Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Common questions about starting therapy, fees, how it works, and more. If your question isn’t here, reach out by phone or email.
Getting Started
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No. You can self-refer and book directly as a private patient. For Medicare rebates, you'll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, which makes sessions much more affordable. Your GP can create one in a quick appointment.
What’s a Mental Health Care Plan?
A document your GP creates that entitles you to up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year through Medicare. With a valid plan, your out-of-pocket cost drops from $240 to $90.95 per session.
Do I need to be ‘sick enough’ to see a psychologist?
No. Many people see a psychologist not because they’re in crisis, but because they want to understand themselves better, work through a challenge, or build skills. You don’t need to be ‘broken’ to deserve support.
Costs and Payment
How much does it cost?
The standard session fee is $240 for 50 minutes. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, your out-of-pocket cost is $90.95 (Medicare covers $149.05).
Can I claim through private health insurance?
Maybe. Check your policy to see if psychology is covered. If it is, let us know at your first appointment and we’ll provide an invoice for you to claim. Note: you can’t claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session.
What if I can’t afford therapy?
Fees are set with accessibility in mind. With a Mental Health Care Plan, you’re paying $90.95 per session. If that’s a stretch, reach out and we can discuss options.
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment is taken at the end of each session via card. If you’re juggling multiple sessions or facing financial hardship, call to discuss options.
How Sessions Work
How long is each session?
All sessions are 50 minutes, giving us time for a real conversation without rushing.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies. Some people see Karen for 6–10 sessions; others longer-term. It’s a conversation that happens together and gets revisited regularly.
Is everything I tell you confidential?
Yes, absolutely. Everything you share is confidential. There are a few exceptions (immediate risk of harm, child abuse or neglect, or a court order), but otherwise what you say in the room stays in the room.
What if I don’t click with Karen?
That’s fair. If you don’t feel connected after a couple of sessions, let us know and we can talk about finding someone else who might be a better match.
Telehealth and In-Person
Can I do telehealth sessions?
Yes. Mindwise offers telehealth Australia-wide. Research shows telehealth is as effective as in-person for anxiety, depression, trauma, and many other concerns.
Can I switch between in-person and telehealth?
Yes. Some people do both depending on what works that week. Just let us know when you book.
Mental Health Conditions
Do you work with anxiety?
Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common things seen at Mindwise, from generalised worry to panic to social anxiety. Karen uses evidence-based approaches like CBT and ACT.
What about depression?
Yes. We work with depression across all ages, addressing low mood, hopelessness, motivation, and patterns that keep depression stuck.
Do you work with trauma?
Yes. Karen uses trauma-informed approaches and offers EMDR, an evidence-based approach for working with trauma. Trauma work is gentle and paced. You’re always in control.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Karen is a clinical psychologist, not a psychiatrist or GP. Psychologists don’t prescribe medication. If medication seems indicated, that’s a conversation to have with your GP. Psychology works well alongside medication.
Working With Children and Teens
What ages do you work with?
Mindwise works with children ages 6–17 and their parents. For younger children, Karen uses play and creativity. For teens, sessions look more like adult therapy.
Do parents need to be in the session?
For younger children, we usually have at least some parent involvement. For teens, much of the session is one-on-one, though we’ll talk with parents regularly about what’s happening.
What if my child doesn’t want to be there?
This is normal, especially for older kids. We take it slowly and build connection. The goal is to help them feel safe and understood, not to force them to open up.
NDIS and Funding
Do you accept NDIS?
Yes. Mindwise accepts self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed NDIS participants.
How does NDIS invoicing work?
After each session, an itemised invoice is sent to you or your plan manager showing the line item, date, and cost ($240). Plan managers typically pay within 1–2 weeks.
Do you work with support coordinators?
Yes. Support coordinators are welcome to liaise about the plan, progress, and recommendations. Get in touch by phone or email, or see the NDIS page for how referrals work.
Availability
What are your hours?
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am – 3pm.
How soon can I get an appointment?
New clients are typically seen within 1–2 weeks of contact. Availability varies, so the sooner you call, the sooner a time can be found.
What if I need to cancel?
Call as soon as possible. Cancellations with more than 48 hours’ notice are free. Less than 48 hours: full session fee ($240) applies.
Crisis and Getting Help
What if I’m in crisis?
We don’t offer 24-hour crisis support. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000 or visit the nearest emergency department. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) offer 24/7 support.
What if I want to stop coming?
You can stop anytime. Karen is happy to talk through what comes next, whether that’s a plan to continue on your own, strategies to maintain progress, or anything else.
Ready to get started?
Book a session or get in touch to discuss what would help. Karen will get back to you within one business day.