Help Center: Answers to
Common Questions

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.

Standard therapy sessions with a psychologist are 50 minutes. Support officer or youth mentor sessions in clinic, via telehealth, or home visits may vary from 60 to 90minutes. Assessment sessions may vary, see our Assessments page for further information.

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.

Psychology sessions are confidential, which means the information you share is kept private. There are some legal exceptions to confidentiality, such as when: • there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else • information is required by law • you provide consent for information to be shared Your psychologist will explain confidentiality and answer any questions during your first session. All personal information gathered during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure.

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.

At A Mind of Your Own, we use a neuroaffirming approach, which recognises that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable part of human variation. Rather than focusing on “fixing” differences, our approach aims to: • understand how your brain works • support your strengths • develop strategies that work for you • build self-understanding and confidence Our goal is to help people live in ways that feel sustainable, authentic, and aligned with their values.

The length of therapy varies depending on each person’s goals and needs. Some people attend for a small number of sessions to focus on a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your practitioner will regularly review progress with you and adjust the plan as needed.

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.

Yes. Practitioners can sometimes provide supporting letters or complete forms for schools, workplaces, or services such as the NDIS. Reports may be used to: • apply for school supports • request university adjustments • access workplace accommodations • support NDIS applications or reviews Your clinician can discuss what type of documentation may be most helpful for your situation. However, documentation usually requires: • adequate clinical knowledge of your situation • time to review information and prepare the document In some cases, an assessment or several therapy sessions may be needed before a practitioner can provide documentation. Additional fees will apply for completing forms, writing letters, or preparing reports outside of standard appointments. Your practitioner or our admin team can discuss this with you if needed.

For younger children, parents or caregivers are often involved in the therapy process. Depending on the child’s age and goals, this may include: • joint sessions with the parent and child • parent-only sessions to discuss strategies • a mix of individual and family sessions Your practitioner will discuss the most helpful approach based on your child’s needs. We recommend the first appointment is a parent/guardian session.

You are welcome to request a specific practitioner if you have a preference. Our team will also help match you with a practitioner based on: • the concerns you would like support with • your preferred appointment times and practitioner availability • the practitioners experience and approach

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.

Our practitioners work with children, adolescents, and adults. Some practitioners specialise in particular age groups or areas of practice. When you contact us, we can help connect you with a practitioner who is the best fit for your needs.

Yes. You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment if it helps you feel more comfortable. For assessments, a support person may sometimes provide helpful background information, particularly during developmental history interviews.

Feeling nervous before your first appointment is very common. Your practitioner understands that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and the first session is simply a conversation to understand your experiences and goals. You are always welcome to go at your own pace and ask questions about the process.

If you are running late, please let us know as soon as possible by texting us on 0402 436 869. Your practitioner will do their best to see you when you arrive; however, your session may need to be shortened so the next appointment can start on time. The full appointment fee will still apply.

A Mind of Your Own is NOT a crisis service. If you are an existing client and need support sooner than your next appointment, please contact our admin team and we can check for earlier availability. If you need urgent mental health support, it is important to contact an appropriate crisis service or attend your nearest emergency department. Please reach out to your GP, social worker, and/or these emergency services if you need immediate support: ​ • Police, Fire, Ambulance (Emergency) - ph 000 • Lifeline - ph 13 11 14, txt 0477 13 11 14 • Suicide Call Back Service (18y+) - ph 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackserviceorg.au(http://www.suicidecallbackserviceorg.au) • Mental Health Triage - ph 13 14 65 • Beyond Blue - ph 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au(http://www.beyondblue.org.au) • Kids Helpline (5-25y and their parents/carers) - ph 1800 55 1800 • Domestic Violence Gateway Service - ph 1800 800 09 • DV Connect - ph 1800 811 811 • Child Abuse Report Line - ph 13 14 78 • 1800 Respect - ph 1800 737 732 or www.1800respect.org.au(http://www.1800respect.org.au)