

The rebate you will receive with a valid MHCP is $145.25 for a clinical psychologist (as of July 2025). You will be charged a gap fee for the session as the practice does not bulk bill. This gap fee will be discussed with your therapist.

You will be required to cover the total session cost and after payment has been confirmed, we will process your rebate. You will be unable to utilise your private health insurance to cover the gap fee. However, if you prefer, you may use your private health insurance instead of a mental health care plan to cover the cost of your session. If your referral is invalid or you don’t have a referral, you will not receive a rebate for the session. You will also not be able to access your rebate for cancelled sessions or for sessions you did not arrive at without any notice given.

Medicare increases their rebate for therapy sessions each financial year.

Question 6

Fees & Booking Information

Accepted Answer

At Conscious Calm Psychology, we believe in transparency and accessibility when it comes to our fees. Clients will receive information about the session fee upon requesting a booking, ensuring clarity from the outset. We are guided by the recommended fee schedule provided by the Australia Psychology Society (APS), but we are mindful that finances should not be a barrier to accessing professional support. Therefore, our fees are intentionally set lower than those recommended by APS. Additionally, we operate on a policy where sessions are paid on the day of the service, facilitating a seamless and straightforward payment process for our clients.

Question 7

How do I get to your clinic?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the google map here (https://www.google.com/maps/place/262+Bay+Rd,+Sandringham+VIC+3191,+Australia/@-37.9534903,145.0213145,14.83z/data=!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x6ad66e917c37639f:0x51f05cf291dd79b7!2s275+Bay+Rd,+Cheltenham+VIC+3192,+Australia!3b1!8m2!3d-37.9549965!4d145.0330159!16s%2Fg%2F11qb4p_pzh!3m5!1s0x6ad66e9244a237d7:0x5f163247c070f41d!8m2!3d-37.9553407!4d145.0309502!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3_qhpn?entry=ttu)or on the contact page,(https://www.consciouscalmpsychology.com.au/contact) to see how long it will take to get to our offices.

Please refer to the parking map either here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/8w9x6xrUEWHi2Hr26)or on the contact page,(https://www.consciouscalmpsychology.com.au/contact) so you can find easy parking. We understand that parking can be stressful before appointments.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early so you can let yourself in. You will be sent a door code prior to your session. Coming a bit earlier will give yourself a chance to calm your body and mind a little, and perhaps a moment to ground yourself in the therapy space. Please help yourself to water and/or tea and your therapist will come and get you from the waiting room.

Question 8

What can I expect from my first session?

Accepted Answer

At Conscious Calm Psychology, the sessions go for 50 minutes. The first session is designed for your therapist and you to get familiar with one another. You can expect your psychologist to go through some basics including confidentiality as well as asking you some questions about yourself and your history.

Question 9

What is the Cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

• Late: Rescheduling or canceling an appointment within 2 business days of the appointment time will incur a fee equal to 50% of the consult fee (plus GST).
 • Very late: Rescheduling or canceling an appointment (including 'no-shows') within 1 business day of the appointment time will incur a fee equal to 100% of the consult fee (plus GST).
 • These fees cannot be claimed through Medicare or private health insurance.

Question 10

How long do I need to see a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

There are no set rules about how long you should see a psychologist. It can depend on what concerns you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. Some people stay for a few sessions, while others see their psychologist over years. Some people see therapy as a short to medium term commitment, while others feel that they like having maintenance sessions (kind of like a car service!).

Question 11

What are the different types of therapy?

Accepted Answer

At Conscious Calm Psychology, our clinical psychologists work across a range of different types of therapies. We encourage you to become familiar with those listed below, however our psychologists will be guided by your presenting issue and progress. Some include:
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) which looks at how we think, feel, and behave. This type of therapy assumes that these facets are all intertwined. This approach means we can challenge the way we think about something, which can ultimately change how we feel and act. 
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help us stay mindful in the present moment and accept thoughts and feelings without judgement. This approach has a focus on what our true values are, and finding ways to live in accordance with them. 
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has a focus on understanding how two things that are opposite can both be true. This approach is a combination of CBT and ACT therapies. This therapy looks at how to accept ourselves but also aim to change and adapt.

Question 12

What’s the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor?

Accepted Answer

• At Conscious Calm Psychology, we're a team of clinical psychologists. That means we have completed a masters degree in clinical psychology and we specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Psychologists have high ethical and professional codes of conduct to which they must adhere and are required to meet strict standards to be registered as a psychologist. 
 • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They are able to prescribe medications when necessary. Some psychiatrists can offer therapy while others offer brief, medical based intervention. 
 • A counsellor is someone who is trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems. The training requirements are not often standardised across institutions or courses and so sometimes they may not be adequately equipped to manage certain presentations.

Question 13

What is group therapy?

Accepted Answer

Group therapy involves working alongside peers with similar struggles. Group therapy can be a less intimidating start to therapy, it can help you realise that you’re not alone, it can help you find your ‘voice’, it can be a chance to practice the skills you learn throughout the group, and can be a good chance to socialise with others.

Question 14

What’s the difference between group and individual therapy?

Accepted Answer

Group therapy takes place with others in a shared space, while individual or 1-on-1 therapy is only between you and your therapist. There are strong benefits to both kinds of approaches.

Question 15

Who will run the groups therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

The groups at Conscious Calm are facilitated by Bridget and Sarah, co-directors of Conscious Calm Psychology. For more information, please visit our team page.(https://www.consciouscalmpsychology.com.au/team)

Question 16

What can I expect from group therapy?

Accepted Answer

• Depending on the topic, the number of sessions can range from 4 - 8. 
 • The number of participants in each group will be a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 10. Most sessions will be 60 minutes, unless specifically stated. 
 • Each group is based on some simple principles; respect, confidentiality, privacy, safety, and trust. 
 • Each session will have a different focus and will build on previous sessions. Sessions will tend to include a mindfulness exercise, practice opportunities, discussion, and tea/water will be available throughout. We encourage participation, but also understand that some people prefer to observe - that's okay, make it your own!

Question 17

What's the difference between 'open' and 'closed' groups?

Accepted Answer

An ‘open group’ means that people are able to attend 1 or all of the sessions throughout the group plan. A ‘closed group’ means that you will be required to commit to the entire series of group sessions.

Question 18

Is group therapy subsidised by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

You can visit your GP to receive a referral for a mental health care plan. This will entitle you to 10 group therapy sessions each calendar year (in addition to 10 individual therapy sessions each calendar year) which are subsidised by Medicare. As of July 2025, you will receive a $36.85 rebate per session. Or, you can pay privately.

Question 19

Do I need to pre-pay for group therapy?

Accepted Answer

If it is an open group, you’re able to pay per session on the day. If it is a closed group, you will be required to make pre-payment and we will process your rebates (if applicable) on the day of the group. If you do not attend a closed group session, you will not be entitled to your rebate.

Question 20

How can I register my interest?

Accepted Answer

Please click here (https://forms.gle/UNQA52nyTvH7JggV6)to register your interest. If you have any further questions, please click here (https://www.consciouscalmpsychology.com.au/contact)to send us an enquiry. We will get back to you shortly with an intake form and any additional information you may require.

FAQs