Appointments

If you have never attended therapy or counselling, you might not be sure what to expect. That’s okay. Below are some common questions you might find helpful. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us.

FAQs

General

  • The length of therapy required will depend on your symptoms and the issues you are treating.

    Typically, the initial two sessions are dedicated to clinical assessment. This helps us collaborate and create a treatment plan together, as well as gauge the expected length of therapy.

  • Yes, I have been practicing online therapy for several years and many clients find this a convenient and highly beneficial way to access therapy. Below are some suggestions for getting the most out of it.

    1. Give yourself time to get ready for your online appointment, just like you would for an in-person session. Think about what you want to talk about and what you would like to gain.

    2. Choose a place for your session that is private, quiet, and comfortable. It would be helpful if you could set up your equipment (laptop, phone, or tablet) with good lighting and positioning so that I can see you. You can also use earphones to reduce background noise as it is important that we can hear each other.

    3. Don’t forget to close unnecessary apps and turn off notifications on your devices to minimise distractions too. Ensure you have everything you need to hand, such as your journal, a pen and paper, tissues, and a glass of water.

  • Everything we talk about in your session is confidential. However, there are exceptional situations where your confidentiality may not be protected. I will always endeavour to ask your permission before we discuss anything with anyone outside of our sessions, unless I believe there is a risk to your safety or someone else’s, or in the case of a legal subpoena of my clinical notes. This is explained in more detail in the consent form.

    Before your session, you can review the consent form. The form includes information on confidentiality, communication, and cancellation fees. We follow the Australian Psychological Society Charter for Clients.

  • There are a few things that may help you get the most out of your sessions. It’s important to choose a psychologist that you feel comfortable working with, and who you feel is able to understand your goals for therapy. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important components of therapy (even more important than which model or type of therapy is used). However, it is normal for it to take several sessions to develop trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship.

    It’s important to think about what you hope to gain from therapy and what you’re willing to work on to make it helpful. This might include reading recommended materials, keeping a journal, practicing skills, and reflecting on your sessions. Remember that therapy sessions only last 50 minutes, so it’s important to also practice and reflect on this work between sessions.

  • You are welcome to bring your baby with you to your sessions. However, it can be helpful to take this time just for you. Children may listen to things that you may not want them to hear, so it’s important to consider this as well.

  • Elissa does not provide neuropsychological assessments, assessments for Autism or ADHD and does not provide court reports.

Fees & Rebates

  • A valid credit card should be provided prior to the first appointment, which is held as part of your client record. This credit card will be used to pay following your sessions as well as cancellation fees if applicable (as per our Cancellation Policy, if for some reason you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please give at least 48 business hours notice. Otherwise, you will be charged the cost for the session.)

  • Elissa Fisher Psychology is dedicated to providing excellent care, which includes developing individualised plans and preparing for each session. Cancellation fees are charged as a time slot has been set aside for you, and cannot be filled at short notice. Late cancellations or rescheduling requires a minimum of 48 hours notice.

    In accordance with Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) recommendations, the full fee will be charged for any missed, cancelled or rescheduled appointments within 48 hours. In order to avoid this fee, please provide us as much notice as possible, if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Medicare does not provide rebates for cancelled sessions.

    To ensure you are able to cancel or reschedule in a timely manner, please do this via:

  • You can see a psychologist or engage in therapy without a referral. However, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for psychology sessions, you will need a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, or a referral letter from a psychiatrist.

  • In order to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), you will need to schedule a longer appointment with your GP. During the appointment, let your GP know that you would like to discuss your mental health concerns and request a MHTP. Your GP will ask you questions about your thoughts and emotions and may ask you to complete a questionnaire. It is important to be open and honest with your GP. If your GP determines that you qualify, they will create a MHTP and establish mental health goals with you.

    After your GP completes your MHTP, they will provide a referral letter and the plan, which you must provide to us before your first appointment to receive a Medicare rebate. You can be entitled to a maximum of 10 Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year. Your first referral and MHTP will cover a maximum of six sessions. Following this, you will need to revisit your GP. If you and your GP agree that you require additional therapy, your plan may be extended for more sessions, and they will issue a new referral letter. Once again, you must provide us with this paperwork before your next appointment to receive your Medicare rebates.

  • Yes you can. If you have health insurance that covers psychology/counselling as extras cover, you may be eligible for a rebate.

    It is recommended that you contact your insurance provider prior to your appointment to determine what your individual coverage is.

    Please note: You cannot claim a Medicare rebate and private health rebate simultaneously.

  • Elissa sees NDIS clients who are self-managed or NDIA managed in most circumstances where individual plan allows.

    Elissa does not see NDIS clients who are on agency managed plans.

  • Yes there are. These services incur a fee due to being time consuming and extensive in nature. Please allow 5+ business days for any requests for documentation. Please discuss any requests with Elissa.

"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."

— Brené Brown