Frequently asked questions
Questions about starting therapy?
Find answers to common questions about appointments, referrals, fees, Medicare rebates, privacy, and seeing a psychologist at Wisemind & Body.
Quick answers
Common questions before booking
These answers are general. Our admin team can help with availability, fees, referral pathways, and clinician fit.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book privately without a referral. However, you need a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP if you want to claim a Medicare rebate.
Can I book online?
Yes. Online booking is available through HotDoc. You can also contact the clinic if you are unsure who to book with.
Do you offer bulk billing?
Wisemind & Body is a private fee-for-service clinic. We do not currently offer bulk billing.
Where can I check fees?
Please see our Fees & Rebates page for current consultation fees, rebates, and payment information.
Appointments
Booking and attending sessions
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book online through HotDoc or contact the clinic by phone.
If you are unsure who to book with, our admin team can help guide you. They may ask about availability, referral type, and the kind of support you are looking for.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
The first session usually focuses on what has brought you to therapy and what you would like support with.
Your psychologist may ask about your symptoms, relationships, work or study, health history, coping strategies, risk concerns, and goals.
This helps guide a treatment plan that suits your needs.
How long is each therapy session?
Standard individual psychology appointments are usually 50 minutes.
Some assessment, reporting, or third-party funded appointments may differ. This depends on the referral pathway and the type of work required.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your goals, concerns, level of complexity, and response to therapy.
Some people attend for short-term support. Others benefit from longer-term therapy.
Your psychologist will discuss goals and review progress with you over time.
Can I choose which psychologist I see?
Yes. You are welcome to choose a psychologist based on availability, experience, therapeutic style, and your preferences.
Our admin team can also help if you are unsure who may be suitable.
You can learn more about our clinicians on the Our Team page.
Referrals and rebates
Medicare, private health, and funding options
Can I use a Mental Health Care Plan?
Yes, if your GP has provided a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral.
This may allow you to access Medicare rebates for eligible psychology sessions.
Please provide your referral before or at your first appointment.
Can I attend without Medicare?
Yes. You can attend as a private client without a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan.
This may suit clients who prefer not to use Medicare or who do not currently have a referral.
Can I claim private health insurance?
This depends on your private health policy and level of extras cover.
We recommend checking directly with your insurer before booking.
Do you see WorkCover, DVA, or other funded clients?
We may provide psychology services under approved funding pathways, including WorkCover Queensland and DVA.
These appointments usually require the right documentation or approval before treatment starts.
Please contact the clinic before booking if your sessions are being paid for by a third party.
What are your current fees?
Fees can vary depending on the clinician, appointment type, referral pathway, and whether written work or reports are required.
Please see our Fees & Rebates page for current information.
Helpful note: If your appointment is funded by Medicare, DVA, WorkCover, private health, or another third party, please check the referral and approval requirements before booking.
Your psychologist
Understanding psychologist types
What is the difference between a General Psychologist, Clinical Psychology Registrar, and Clinical Psychologist?
All psychologists in Australia must be registered. They must also meet strict ethical, supervision, and professional development standards.
A General Psychologist is a fully registered psychologist. They can assess and treat many mental health, emotional, behavioural, and adjustment-related concerns.
Many General Psychologists have strong experience across therapy settings. They may also have particular interest areas, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment issues, stress, or relationship concerns.
A Clinical Psychology Registrar is a registered psychologist who has completed postgraduate clinical psychology training.
They are also completing supervised practice toward clinical endorsement. This means they provide therapy while receiving additional supervision and professional development in clinical psychology.
A Clinical Psychologist has completed additional recognised postgraduate training and supervised practice in clinical psychology.
Clinical Psychologists often have advanced training in assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and complex mental health treatment.
The best fit is not always based on title. It also depends on experience, therapy style, availability, fees, rebate eligibility, and your preferences.
Will I receive the same quality of care across different psychologist types?
Yes. All psychologists are required to practise ethically and provide evidence-based care.
The differences are usually related to training pathway, endorsement status, Medicare rebate amounts, fees, and areas of experience.
A strong therapeutic fit is also important. For many clients, feeling understood, safe, and able to work openly with their psychologist matters as much as the psychologist’s title.
Can I change psychologists if it does not feel like the right fit?
Yes. Fit is important in therapy.
If you feel another clinician may suit you better, you can discuss this with your psychologist or contact the clinic.
Privacy and policies
Confidentiality, cancellations, and documentation
Are psychology sessions confidential?
Yes. Psychologists are bound by professional and ethical obligations around confidentiality.
There are some limits to confidentiality. These may include serious risk of harm, child safety concerns, court orders, or legal requirements.
Your psychologist can explain this during your first appointment.
You can also read our Privacy Policy.
What is your cancellation policy?
Late cancellations and non-attendance may attract a cancellation fee.
This is because appointment times are reserved for clients and can be difficult to offer to someone else at short notice.
Please read our Cancellation Policy before booking.
Do you provide reports or letters?
Standard therapy sessions do not include reports, letters, forms, or written documents.
Written work may attract an additional fee. It may also depend on clinical appropriateness, referral pathway, and available information.
If you need a letter or report, please discuss this with the clinic before booking.
Is Wisemind & Body a crisis service?
No. Wisemind & Body is not a crisis or emergency service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.
For urgent mental health support in Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Still have questions?
Contact the clinic before booking
Contact the clinic if you are unsure about fees, referrals, Medicare rebates, clinician fit, or which appointment type to book.