Frequently Asked Questions About Online Therapy
Have questions about booking your first appointment or wondering whether online therapy is right for you? You're in the right place.
Here are the most common questions people ask when they're thinking about getting started.
Questions About Your First Appointment
What can I expect from my first psychologist session?
Your first session is about getting to know you. We'll talk about what's brought you here, what you're hoping to work on, and a bit about your background and the people in your life who matter to you. This helps us create a treatment plan that's tailored to your needs and goals.
During this time, we'll also discuss what you're experiencing, your history (including any medical or psychological background), and what success looks like for you. There's no pressure, we go at your pace, and you can ask any questions you have about therapy or how we will work together.
How can I book an appointment?
You can book online through our secure booking portal or call our friendly admin team on 0457 427 876.
Please note, we keep a limited number of new client spots open for online booking to leave room for our existing clients to rebook. If there isn't a suitable time slot available online, give us a call and we'll see if there's a better option that works for you.
For full information about the booking process, available appointment times, and what to have ready, visit our Appointments page.
Is online therapy right for me?
Online therapy can work well for many people, particularly if you value convenience, have a busy schedule, live in rural or remote areas, or prefer the privacy of your own space. Research shows that telehealth psychology is just as effective as face to face therapy for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship challenges, and other mental health concerns. A systematic review of 42 studies by Backhuas et al. (2012) found that psychological interventions delivered via videoconferencing had similar treatment outcomes to face to face delivery, and Nelson and Patton (2016) found videoconferencing psychotherapy effective for children and teenagers.
You'll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted. If technical issues come up during your session, you can easily switch to a phone call instead.
Taking the first step to seek support can feel overwhelming. It's completely normal to feel uncertain about where to start, and I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to take action when you're navigating life's challenges.
What if I've never seen a psychologist before?
It's completely normal to feel nervous about your first appointment. Many people feel unsure about what to expect or whether therapy will help. The truth is, therapy is a conversation. It's not about having the "right" answers or explaining everything perfectly. As your psychologist, I am there to listen, support, and work with you toward your goals.
There's no such thing as a wrong thing to say in therapy. Your first session is about getting to know each other and understanding what you need. You're in control, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
Do I need a mental health care plan?
You don't need a mental health care plan to book with Graciously You, but having one from your GP allows you to access Medicare rebates. If you don't have a plan, you can still book as a private (self-funded) client.
If you'd like to arrange a mental health care plan, book an appointment with your GP and explain your mental health concerns. If they feel you're eligible, your GP will create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which allows you to access up to 10 Medicare rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. The current Medicare rebate is $98.95 per session.
We can provide information to take to your GP if you'd like to arrange a plan. For detailed information about Medicare rebates, NDIS funding, and all fee options, visit our Appointments and Fees page.
Understanding Online Therapy & Mental Health Plans
How long does therapy take?
Therapy length varies depending on what you're working through and your goals. Some people find a few sessions helpful, while others benefit from ongoing support over several months. During your first session, we'll discuss what might work best for you and what you can expect.
The important thing is that you're in control of your therapy. We'll check in regularly about your progress and whether you feel you're getting what you need from sessions.
If you'd like to explore the different therapeutic approaches we use, visit our about page.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?
Psychologists in Australia complete a minimum of 6 years of training (4 years of university and 2 years of supervised practice under strict AHPRA standards) and are registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). This includes successfully completing the National Psychology Examination (NPE) to ensure competency in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions.
Counsellors typically complete shorter training and may not be registered or able to provide Medicare rebated services. At Graciously You, Natasha is a fully registered psychologist with over 10 years of experience providing evidence-based psychological care.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
No. Psychologists are not able to prescribe medication. If medication may be helpful as part of your treatment, we can discuss this and provide information for your GP, who can assess whether medication is suitable for you.
Many people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, and we're happy to support you in working with your GP to find the right approach for you. However, medication is not required to engage in therapy, and Natasha will respect your decisions regarding what you feel is best for you.
Do I need a mental health care plan?
You don't need a mental health care plan to book with Graciously You, but having one from your GP allows you to access Medicare rebates. If you don't have a plan, you can still book as a private (self-funded) client.
If you'd like to arrange a mental health care plan, book an appointment with your GP and explain your mental health concerns. If they feel you're eligible, your GP will create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which allows you to access up to 10 Medicare rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. The current Medicare rebate is $98.95 per session.
We can provide information to take to your GP if you'd like to arrange a plan. For detailed information about Medicare rebates, NDIS funding, and all fee options, visit our Appointments and Fees page.
Fees, Payments and Cancellations
-
Fees are payable at the start or prior to your session. Payment can be made securely through our patient management software, Halaxy, or by direct deposit. You can also pay using a secure payment link before your appointment or we can set up scheduled automatic payment with your stored card details.
Graciously You offers Medicare rebated appointments for clients with a valid Mental Health Care Plan from their GP. We also provide private (self-funded) appointments and accept NDIS funding for self-managed and plan managed participants. Find out more by visiting our Appointments page.
-
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we require at least 2 business days' notice. Cancellations within 48 hours incur a fee of half the cost of your appointment. Cancellations within 24 hours or missed appointments are charged at 100 percent of the session cost.
Please note, appointments are required to be cancelled via phone.
Late arrivals will not have session time extended. If you're later than 15 minutes, your appointment will be cancelled, and full fees will apply.
We understand that cancellations are sometimes unavoidable due to circumstances outside your control. In these situations, we'll try to reschedule your appointment. However, it's at our discretion whether a cancellation fee will apply. If you cancel several consecutive appointments, we will require a non-refundable deposit for future bookings.
Repeat cancellations: Any client who fails to attend three confirmed, scheduled appointments in a row will automatically have their next appointment slot relocated to another client on the wait list. You won't be able to recommence appointments at Graciously You Psychological Services until you've paid a nonrefundable deposit of 50 percent of your next appointment. If you fail to attend subsequent appointments or cancel, you will forfeit this deposit.If a pattern of late cancellations or non-attendance is identified, you may have your future appointment slot reallocated to another client on the wait list.
Conditions: If you are required to pay a cancellation fee, this fee must be paid in full prior to attending any future appointments. These cancellation fees are applicable to any client of Graciously You Psychological Services. All cancellation fees are required to be paid personally by you and not a third-party organisation, as these organisations do not normally cover such fees for nonattendance.
Please note, Medicare and private health insurers do not reimburse for appointments not attended.
For our complete fee structure, payment options, and full cancellation policy details, visit our Appointments and Fees page.
Still have questions?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to call our friendly admin team on 0457 427 876 or send an enquiry through to admin@graciouslyyoupsychology.com.au. We're here to help make your first step as easy as possible.