Psychology sessions, also known as therapy sessions or counselling sessions, are confidential and supportive interactions between you and a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist or therapist.

These sessions aim to address emotional, behavioural, and mental health concerns, promote personal growth, and enhance overall well-being.

There is no hard rule on when to see a psychologist. You may benefit from seeing a psychologist if you are experiencing any of the following:

Persistent Emotional Distress: If you are dealing with persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress that affect your daily life, relationships, work, or school performance.

Life Transitions: During significant life changes, such as divorce, loss of a loved one, career changes, relocation, retirement, or becoming a parent.

Traumatic Experiences: If you have experienced trauma, abuse, violence, or a life-threatening event.

Relationship Issues: When facing conflicts, communication challenges, trust issues, or other difficulties in relationships with partners, family members, friends, or colleagues.

Grief and Loss: Following the loss of a loved one, pet, job, or significant life change.

Mental Health Conditions: If you are experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions.

Self-Exploration and Personal Growth: Even without specific problems or challenges, therapy can be beneficial for self-exploration, enhancing self-awareness, improving coping skills, increasing resilience, and fostering personal growth.

Behavioural or Emotional Changes: If you notice significant changes in behaviour, mood, sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, or thoughts that concern you or others.

Seeking Guidance and Support: When you feel overwhelmed, stuck, confused, lost, or in need of guidance, support, and a non-judgmental space to explore thoughts and emotions.

A mental health care plan is a collaborative document developed between you and your general practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist to outline goals and strategies for managing mental health concerns. It includes referrals to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, for therapy.

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, individuals with a mental health care plan can access Medicare rebates for psychology services. These rebates provide financial support for up to 10 individual or 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year.

To access Medicare rebates for psychology services, follow these steps:

Consult with your GP or psychiatrist to discuss your mental health needs and develop a mental health care plan.

Obtain a referral to a registered psychologist for therapy sessions based on your care plan.

After attending your therapy session, we can submit a medicare claim on your behalf. You will need to provide your bank details to Medicare and sign up to Medicare online services. You will also be required to provide us your medicare number. If you would like to submit your claim yourself you will need to use the appropriate documentation provided by your psychologist. Both your online Medicare account services and Medicare number will be needed for this process.

It's important to note that while Medicare rebates reduce the cost of psychology sessions, there may still be out-of-pocket expenses depending on the psychologist's fees.

For an in-depth description of our fees please refer to our services section here.

Sessions are usually priced as:

$195 for a 60 minute session (50 min active therapy and 10 min note taking/administration). Potential to be eligible for a Medicare Rebate.

$130 for a 30 minute session (20 min active therapy and 10 min note taking/administration). Potential to be eligible for a Medicare Rebate.

For EMDR session prices please email us.

We accept NDIS, DVA and VOCAT please refer to our services for pricing.

You may also be eligible to claim part of the session from your private health insurance. Please discuss with your private health insurance provider prior to session.

We understand that costs can be a barrier to obtaining mental health support. Unfortunately we do not offer bulk-billing but we can offer low cost services in some circumstances. There are some bulk-billing services which can be explored with your referring doctor.

Online therapy, also known as Telehealth, allows you to attend therapy sessions remotely using secure video conferencing platforms or via phhone. You can access therapy from the comfort of your home or any private location with an internet connection.

Yes, research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. Our psychologists are trained in delivering quality care through online platforms to ensure you receive effective treatment.

Telehealth psychology offers several advantages for individuals seeking mental health support:

• Convenience: You can access therapy from the comfort of your home or any private location with an internet connection, eliminating the need for travel.

• Accessibility: Telehealth expands access to mental health services, especially for individuals in rural or remote areas with limited access to traditional therapy.

• Flexibility: Telehealth allows for more flexible scheduling options, making it easier to fit therapy sessions into your busy lifestyle.

• Privacy: Telehealth platforms are designed to ensure secure and confidential communication between you and your therapist, maintaining your privacy throughout the therapy process.

• Continuity of Care: Telehealth enables consistent therapy sessions, even during times of travel or relocation, ensuring continuity of care and treatment progress.

• Comfort: Some individuals may feel more comfortable and easier to open-up during therapy sessions conducted in familiar surroundings, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

While Telehealth psychology offers numerous benefits, there are some situations where in-person therapy may be more appropriate including:

• Severe Mental Health Crisis: If you are experiencing a severe mental health crisis requiring immediate intervention or hospitalisation, in-person care may be necessary. Please refer to our need immediate help section.

• Limited Technology Access: If you do not have access to a reliable internet connection, a compatible device, or the necessary privacy for telehealth sessions, in-person therapy may be more suitable.

• Complex Diagnostic Assessment: Some diagnostic assessments or evaluations may require in-person interaction and observation for accurate assessment.

• High Risk of Harm: If there is a high risk of harm to yourself or others, immediate in-person intervention and support may be necessary.

• Lack of Therapeutic Rapport: If you and your therapist struggle to establish a therapeutic rapport or connection via telehealth, transitioning to in-person sessions may be considered.

These contraindications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and your therapist will work with you to determine the most appropriate mode of therapy based on your unique needs and circumstances.

Yes, your privacy and confidentiality are our top priorities. All information shared during therapy sessions is strictly confidential and adheres to professional ethical standards. Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and will be explained to you by your therapist.

Psychologists are bound by confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines that prioritise your privacy. However, there are specific situations where a psychologist may be required to share information without your consent:

• If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, including cases of self-harm or harm to others.

• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person, such as a child or elderly individual.

• If there is a legal obligation, such as a court order or subpoena, requiring the disclosure of information.

• If there is a duty to warn or protect, such as in cases where there is a credible threat of violence or harm.

These situations are governed by legal and ethical guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Your psychologist will always strive to communicate any necessary disclosures with you to the extent possible while maintaining confidentiality within the limits of the law.

Yes, we understand the importance of finding a therapist who is the right fit for you. You can discuss your preferences with team, and we will do our best to match you with an available therapist who meets your needs and goals.

Please refer to our Booking Policy

We understand first essions may be daunting. During your first session, your therapist will conduct an initial assessment to understand your concerns, goals, and background. It is more of a get to know you session. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, discuss treatment options, and establish a therapeutic relationship.

Unfortunately Calm Sanctuary are unable to write any court reports or other reports that are not a requirement from the funding body ie NDIS support letters for existing clients.

Unfortunately Calm Sanctuary do not conduct any psychometric or diagnostic assessments.

No, filming or recording therapy sessions is not permitted. Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all clients is paramount, and recording sessions can compromise the confidentiality and trust within the therapeutic relationship. If you have specific concerns or questions about your therapy sessions, please discuss them with your therapist directly. We are committed to ensuring a safe and confidential therapeutic environment for all clients.

Therapy sessions are confidential and tailored to your individual needs. While friends or family members may provide support outside of sessions, therapy is most effective when focused on your personal experiences and goals.

If you believe that involving a friend or family member in your therapy would be beneficial, please discuss this with your therapist. They can offer guidance on how to best incorporate support from loved ones while maintaining the confidentiality and effectiveness of your sessions.

We do however, allow non-disruptive pets in sessions, we are not liable for your pets and they can be present at your own risk