What to Expect
It’s not easy to acknowledge you need help, let alone to seek it.
Making the decision to seek therapy is an important step, but choosing the right psychologist can be confusing. Vida Psychology simplifies this process using a Matching Session in our very first meeting with you. This essential part of our approach ensures personalised and effective therapy.
Selecting the Right Therapist
During the Matching Session, our clinician will:
- Discuss why you are seeking therapy
- Explore your goals and expectations
- Explain the therapeutic process
- Address any concerns
- Provide helpful resources for the interim period before your first appointment
We consider your specific needs, financial circumstances, and therapy preferences to match you with the most suitable therapist from the start, ensuring the best possible therapeutic alliance.
What Will Your Therapy Cost?
Vida Psychology is not a bulk billing service. All services attract an out of-pocket expense.
Please see our Fees and Rebates page for details.
The First Appointment with Your Therapist
Preparation
Before your first appointment, our Admin team will send you some forms to complete.
Initial Discussion
In first few minutes of your session we will discuss general information, including confidentiality and informed consent.
Sharing Your Story
You will then be invited to share your personal history, current circumstances, the issues you’re facing, and your goals for therapy, with your therapist.
Conclusion of Session
By the end of your first session, our goal is for you to leave feeling hopeful and confident that you and your therapist will work together to reach your goals and improve your life.
We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your mental health journey!
Common Questions
We prioritise empowerment, compassion, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring you feel valued and understood. By fostering autonomy and personal growth, we guide you towards a fulfilling, balanced life.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you don’t need a referral. We see clients who are solely privately funded, use their private health cover to subside their appointments, or who are self-managed NDIS clients. Australian residents may be eligible to claim services under the Better Access to Mental Health Initiative with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
I have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Will the GP identify a psychologist for me, or can I choose my own?
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How many Medicare rebated sessions will I receive?
If you have a MHTP, you can obtain a subsidy for up to 10 individual and up to 10 group therapy sessions in a calendar year.
How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?
You need to make an appointment with your local General Practitioner, who will determine your eligibility for a MHTP. Given the information GPs need to gather to put together a MHTP and make a referral, it may be a good idea to ask if you need to schedule a double appointment.
What is the difference between Matching and a regular session?
The Matching session is generally your initial appointment at Vida Psychology. It is crucial for providing personalised and effective therapy. We believe that a strong relationship between you and your psychologist, is key to successful therapy. This session helps us understand who the best psychologist is for you based on your financial circumstances, psychological needs and preferences regarding therapeutic approaches and styles, allowing us to match you with the most suitable psychologist from the start.
Do you Offer Telehealth?
Yes, all of our psychologists offer telehealth
Do you Bulk Bill?
No. Vida Psychology is not a bulk billing service. All services attract an out of-pocket expense.
Do you see any Workcover, DVA or TAC clients?
No. Vida Psychology is not currently accepting Workcover, DVA or TAC clients.
Do you see NDIS clients?
Yes. At Vida Psychology we see self-managed NDIS clients. You will be given a receipt at the end of your sessions to claim back your payments from the NDIS after paying for your sessions privately.
How long do the sessions run for?
A standard session at Vida Psychology will usually last for approximately 51 minutes
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your individual circumstances. Acute or chronic issues, the number of concerns you would like to address, your engagement in tasks outside of therapy and appointment frequency all play a role in determining the length of therapy. Initially, it is generally recommended that appointments are scheduled on a weekly to fortnightly basis to ensure momentum of therapeutic change. Treatment frequency is a discussion your Vida Psychologist will have with you early in your therapy journey.