New Clients

How to Get Started

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it's normal to have questions. The process of getting started is straightforward, and I'm happy to answer anything before you book.

1

Speak with Your GP (Optional)

If you'd like to access Medicare rebates, ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) with a referral to a clinical psychologist. You do not need a referral to book privately.

2

Get in Touch

Contact me by phone (0424 980 785) or email (tim@tdpsychology.com.au). I will give you a call to talk about making an appointment.

3

Complete Intake Forms

Before your first session, I'll send you a brief set of forms to fill out. This helps me understand your background and make the most of our time together.

4

Attend Your First Session

Your first appointment is about getting to know each other. We'll discuss what's brought you to therapy, your goals, and begin putting together a plan.

Referral Pathways

There are several ways you can access sessions at TD Psychology:

GP Referral with Mental Health Treatment Plan — Provides access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Psychiatrist or Paediatrician Referral — A referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician also qualifies for Medicare rebates.
Self-Referral (Private) — You can book directly without a referral. Full fee applies with no Medicare rebate.
WorkCover — If you have an accepted WorkCover claim, sessions may be fully covered. Please provide your claim details when booking.

Tip: Even if you plan to self-refer, it can be worth seeing your GP first. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is free and provides a significant rebate on each session.

What to Expect

Standard therapy sessions last 50 minutes. Our first session will often involve a conversation regarding what has brought you here. We will set some therapy goals and co-create a plan for how to achieve them.

Ongoing sessions: Sessions are typically held weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs and preferences. The frequency and duration of therapy will depend on your goals and the nature of what we're working on.

Confidentiality: Everything discussed in therapy is confidential, with limited exceptions required by law (e.g., risk of harm). I'll explain this in detail at your first appointment.

Payment & Rebates

Payment is due at the time of each session and can be made by bank transfer or card. Medicare rebates can be processed on the day if you bring your Medicare card.

Medicare

With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare provides a rebate of $145.25 per session. The remaining out-of-pocket gap is $119.75.

Private Health

Some private health funds offer rebates for clinical psychology sessions under extras cover. Check with your insurer for details.

View Full Fee Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see you?

No, you don't need a referral to book privately. However, if you'd like to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.

How long does each session go for?

Standard sessions are 50 minutes.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on what you're working on. Some people find a few sessions helpful, while others benefit from longer-term work. We'll discuss this together and revisit as we go.

Do you offer telehealth sessions?

Telehealth sessions are available via secure video link and follow the same format as in-person sessions. Telehealth via Medicare is currently pending approval.

What is your cancellation policy?

Appointments cancelled with less than 72 hours' notice will incur a 50% fee. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full session fee. See the Fees page for details.