What can you expect?

Psychologists are compassionate, skilled professionals who provide much more than just support during difficult times. They help people to develop skills and strategies that empower them to live their most fulfilled and meaningful lives. Psychologists work with individuals to understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, helping them navigate life’s challenges with confidence, clarity, and resilience.

They guide you in understanding and overcoming personal struggles such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues, but their role extends far beyond that. By fostering a supportive, non-judgmental environment, psychologists help clients cultivate coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to face life’s ups and downs with greater ease.

Through therapeutic conversations, psychologists help clients uncover strengths and develop the tools necessary to create positive change. Their ultimate goal is to support you in living your life to its fullest potential, nurturing a sense of empowerment and self-worth along the way. Guided by evidence-based practices, psychologists tailor their approach to meet each individual’s needs, ensuring that treatment is both personalised and effective.

Psychology offers a gentle, non-judgmental space to explore and understand the challenges that may be holding you back. Whether you're feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or confused, psychologists help you uncover your strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.

Through evidence-based therapy techniques, psychologists guide you in navigating life’s emotional hurdles, equipping you with the tools needed to overcome difficulties such as relationship struggles, stress, trauma, or low self-esteem. With guidance and support, you'll learn to manage emotions, improve your mental well-being, and build a more fulfilling life. Your psychologist will help you take control of your journey, enabling you to create a life that feels meaningful, empowered, and in alignment with your values.

The length of therapy varies depending on your unique needs and goals. Some individuals benefit from a few sessions, while others may find longer-term therapy more helpful. In the early stages of therapy, we work with you to set clear goals and determine what will be most beneficial for you.

It’s important to understand that therapy is a process—a process of self-discovery, healing, and growth. Some clients find they make significant progress in a few sessions, while others may need ongoing support over a period of months to achieve lasting change. Your therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that feels right for you, ensuring your path forward is tailored to your needs. Whatever your journey looks like, therapy is an investment in your future, supporting your long-term well-being and personal transformation.

The terms "therapy" and "counseling" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Counselinggenerally focuses on providing short-term support to help individuals work through specific life challenges, while therapy often involves deeper, longer-term work to address underlying issues and patterns of behaviour.

Both approaches are designed to help individuals develop coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, and build a more fulfilling life. Therapy, however, tends to focus more on personal growth, understanding the root causes of struggles, and learning tools for lasting change. Whether you're seeking therapy or counseling, you can expect a caring, nurturing environment where you will be supported in moving forward, no matter what you are facing.

In most cases, you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist. You can self-refer by simply contacting us and booking an appointment. However, if you’re seeking support under Medicare’s Better Access initiative or through NDIS, you may need a referral from your GP.

Your GP can provide a Mental Health Care Plan or NDIS plan that may entitle you to a rebate or funding for sessions. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to guide you through the process and help you access the support you need.

The cost of a psychology session can vary depending on the type of session and your funding arrangements. For those who are eligible for Medicare, NDIS, or private health insurance, you may be able to claim part or all of the session fees.
If you’re accessing sessions privately, we offer competitive rates to ensure that quality psychological support is accessible. Please contact us for a personalised cost estimate based on your situation. We are committed to providing transparent and accessible services, so you always know what to expect.

Your first session is an important step in your therapeutic journey. During this time, your psychologist will take the time to get to know you, listen to your concerns, and understand your goals. We focus on creating a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space, where you can feel heard and supported.

You will be invited to share information about what has brought you to therapy and any struggles you’re facing. Based on your conversation, your psychologist will help you develop a plan for moving forward, so you feel confident about the next steps. The first session is about building rapport, fostering trust, and beginning the journey towards healing and growth.

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a document created by your GP that provides a structured plan for managing your mental health and accessing psychological services. This plan is often used to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.

If your GP recommends that you see a psychologist, they will work with you to create a plan that details the type of support you may need. The MHCP allows you to access up to 20 subsidised sessions per calendar year with a qualified psychologist. Your GP will provide updates on your progress, ensuring that you receive the right care for your mental health needs.

Yes, psychology services are covered by Medicare for eligible individuals through the Better Access to Mental Healthinitiative. To access these services, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, which entitles you to rebates for up to 20 sessions with a psychologist per calendar year.

This initiative aims to make psychological services more accessible and affordable, helping individuals who are experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you're unsure about how to access Medicare services, we can guide you through the process to ensure you get the support you need.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for individuals with disabilities to access a range of support services, including psychology. If you have an NDIS plan, your psychologist can provide therapy sessions that are funded through your plan.

NDIS funding can be used for both assessment and ongoing therapy with a psychologist. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for NDIS or how to use your plan for psychology services, we can help you navigate the process and ensure you access the support you need to thrive.

We understand that life can sometimes get in the way, and you may need to reschedule or cancel a session. We ask that you provide 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule to avoid a cancellation fee. This helps us offer available spots to others who may be in need.

If you miss a session without notice, a cancellation fee will apply, as per our policy. We strive to make sure your time is valued and appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Seeking therapy is a personal decision, and if you feel unsure, it’s okay to reach out for guidance. If you're experiencing emotional pain, stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, therapy can be an opportunity to receive support. It’s also beneficial for individuals who want to better understand themselves, gain insights into their behaviours, and develop skills for coping with life's challenges.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or if you simply want to feel more empowered in your day-to-day life, therapy can help. It’s a brave step towards healing, growth, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Choosing a psychologist is a deeply personal decision, and it’s important to feel comfortable and supported. Consider factors such as experience, specialties, and the types of therapy they offer. Most importantly, trust your gut feeling. A good connection with your psychologist is essential for effective therapy.

We recommend scheduling an initial consultation to see if the psychologist feels like the right fit for you. Building a strong rapport and feeling safe to explore your thoughts and feelings is a crucial part of the therapy process. Your psychologist should be someone you feel heard, respected, and supported by.

At IPA, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies designed to support your mental health and well-being. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based therapies, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and more.

Each therapy type is tailored to suit your unique needs and goals. We work collaboratively with you to determine which approach will be most beneficial for your situation. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply looking to improve your life skills, we have the tools and expertise to support your journey.

The progress of therapy is often felt over time, as you start to notice changes in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. You may begin to feel more in control of your emotions, find it easier to cope with challenges, and develop more positive behaviours.

Throughout the process, we encourage open communication, where you can express how you’re feeling and what’s working for you. Therapy is a partnership, and your feedback is crucial in ensuring we’re on the right path. We’ll continually assess your progress together to ensure therapy is helping you live your best life.

After therapy, you will leave with tools, insights, and skills that help you handle life's challenges independently. Many clients feel more confident, empowered, and able to manage stress, relationships, and their emotions. We work with you to ensure you are prepared for life after therapy, making sure that the progress you’ve made is sustainable.

Some clients continue to check in with their psychologist on an occasional basis for maintenance or additional support, while others may not feel the need to return. The ultimate goal is to ensure you have the skills and confidence to thrive on your own, feeling supported and empowered every step of the way.

Yes, we offer Telehealth sessions for clients who are unable to attend in person, or who prefer the convenience and comfort of speaking with a psychologist from home. Telehealth is a safe, confidential, and effective way to access therapy.

You will receive the same quality of care, support, and expertise during your Telehealth sessions as you would in person. Whether you’re in a rural area, have mobility challenges, or simply prefer the convenience, Telehealth makes it easier to get the support you need when you need it.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, it’s important to seek immediate help. Contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or go to your nearest emergency department. Psychologists are here to support you, but in times of crisis, urgent, immediate care is necessary.

We can also work with you to manage crisis situations and ensure you have the right support in place to navigate those difficult moments safely. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to guide you through every stage of your journey.

Getting started with therapy is easy. Simply contact us through our website or give us a call to arrange your first consultation. We’ll help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. From there, we’ll work together to create a personalised plan that aligns with your needs and goals. Support is just a step away, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.