Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and understand what has brought you to therapy.

During this session, your clinician will:

• Ask questions about your current concerns and goals

• Explore relevant background information (such as family, school/work, health, and previous supports)

• Discuss what you would like to get out of therapy

• Answer any questions you may have about the process

We understand that starting therapy can feel a little daunting. Our clinicians aim to create a calm, respectful, and neuroaffirming space where you can share at your own pace.

By the end of the session, you and your clinician will usually discuss next steps and the recommended frequency for ongoing sessions.

Yes, we offer individual therapy for children aged six years and over.

We recommend the initial appointment is a parent/guardian session, and the child attends the second appointment.

Read more information in our quick guide on what to expect.

Our team includes a range of professionals who provide different types of support.

Clinical Psychologists

Clinical Psychologists have completed additional postgraduate training in clinical psychology. They often work with more complex mental health presentations and diagnostic assessments, and Medicare rebates are typically higher for sessions with a Clinical Psychologist.

Registered Psychologists

Registered Psychologists are fully qualified psychologists who provide therapy, assessments, and psychological support.

Provisional Psychologists

Provisional Psychologists are psychologists completing advanced training while working under the supervision of a clinical psychologist. They provide therapy while further developing their professional skills.

Therapeutic Youth Mentors and Family Support Officers

These practitioners focus on practical, strengths-based support for young people and families. This may include mentoring, skill building, emotional support, and helping young people develop confidence and wellbeing in everyday life.

You do not need a referral to book an appointment with A Mind of Your Own.

However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates for sessions with a Clinical or Registered Psychologist, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.

If you would like to see a specific psychologist, you can ask your GP to include their name on your Mental Health Treatment Plan referral.

If the referral is written more generally (for example, to the practice rather than a specific clinician), our admin team can still help match you with an appropriate practitioner based on your needs and availability.

Some practitioners offer Telehealth appointments via secure video platforms or phone calls.

Telehealth can be helpful for:

• clients living in regional areas

• people with busy schedules

• those who prefer to attend sessions from home

Not all services are suitable for Telehealth, so our team or your practitioner can advise what is possible.

Wait times can vary depending on practitioner availability and the type of service you are seeking.

Therapy appointments may become available sooner, while diagnostic assessments often have longer wait times due to limited availability.

If you contact our team, we can:

• Let you know current wait times for each practitioner.

• Book your appointments in advance or add you to a waitlist if needed.

• Book ad hoc or reduced frequency appointments where appropriate while you wait your preferred frequency.

• Recommend an alternative practitioner or supplementary service where appropriate.