FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Preparing to enter therapy
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be beneficial if you’re experiencing challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or navigating significant life changes. It’s also helpful if you want to better understand yourself or enhance personal growth. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us for a chat to see if therapy aligns with your needs.
Therapy can be beneficial if you’re experiencing challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or navigating significant life changes. It’s also helpful if you want to better understand yourself or enhance personal growth. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us for a chat to see if therapy aligns with your needs.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by calling 0438 246 423 or emailing us at admin@choicepointpsychology.au. You can also book an appointment through our website if available.
You can book an appointment by calling 0438 246 423 or emailing us at admin@choicepointpsychology.au. You can also book an appointment through our website if available.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You might be wondering whether you need a referral for therapy. A referral isn't necessary for private appointments, but may be required for specific programs (e.g., MHCP, WorkCover, NDIS). Without a referral, you are not eligible for a rebate through Medicare (or other referral sources, such as Work Cover).
You might be wondering whether you need a referral for therapy. A referral isn't necessary for private appointments, but may be required for specific programs (e.g., MHCP, WorkCover, NDIS). Without a referral, you are not eligible for a rebate through Medicare (or other referral sources, such as Work Cover).
What should I expect during my first session?
In your first session, your psychologist will take the time to understand your concerns, goals, and any relevant history. It is an opportunity for you and the therapist to get to know each other and for the therapist to gain an understanding of your needs. This initial conversation helps create a comfortable space and allows us to tailor the therapy process to your needs. It’s a collaborative and non-judgmental experience.
In your first therapy session, we will start by discussing your background, goals for therapy, and any current challenges you're facing. This session is an opportunity for you to share what brought you in and for us to assess the best approach to support you. We may also go over some administrative details, such as consent forms and privacy policies.
In your first session, your psychologist will take the time to understand your concerns, goals, and any relevant history. It is an opportunity for you and the therapist to get to know each other and for the therapist to gain an understanding of your needs. This initial conversation helps create a comfortable space and allows us to tailor the therapy process to your needs. It’s a collaborative and non-judgmental experience.
In your first therapy session, we will start by discussing your background, goals for therapy, and any current challenges you're facing. This session is an opportunity for you to share what brought you in and for us to assess the best approach to support you. We may also go over some administrative details, such as consent forms and privacy policies.
How long do therapy sessions last, and how many will I need?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes. The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients see improvements after a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing support over time.
Sessions typically last 50 minutes. The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients see improvements after a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing support over time.
Can children or adolescents benefit from therapy?
Yes, therapy can be very beneficial for children and adolescents. It provides them with a safe space to express themselves, manage emotions, and learn coping strategies for issues such as anxiety, depression, school-related stress, and family dynamics. Dr. Nicholas Harris specializes in working with children and their families, while Jenna Wilson and Belinda Allen work with adolescents. Our team uses age-appropriate techniques and encourages parental involvement as needed. We also provide assessments for children, adolescents, and families. Choice Point Psychology will tailor therapy to meet each client’s developmental stage and needs.
Yes, therapy can be very beneficial for children and adolescents. It provides them with a safe space to express themselves, manage emotions, and learn coping strategies for issues such as anxiety, depression, school-related stress, and family dynamics. Dr. Nicholas Harris specializes in working with children and their families, while Jenna Wilson and Belinda Allen work with adolescents. Our team uses age-appropriate techniques and encourages parental involvement as needed. We also provide assessments for children, adolescents, and families. Choice Point Psychology will tailor therapy to meet each client’s developmental stage and needs.
Can I bring a support person to my session?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person to your session if it helps you feel more comfortable. Please let your psychologist know in advance so they can prepare for their presence during the session.
Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person to your session if it helps you feel more comfortable. Please let your psychologist know in advance so they can prepare for their presence during the session.
Are your psychologists experienced in working with neurodivergent individuals?
Yes, we offer neurodiversity-affirming practices, supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Yes, we offer neurodiversity-affirming practices, supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Can I do therapy while on medication?
Yes, therapy can be highly effective when combined with medication, especially for conditions like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Therapy focuses on addressing underlying issues and helping you develop coping strategies, while medication can manage symptoms. We work collaboratively with your prescribing doctor or psychiatrist to ensure an integrated approach to your mental health care.
Yes, therapy can be highly effective when combined with medication, especially for conditions like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Therapy focuses on addressing underlying issues and helping you develop coping strategies, while medication can manage symptoms. We work collaboratively with your prescribing doctor or psychiatrist to ensure an integrated approach to your mental health care.
Will my therapy records be confidential?
Yes, all therapy records are kept strictly confidential. What you discuss in your sessions remains private unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. We are required by law to break confidentiality if there is an immediate danger or a legal obligation to report certain issues, such as child abuse. Your therapist will explain the limits of confidentiality during your first session. Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance to us.
Yes, all therapy records are kept strictly confidential. What you discuss in your sessions remains private unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. We are required by law to break confidentiality if there is an immediate danger or a legal obligation to report certain issues, such as child abuse. Your therapist will explain the limits of confidentiality during your first session. Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance to us.
Can I change therapists if I don’t feel a connection?
Absolutely. We understand the importance of finding the right fit. If you feel that your therapist isn’t the best match, we’ll help you transition to another psychologist either within our clinic or elsewhere to ensure you get the support you need.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist to make progress in your sessions. If at any point you feel that the relationship isn’t working for you, please discuss it openly with your therapist. We are committed to ensuring that you feel supported and can also assist with finding another therapist if needed.
Absolutely. We understand the importance of finding the right fit. If you feel that your therapist isn’t the best match, we’ll help you transition to another psychologist either within our clinic or elsewhere to ensure you get the support you need.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist to make progress in your sessions. If at any point you feel that the relationship isn’t working for you, please discuss it openly with your therapist. We are committed to ensuring that you feel supported and can also assist with finding another therapist if needed.
Questions about therapy
What happens during therapy sessions?
Therapy sessions are guided by your goals and can include exploring thoughts and emotions, learning coping strategies, and addressing challenges. Techniques may involve talking, structured exercises, mindfulness practices, or evidence-based therapeutic methods, depending on your needs.
Therapy sessions are guided by your goals and can include exploring thoughts and emotions, learning coping strategies, and addressing challenges. Techniques may involve talking, structured exercises, mindfulness practices, or evidence-based therapeutic methods, depending on your needs.
Can I have sessions via telehealth?
Yes, we offer telehealth sessions for individuals who prefer or require remote access to psychological support. Telehealth allows you to connect with your psychologist via phone or secure video call (typically through Zoom) from the comfort of your home or another private location.
Our telehealth services are available for therapy and some assessments, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for clients unable to attend in-person appointments due to distance, health concerns, or other commitments.
Medicare rebates may also apply to telehealth sessions if you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
If you’re interested in telehealth or want to learn more, please contact us at 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au. We’re happy to discuss how telehealth can work for you.
Yes, we offer telehealth sessions for individuals who prefer or require remote access to psychological support. Telehealth allows you to connect with your psychologist via phone or secure video call (typically through Zoom) from the comfort of your home or another private location.
Our telehealth services are available for therapy and some assessments, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for clients unable to attend in-person appointments due to distance, health concerns, or other commitments.
Medicare rebates may also apply to telehealth sessions if you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
If you’re interested in telehealth or want to learn more, please contact us at 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au. We’re happy to discuss how telehealth can work for you.
What types of therapy are offered?
At Choice Point Psychology, we provide evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs. Our team uses a range of therapeutic approaches to support individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults. These therapies include:
If you’re unsure which type of therapy might be best suited for you, contact us at 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au, and we’ll be happy to help guide you.
At Choice Point Psychology, we provide evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs. Our team uses a range of therapeutic approaches to support individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults. These therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured approach focusing on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to values-based actions.
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal skills.
- Schema Therapy: Explores deep-seated patterns that may contribute to recurring challenges and helps build healthier behaviours.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Promotes awareness and acceptance of the present moment to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Brief Solution-Focused Therapy: A short-term approach emphasizing solutions and achieving specific goals.
If you’re unsure which type of therapy might be best suited for you, contact us at 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au, and we’ll be happy to help guide you.
Do you provide couples or family therapy?
Currently, our clinic specializes in individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. We do not offer couples or family therapy at this time. However, we can provide support for relationship concerns and family dynamics through individual sessions and recommend other services if couples or family therapy is required.
Currently, our clinic specializes in individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. We do not offer couples or family therapy at this time. However, we can provide support for relationship concerns and family dynamics through individual sessions and recommend other services if couples or family therapy is required.
Questions about fees and rebates
Do you bulk bill?
At Choice Point Psychology, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalised care to our clients. Unfortunately, the Medicare rebates provided under the Mental Health Care Plan and other programs often do not cover the full cost of delivering therapy sessions.
Psychological services involve:
For more information on rebates or financial assistance, feel free to contact our clinic. We are happy to discuss options to make therapy affordable and accessible for you.
At Choice Point Psychology, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalised care to our clients. Unfortunately, the Medicare rebates provided under the Mental Health Care Plan and other programs often do not cover the full cost of delivering therapy sessions.
Psychological services involve:
- Highly qualified professionals: Our psychologists have undergone years of training and bring specialised expertise to support diverse mental health needs.
- Tailored and evidence-based interventions: We invest time and resources into designing individualised treatment plans, including research, professional development, and resources to ensure best practices.
- Operational costs: Running a private practice involves significant expenses, including professional registration, supervision, continuing education, insurance, and maintaining a comfortable and private clinical environment.
For more information on rebates or financial assistance, feel free to contact our clinic. We are happy to discuss options to make therapy affordable and accessible for you.
Can I use my private health insurance to pay for sessions?
Yes, we accept private health insurance for our therapy sessions. Many private health funds provide rebates for psychological services. The amount reimbursed depends on your insurer and level of coverage. We recommend contacting your provider to confirm your benefits and coverage.
Yes, we accept private health insurance for our therapy sessions. Many private health funds provide rebates for psychological services. The amount reimbursed depends on your insurer and level of coverage. We recommend contacting your provider to confirm your benefits and coverage.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate for my psychology sessions?
Yes, therapy at Choice Point Psychology can involve a Medicare rebate, depending on your eligibility and coverage.
Yes, therapy at Choice Point Psychology can involve a Medicare rebate, depending on your eligibility and coverage.
- Medicare Rebates:
If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or pediatrician, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of:- $96.65 per session with our registered psychologists, Belinda Allen and Jenna Wilson.
- $141.85 per session with our clinical psychologist, Dr. Nicholas Harris.
Medicare rebates cover up to 10 sessions per calendar year under this plan.
- Other Coverage Options:
We also accept referrals through:- WorkCover
- NDIS (self-managed or plan-managed)
- Open Arms/DVA
What if I cancel or need to reschedule my appointment?
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If this happens, please notify us as soon as possible.
No Fee: If you cancel or reschedule with at least 2 business days' notice, there is no charge.
50% Fee: If you provide less than 2 business days' notice, a 50% cancellation fee applies.
100% Fee: If you cancel within 1 business day or fail to attend your appointment, the full fee will be charged.
This policy ensures we can offer your appointment time to someone else in need. To cancel or reschedule, please contact us at 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If this happens, please notify us as soon as possible.
No Fee: If you cancel or reschedule with at least 2 business days' notice, there is no charge.
50% Fee: If you provide less than 2 business days' notice, a 50% cancellation fee applies.
100% Fee: If you cancel within 1 business day or fail to attend your appointment, the full fee will be charged.
This policy ensures we can offer your appointment time to someone else in need. To cancel or reschedule, please contact us at 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Questions about assessments
How do I prepare for my assessment?
To prepare for your assessment, bring any relevant medical or educational reports (e.g., NAPLAN, school reports, previous assessments) and think about specific challenges you or your child are experiencing. Being open about your concerns will help us tailor the assessment process to your needs.
To prepare for your assessment, bring any relevant medical or educational reports (e.g., NAPLAN, school reports, previous assessments) and think about specific challenges you or your child are experiencing. Being open about your concerns will help us tailor the assessment process to your needs.
Will I receive a report after the assessment?
Yes, a detailed report summarising the findings will be provided. It typically includes a summary of strengths and challenges, diagnostic information (if applicable), and recommendations for intervention or support
Yes, a detailed report summarising the findings will be provided. It typically includes a summary of strengths and challenges, diagnostic information (if applicable), and recommendations for intervention or support
What is the purpose of a cognitive assessment?
Cognitive assessments evaluate intellectual and cognitive abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, attention, language skills, and processing speed. These tests are often used to identify strengths and areas of difficulty that impact learning, daily functioning, and overall cognitive development.
Cognitive assessments evaluate intellectual and cognitive abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, attention, language skills, and processing speed. These tests are often used to identify strengths and areas of difficulty that impact learning, daily functioning, and overall cognitive development.
Can cognitive assessments diagnose Intellectual Disability?
Yes, cognitive assessments are essential for diagnosing Intellectual Disability (ID). To meet diagnostic criteria, a person must have significantly below-average intellectual functioning and difficulty with adaptive functioning, such as communication, self-care, or social skills.
Yes, cognitive assessments are essential for diagnosing Intellectual Disability (ID). To meet diagnostic criteria, a person must have significantly below-average intellectual functioning and difficulty with adaptive functioning, such as communication, self-care, or social skills.
What is a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), and how is it diagnosed?
SLD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects specific academic skills. Cognitive assessments can diagnose SLD by identifying difficulties in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia). Diagnosis involves comparing an individual's intellectual ability with their performance in these specific areas.
Cognitive assessments can help identify:
SLD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects specific academic skills. Cognitive assessments can diagnose SLD by identifying difficulties in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia). Diagnosis involves comparing an individual's intellectual ability with their performance in these specific areas.
Cognitive assessments can help identify:
- Reading difficulties (e.g., decoding words, reading fluency, or comprehension challenges).
- Writing difficulties (e.g., spelling errors, grammatical challenges, or trouble organizing written work).
- Math difficulties (e.g., trouble with calculations, understanding numerical concepts, or solving problems).
What types of tests are included in a cognitive assessment?
Assessments may involve problem-solving tasks, memory tests, attention exercises, language comprehension tasks, and standardized questionnaires. Some tests might be computer-based, while others involve writing or drawing tasks
Assessments may involve problem-solving tasks, memory tests, attention exercises, language comprehension tasks, and standardized questionnaires. Some tests might be computer-based, while others involve writing or drawing tasks
How do I know if I or my child needs a cognitive assessment?
Consider a cognitive assessment if you or your child experiences:
Consider a cognitive assessment if you or your child experiences:
- Persistent difficulties in academic or work performance.
- Concerns from teachers or caregivers about learning, attention, or social functioning.
- A desire to understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses for personal or professional development.
How should I prepare for a cognitive assessment?
Arrive well-rested, eat beforehand, and bring necessary items such as glasses, hearing aids, or completed questionnaires. It’s important to take regular medications unless otherwise instructed
Arrive well-rested, eat beforehand, and bring necessary items such as glasses, hearing aids, or completed questionnaires. It’s important to take regular medications unless otherwise instructed
What is involved in an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment typically involves a detailed clinical interview, standardised questionnaires, and behavioural observations. It examines symptoms and their impact on daily life across multiple settings, such as home and work
An ADHD assessment typically involves a detailed clinical interview, standardised questionnaires, and behavioural observations. It examines symptoms and their impact on daily life across multiple settings, such as home and work
Can I be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?
Yes, ADHD can be diagnosed in adults. It requires evidence of persistent symptoms since childhood, although the manifestation may have evolved over time. Many adults find assessment beneficial for understanding symptoms and managing challenges
Yes, ADHD can be diagnosed in adults. It requires evidence of persistent symptoms since childhood, although the manifestation may have evolved over time. Many adults find assessment beneficial for understanding symptoms and managing challenges
What happens if my assessment does not confirm ADHD?
If the criteria for ADHD are not met, the assessment might highlight other contributing factors, such as anxiety or learning difficulties
If the criteria for ADHD are not met, the assessment might highlight other contributing factors, such as anxiety or learning difficulties
What information should I bring to the ADHD assessment?
Bring relevant records, such as school reports, performance reviews, or any prior psychological assessments. Input from family members or colleagues can also provide valuable insight
Bring relevant records, such as school reports, performance reviews, or any prior psychological assessments. Input from family members or colleagues can also provide valuable insight
Do I need a psychiatrist if I want ADHD medication?
For adult clients, if your primary goal is to access medication, we recommend seeing a psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD. For children, we recommend seeing a paediatrician who specialises in ADHD.
For adult clients, if your primary goal is to access medication, we recommend seeing a psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD. For children, we recommend seeing a paediatrician who specialises in ADHD.
Will a psychologist’s diagnosis of ADHD guarantee access to medication?
No, a psychologist’s diagnosis does not guarantee access to medication. If medication is part of your treatment plan, a psychiatrist or paediatrician will need to review the psychologist’s report and conduct their own assessment before prescribing.
No, a psychologist’s diagnosis does not guarantee access to medication. If medication is part of your treatment plan, a psychiatrist or paediatrician will need to review the psychologist’s report and conduct their own assessment before prescribing.
Can a paediatrician prescribe ADHD medication?
Yes, paediatricians can prescribe medication to manage ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. They are often the first point of contact for ADHD-related concerns and can provide initial prescriptions, especially for stimulant medications like methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta) or amphetamines (e.g., Vyvanse).
Yes, paediatricians can prescribe medication to manage ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. They are often the first point of contact for ADHD-related concerns and can provide initial prescriptions, especially for stimulant medications like methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta) or amphetamines (e.g., Vyvanse).
What does a paediatrician do after diagnosing ADHD?
Following an ADHD diagnosis, a paediatrician can:
Following an ADHD diagnosis, a paediatrician can:
- Discuss Treatment Options: Explain the benefits and potential side effects of medications and non-medication approaches, such as behavioural therapy or parent training.
- Prescribe and Monitor Medications: Prescribe ADHD medications and monitor their effectiveness and side effects during follow-up visits. They may adjust dosages as needed to optimise treatment.
- Coordinate Care: Work with other professionals, such as psychologists, occupational therapists, or school counsellors, to provide comprehensive care.
- Provide Resources: Offer guidance on managing ADHD at home and school, including strategies for improving focus and reducing hyperactive or impulsive behaviours.
Home: Go to Choice Point Psychology's Home page
Meet our team: Jenna Wilson, Dr Nicholas Harris and Belinda Allen
Services: Read about our general services, or our therapy services, assessment services, or telehealth services
Fees: Learn more about our fees, referral types/sources, rebates, and cancellation policy
Contact us: Via email, phone, fax, or inquiry form
Location: Find out where we are, including pictures to help guide you to our front door
Meet our team: Jenna Wilson, Dr Nicholas Harris and Belinda Allen
Services: Read about our general services, or our therapy services, assessment services, or telehealth services
Fees: Learn more about our fees, referral types/sources, rebates, and cancellation policy
Contact us: Via email, phone, fax, or inquiry form
Location: Find out where we are, including pictures to help guide you to our front door