Resources & FAQs
Whether you’re starting therapy, referring a patient, or exploring ideas to support your wellbeing, you will find clear information here to guide you. Each area breaks down what you need to know without unnecessary complexity. They’re designed to give you clarity about how therapy works and offer practical direction that strengthens progress.
Learn more and move forward with informed, confident decisions.
Information for Clients
If you’re considering therapy, this is where you can understand how the process works and what it looks like from the first session onward. You’ll find clear, practical explanations of the approaches we use and how evidence-based treatment supports real change. The aim is to help you feel informed, grounded and ready to engage in a way that supports meaningful progress.
Information for Referrers
If you’re referring someone for psychological support, this area gives you direct, streamlined information on treatment pathways, communication expectations and how collaborative care is managed. You’ll see how updates are provided, how treatment is structured and how we maintain ethical, responsive and clinically accurate care for the people you support.
Blog
If you’re looking for practical guidance, you’ll find short, clinically grounded articles that translate psychological concepts into clear, everyday language. Each piece offers accessible insights and evidence-based strategies you can apply to support wellbeing, strengthen emotional stability and make informed decisions outside of the therapy room.
If you’re ready to explore therapy that supports clarity, direction and long-term psychological change, you can book your first appointment or make an enquiry at any time.
ABOUT PSYCHOLOGISTS AND COUNSELLING
What is a psychologist and what do they do?
A psychologist helps you understand patterns in your thoughts, emotions and behaviour, and supports you to create meaningful change. Registered psychologists use evidence-based strategies to improve wellbeing, work through difficulties and build durable skills for long-term growth. Psychologists are regulated health practitioners and must uphold strict legal, ethical and professional standards — including confidentiality, practising within competence, and ensuring care is safe, respectful and grounded in informed consent.
Why should I attend counselling?
People attend counselling for many reasons — feeling overwhelmed, stuck, stressed, low in mood or disconnected from their goals. Therapy offers space to understand what’s holding you back and develop practical strategies to help you move forward with confidence.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You can self-refer at any time. A GP referral is only needed if you wish to claim Medicare rebates.
Do people feel uncomfortable coming to therapy?
Yes. Feeling unsure at first is completely normal. Therapy is designed to be a safe, supportive space where you can go at your own pace.
Is psychological counselling effective?
Yes. Psychological therapy is highly effective across many concerns. Evidence shows that therapy leads to lasting improvement, particularly when it’s collaborative and aligned with your goals. When treatment is delivered safely, ethically and in partnership with you, outcomes are often significantly enhanced.
What if I feel worse before I feel better?
An initial rise in emotion or discomfort can occur as difficult material is explored. This is temporary, and we pace treatment together to maintain safety and stability.
What if I disagree with something in therapy or feel uncomfortable?
You’re encouraged to raise concerns at any time. Therapy is collaborative, and your psychologist will adjust the approach to ensure you feel safe, heard and respected. Feedback — including when something feels unhelpful or not quite right — strengthens the therapeutic relationship and improves treatment. If something isn’t working for you, we want to know so we can make appropriate adjustments together.
FEES, REBATES AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
What does a session cost?
Standard fees range from $200 to $250 for private and MHCP sessions depending on the type and length of session. Longer appointments and written reports attract additional time-based fees. Fees and rebate options are outlined clearly so you can make informed decisions before commencing treatment.
Why do I have to pay a security retainer?
A security retainer is required to hold appointments and protect session times. It covers late-cancellation or non-attendance fees when they occur, helping maintain consistent and fair appointment availability for all clients.
Security retainer and pre-payment processes differ by location
Fortitude Valley (Next Practice Newstead):
• Private and MHCP clients pre-pay through HotDoc. This secure pre-payment holds your session time and is credited toward your fee.
- Third-party funded clients (WorkCover, insurers) do not pre-pay through HotDoc; they pay a security retainer that remains in place across all sessions and is used only if cancellation or non-attendance fees apply.
Hamilton (Hamilton Health Hub):
• Private clients can pre-pay or pay a security retainer.
• Third-party funded clients must pay a security retainer for the duration of treatment to cover any applicable cancellation or non-attendance fees.
This structure keeps appointments reliable, supports extended session availability and maintains stable access to care.
How do I pay for my session?
Payment can be made by EFTPOS, credit card or direct deposit. Telehealth sessions are invoiced ahead of time for easy online payment.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
Yes — with a valid Mental Health Care Plan. You pay the full fee first; the rebate is processed afterwards.
Can I just pay the gap fee?
No. Medicare requires full payment before a rebate can be applied.
Can I claim a private health fund rebate?
You may be able to, depending on your fund. Private health insurance cannot be used on the same day as a Medicare rebate.
Can I claim Medicare and private health for the same session?
No. You must choose one or the other.
Do you offer bulk billing or fee concessions?
Bulk billing is not offered. Fee concessions may be available in limited circumstances for existing clients experiencing financial difficulty that impacts access to care.
ATTENDANCE, CANCELLATIONS AND TELEHEALTH
What is your cancellation policy?
A minimum of 48 working hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule.
What are the cancellation and non-attendance fees?
• Less than 48 hours: 50% of the session fee
• Less than 24 hours: 100% of the session fee
• Non-attendance: 100% of the session fee
These fees are not covered by Medicare, WorkCover or private health funds.
What if I have COVID-19 and need to cancel?
Your session can be converted to Telehealth. If you decline this option within 48 hours, cancellation fees may still apply.
What if I need to switch from in-person to Telehealth?
This is fine. If you notify us within 24 hours, switching to Telehealth helps you avoid late-cancellation fees and maintain continuity of care.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Do you offer parking?
Yes. Free parking is available at all locations for up to two hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THERAPY
What should I expect from my first session?
The first session is a longer appointment (around 90 minutes). It allows time to explore your concerns, understand what’s been happening for you and identify the outcomes you want. You’ll also discuss your rights, responsibilities, confidentiality and informed consent so you can make informed decisions about your care. Together, we develop a personalised plan to guide therapy.
What about follow-up sessions?
Follow-up sessions are usually 50–60 minutes. These sessions deepen the work from the first appointment, focus on skill application, adjust strategies and support steady, meaningful progress. Treatment remains flexible and responsive to your goals, and progress is reviewed regularly.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies. Some people attend short-term; others benefit from longer-term therapy, particularly when working through deeper patterns or long-standing difficulties. Pace and duration are guided by your needs, preferences and wellbeing.
WORKCOVER AND THIRD-PARTY FUNDING
What if I’ve been referred through WorkCover?
You’ll need an active claim, approval for psychological sessions and your case manager’s details. Once approved, billing is processed directly through WorkCover.
As part of WorkCover-funded treatment, psychologists are generally required to provide clinical reports to WorkCover and your treating doctor outlining symptoms, assessment information, diagnosis (where appropriate), treatment, progress, recommendations and, if requested, opinions regarding work capacity and prognosis. These requirements are standard and are discussed as part of informed consent for WorkCover services.
APPOINTMENTS AND BOOKING
How do I make an appointment?
Booking processes differ by location.
Fortitude Valley (Next Practice Newstead):
• Private and MHCP clients must book through HotDoc.
• Third-party funded clients must contact the practice directly so security-retainer arrangements can be completed before the appointment is confirmed.
Hamilton (Hamilton Health Hub):
• All appointments can be booked by phone or email.
Will my session be confidential?
Yes. Psychologists are legally and ethically bound to maintain confidentiality. Your information is handled according to privacy legislation, ethical standards and mandatory reporting obligations. Any limits to confidentiality are explained at your first appointment.
What if I need support between sessions?
Between-session contact is limited to administrative matters. Clinical support occurs in session only. We do not provide crisis or after-hours services. If you are in immediate distress, contact 000, attend your local emergency department, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Are Telehealth sessions as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes. Research shows Telehealth can be equally effective for many concerns. Sessions follow the same structure, pace and level of support.
INTAKE AND PREPARING FOR THERAPY
What is your intake process?
Before your first session, you’ll receive intake and consent forms. These ensure sessions are relevant and aligned with your goals. Therapy cannot begin until these are completed, consistent with the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct. Forms are completed electronically, and copies are provided to you and your psychologist so you have a clear record of what you’ve agreed to.
Can I request a copy of my treatment file?
Yes. Access is provided in line with privacy legislation. Some material may require discussion before release. A fee usually applies due to the time required to prepare and compile your file.
Information for Referrers
Working with Referrers
Referrers need clear, streamlined information to ensure patients receive the right support at the right time. When someone is struggling or progress has stalled, you need confidence that the service you’re directing them to is clinically sound, scope-appropriate and aligned with professional standards. The information below gives you a concise overview of treatment scope, referral pathways and communication processes to support coordinated, effective care.
If you want clarity about whether a patient is suitable for referral, contact the practice for guidance.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE
What are your qualifications?
The psychologist is fully registered with AHPRA, holds postgraduate training and maintains ongoing professional development. All services are delivered within scope and in accordance with best-practice guidelines.
Who do you provide treatment for?
Therapy is provided for adults experiencing a wide range of psychological concerns. Treatment is collaborative, culturally responsive and guided by informed consent.
What are your areas of expertise?
Key areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, burnout, adjustment difficulties, grief, interpersonal challenges, identity and life-direction concerns, lifestyle change, health-related stress and sleep difficulties.
What treatment areas do you exclude?
We do not provide treatment for primary eating disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, primary substance use conditions or DVA-funded clients. These presentations require specialised or multidisciplinary support, and clients are redirected to appropriate services.
Do you provide functional or psychological capacity assessments?
Functional commentary is included in treatment reports where clinically indicated. This is based on clinical interviews, symptom tracking and psychometric measures used to monitor therapeutic progress. These assessments support treatment planning and evaluate change over time, rather than providing diagnostic or medico-legal opinions.
We do not conduct standalone medico-legal assessments, independent evaluations or comprehensive diagnostic assessments. Return-to-work opinions are limited to observations made within therapy, including symptom stability, functional tolerance and progress in treatment.
ASSESSMENT, REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION
What does the initial session involve?
The first session is 90 minutes and provides space for a comprehensive assessment, case formulation and collaborative treatment plan. Informed consent, confidentiality and service boundaries are discussed at commencement.
When do you provide progress reports?
Reports are provided at Medicare review points (sessions 6 and 10) or when clinically indicated. Updates occur with patient consent unless required for safety or by law.
Do you provide risk assessment and management?
Yes. Risk is assessed as required and managed in line with clinical, ethical and legal standards. Referrers are notified promptly when concerns escalate or when coordinated care is clinically necessary.
How do you collaborate with referrers?
Communication is timely, coordinated and aligned with referral goals. Reports and updates are provided securely while maintaining client autonomy and confidentiality.
Do you offer case conferring with referrers?
Yes. Case conferring is available when clinically appropriate and with patient consent. Discussions may include progress, treatment direction, risk, barriers to recovery, functional capacity or return-to-work considerations. All communication is conducted safely and ethically.
What information is helpful to include in a referral?
Key presenting concerns, relevant history, medications, identified risks, previous treatment and clear referral goals enable targeted, effective care.
How do you manage non-attendance or disengagement?
Referrers are notified (with patient consent or when required by law/safety) if a patient withdraws, repeatedly fails to attend, or if deterioration or risk emerges.
APPROACH TO THERAPY
What types of therapy do you offer?
Individual therapy, relationship counselling (case-by-case), Telehealth and in-person sessions. Modalities include ACT, CBT, EMDR, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and compassion-focused, neuroscience-informed approaches.
How do you determine suitability if I’m unsure whether to refer?
You are welcome to contact the practice for guidance. Suitability is established based on presenting issues, risk, treatment goals and whether the presentation falls within scope.
Do you provide recommendations regarding medications?
We do not prescribe medication. Symptom patterns may be commented on, and patients may be redirected to their GP or psychiatrist if a medication review could support treatment.
What types of referrals do you accept?
Referrals are accepted under Mental Health Care Plans, psychiatric referrals, WorkCover, insurance and rehabilitation schemes, or via private/self-referral.
REFERRING TO IFLEXIS PSYCHOLOGY
How can I refer to your service?
Referrals can be emailed securely, sent via Medical Objects or provided directly to the patient. Referrers are welcome to contact the practice for clarity regarding suitability or treatment direction.
Do you provide letters for third-party matters (Centrelink, legal issues, workplace disputes)?
These requests are reviewed case-by-case. Medico-legal reports, fitness-for-duty assessments and letters outside the therapeutic role are not provided. When unsuitable, patients are redirected to appropriate services.