Telehealth offers the flexibility to access therapy from the comfort of your own space, saving travel time and making it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule. It provides a safe, confidential environment where you can engage fully in therapy, whether you’re at home, work, or elsewhere. Many clients find that online sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy, with the added convenience of connecting from wherever is easiest for them.on text goes here

In-person sessions will be available by mid-2026. Common Ground Therapy is currently looking for the right space to provide a welcoming and private environment for clients. In the meantime, I offer online sessions, which can be booked immediately.

People often feel a myriad of emotions leading up to their first session. You don’t need to have your thoughts in order or a coherent story to present at your session. Show up as you are.

In your first appointment you and your Psychologist will dive into your world and explore what has brought you into therapy. This may involve focusing on circumstances that are happening to you now or delving into past experiences. Your Psychologist will gently guide you through and carefully listen to your story.

In this session your Psychologist may also discuss their recommendations for therapy and, if time allows, provide initial strategies to get you started.

It’s also your opportunity to ask questions of your Psychologist, speak about your goals for therapy and double check you’ve found the right therapist for you. There is no ill-will if you don’t think you’ve found your place - we’ll help you figure out what you’re looking for and, where possible, help you find that.

There is no minimum or fixed number of sessions that you need to attend. Your Psychologist will make a treatment plan with you and let you know their recommendations for ongoing appointments.

That said, some people benefit from short-term therapy (6 to 12 sessions), while others will find forming a lasting connection with a Psychologist more helpful.

Fortnightly sessions are typically recommended initially, with the goal of transitioning you to less regular appointments. This could be monthly, bi-monthly or ‘as needed’ to check-in and review skills.

Yes, under Medicare or Private Health Insurance.

The Medicare rebate for seeing a Psychologist is $98.95 for 10 sessions per calendar year. To claim a rebate through Medicare, talk to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan and Referral before your first appointment with us.

The world of GP Referrals and Mental Health Care Plans can be confusing.

Both are needed to claim a Medicare rebate and specific information is needed on each document in order for it be used.

A GP Referral acts as a cover letter from your GP. It explains why you’re being referred, what type of Mental Health Care Plan you are on (Initial or Review) and the number of sessions you are eligible for (6 or 4). A referral also includes your GPs details, their provider number and their signature. Your Mental Health Care Plan isn’t valid without a referral.

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a more structured document with specific sections for your GP to fill out regarding your circumstances and medical history. It needs to specify a Medicare item number as this will tell your Psychologist whether it is your initial plan or a review. It should also be signed and dated by your GP.

The following information is required on your referral in order for it to be accepted by Common Ground Therapy.

Initial MHCP:

• Your GPs Provider Number, address, phone number, full name and signature.

• Your full name and date of birth.

• Date of Initial Plan.

• The type of referral and the number of sessions it provides. Your initial plan will be called ‘Initial’ and allow for 6 sessions.

• Diagnosis e.g. Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Depression etc.

Review MHCP:

• Needs to contain your GPs details (Provider Number, address, phone number, full name and signature).

• Addressed to Common Ground Therapy.

• Specifies an item number (e.g. 2712) or specifies type of plan (e.g. 'Review')

• Needs to specify the number of sessions. In this instance, your GP can refer you for 4 sessions.

• Diagnosis.

Common Ground Therapy is unfortunately not a crisis service.

If you are in a crisis please contact 000 or present to your closest emergency department.

Here are some additional resources:

• Lifeline 13 11 14

• Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

• Parentline 1300 1300 52