It's completely normal to feel a bit anxious or uncertain about your first therapy session. Our psychologists are dedicated to providing a private, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for you. During your initial session, we’ll focus on getting to know you better by discussing your background, current concerns, and any specific issues you’d like to address. By session 1–3, we’ll work together to outline a plan that fits your needs, including setting goals, determining how many sessions might be needed, and deciding on a meeting schedule that works for you. To make the most of your first session, it might be helpful to think about the changes you hope to see in your life. Our goal is to collaborate with you to help you achieve those changes and support your overall well-being.

We provide telehealth sessions for participants under bulk billing, Medicare, or private psychology plans.

For those with NDIS funding, we offer telehealth and outreach psychology services, including school, home, and community visits. As long as it is safe to do so. 

Each individual therapy session is 50 minutes in length.

The number of sessions required varies depending on your situation. Your psychologist will discuss your treatment options and the expected duration of therapy during your sessions. It is a collaborative approach that allows you to set goals and work together towards achieving them. Factors such as the nature of the issues you're addressing, your existing coping strategies, your support network, and any prior therapy experiences can all influence the length of your therapy.

Psychologists are trained to assist people with challenges relating to emotions, thoughts, and actions. Using evidence-based, tailored approaches, psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of concerns. For more information, check out the “about me” about our psychologist.

We offer face-to-face cognitive assessments for both young people and adults in the Gold Coast, Logan, and Brisbane regions.

• We have limited slots for face-to-face assessments in Melbourne throughout the year. Enquire within (this would be good to have a hyperlink attached).
• All NDIS assessments are conducted in person.

• Psychologists: Trained for at least 6 years in evidence-based methods to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. They do not prescribe medication.
• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in mental health who can prescribe medication for complex conditions.
• Counsellors: Provide emotional support for life challenges but typically do not diagnose or create treatment plans.

If you cancel on the day of your appointment or fail to attend, including forgetting your session, the full session fee will be charged.

No, you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist. If you don’t wish to visit your GP for a referral or are not eligible for Medicare, you can still make an appointment. Standard session fees apply.

Simply make an appointment with your GP to request a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). It is a good idea to request a longer consultation time. Medicare will provide a rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Typically, the initial MHCP is for 6 sessions, with a further 4 sessions issued after a GP review. Bring your referral and MHCP to your first session to claim the rebate. Participants referred to Centred Around You by their Psychiatrist or Paediatrician are also eligible to receive a Medicare rebate without needing a GP MHCP.

Book a long consultation with your GP, discuss your concerns, and request an MHCP. Ask for a referral to Centred Around You. Provide us with a copy of the MHCP and referral, either sent directly from your GP, via email, or brought to your first session.

The MHCP allows up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Typically, the first 6 sessions are covered, and you’ll need a GP review for the remaining 4. CAY will remind you before your sixth session.

Yes, we offer bulk-billed sessions for individuals with a concession card and can also provide bulk-billing for those experiencing financial hardship. At Centred Around You, we are dedicated to supporting our community and ensuring that our services remain accessible to those in need.

We require at least 48 business hours' notice for any appointment cancellations. For example, if you have a session scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m., you need to cancel or reschedule by 10 a.m. on the previous Thursday to avoid charges. Cancellations made with less than 48 business hours' notice will incur a fee of 100% of the session cost. If you cancel on the day of your appointment or fail to attend, including forgetting your session, the full session fee will be charged.

Yes, we see participants of the Early Childhood Approach (ECA) and NDIS if they are plan-managed or self-managed for the relevant portion of funding. Unfortunately, we cannot bill NDIA-managed plans. Email a copy of your plan to us at mel@centredaroundyou.com.au for clarification.

Yes, we offer these assessments. However, they are not covered by Medicare and must be privately funded. For NDIS/ECA participants, we may use plan funds for diagnostic assessments.

Diagnostic assessments take 2–6 sessions, costing $600–$2000, depending on the presenting concern. Medicare rebates are available in some instances with a GP or specialist referral. Consult your GP, specialist, or our team for eligibility.

• Adolescent and Adult neurodivergent assessments: Conducted via telehealth for all individuals across Australia.
• NDIS assessments: Conducted in person.
• Face-to-face cognitive assessments: Available for young people and adults in the Gold Coast, Logan, and Brisbane regions.

We have limited slots for face-to-face assessments in Melbourne throughout the year. Enquire within.