FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Find quick answers about getting started with therapy, how sessions work, fees and rebates, and what to expect from assessments.
Preparing to enter therapy
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can help with challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or major life changes. It’s also useful for self-understanding and personal growth. If you’re unsure, contact us to discuss whether therapy fits your needs.
How do I book an appointment?
Call 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au.
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).
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.
How long do therapy sessions last, and how many will I need?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes. The number of sessions varies—some people benefit from brief work; others prefer ongoing support.
Can children or adolescents benefit from therapy?
Yes. Therapy can help with emotion regulation, anxiety, low mood, school stress, and family dynamics. Dr Nicholas Harris specializes in work with children and families; Jenna Wilson and Belinda Allen work with adolescents. We also provide assessments for children, adolescents and adults.
Can I bring a support person to my session?
Yes. Please let your psychologist know ahead of time so we can plan the session accordingly.
Are your psychologists experienced in working with neurodivergent individuals?
Yes. We use neurodiversity-affirming practices and regularly support individuals with ASD, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental profiles.
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..
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.
Can I change therapists if I don’t feel a connection?
Absolutely. A good fit is important. If needed, we’ll help you transition to another clinician within or outside our clinic.
Questions about therapy
What happens during therapy sessions?
Sessions follow your goals and may include exploring thoughts/feelings, learning coping strategies, and applying evidence-based techniques (e.g., CBT, ACT, mindfulness) to everyday challenges.
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).
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:
Our clinicians personalise their approach to meet the unique strengths, challenges, and goals of each client. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, trauma, or other challenges, our team will work collaboratively with you to create a plan for meaningful change.
Do you provide couples or family therapy?
We currently focus on individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults. We can discuss relationship concerns individually and recommend external providers for couples/family work if needed.
Questions about fees & 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:
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.
While we strive to keep our fees as accessible as possible, bulk billing would not allow us to sustain the high level of care and service we aim to provide. However, we do offer rebates through Medicare, private health funds, and NDIS, which help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Can I use my private health insurance to pay for sessions?
Many private health funds rebate psychology. Coverage varies by insurer/policy—please check with your provider. (We do not process HICAPS on site; claims are made directly with your fund.)
Can I claim a Medicare rebate for my psychology sessions?
With a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP/psychiatrist/paediatrician, Medicare rebates may apply (up to 10 sessions per calendar year).
- $98.95 per session with registered psychologists (e.g., Belinda Allen, Jenna Wilson).
- $145.25 per session with our clinical psychologist (Dr Nicholas Harris).
Rebate amounts are set by Medicare and may change. Your out-of-pocket is the gap between the session fee and rebate.
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 with ≥ 2 business days’ notice.
- 50% fee with < 2 but ≥ 1 business day’s notice.
- 100% fee with < 1 business day’s notice or non-attendance.
Medicare/private health rebates don’t apply to missed appointments. To change a booking, call 0438 246 423 or email admin@choicepointpsychology.au.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Reading difficulties (decoding, fluency, comprehension)
- Writing difficulties (spelling, grammar, organisation)
- Mathematics difficulties (calculation, number concepts, problem-solving)
What types of tests are included in a cognitive assessment?
Assessments may involve problem-solving tasks, memory tests, attention exercises, language comprehension tasks, and standardised 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 an assessment when there are persistent learning/work difficulties, concerns raised by teachers/caregivers, or a desire to map strengths and weaknesses to guide supports.
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.
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
What happens if my assessment does not confirm ADHD?
We’ll discuss alternative explanations (e.g., anxiety, learning differences) and provide recommendations tailored to the findings.
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
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.
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.
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).
What does a paediatrician do after diagnosing ADHD?
- Discuss treatment options (medication and non-medication approaches)
- Prescribe and monitor medications, adjusting as needed
- Coordinate care with psychologists, OTs, and schools
- Provide strategies and resources for home and school
What is involved in an autism/ASD assessment?
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Our comprehensive neuroaffirming autism/ASD assessments are tailored to understand each individual's unique needs. The process includes:
- Initial interview and developmental history
- Screeners and standardised questionnaires
- Executive-function and adaptive-functioning assessments
- Neuroaffirming tools (e.g., MIGDAS-2)
- Comprehensive report and feedback session
Why are autism/ASD assessments so expensive?
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The cost of an autism/ASD assessment reflects the depth and quality of the process. Key factors include:
- Licensing costs for proprietary tests
- Highly trained clinicians
- Comprehensive, multi-method evaluation and analysis
- Personalised, detailed reporting and recommendations
How long does the process take?
The assessment process typically spans several weeks, including the initial interview, and testing sessions. Given the breadth and depth of information gathered, our clinical psychologist, Dr Nicholas Harris, can usually complete an assessment report in approximately 6 weeks, giving him time to reflect and ask for any required follow-up information. This ensures a thorough evaluation and provides ample time to analyse results and develop tailored recommendations.
What happens after the assessment?
- After the assessment is complete, you will receive:
- Feedback session to review results and answer questions
- Written report with findings and tailored strategies
- Recommendations for therapy, school accommodations, or community supports
Is the assessment neuroaffirming? What does that mean?
Yes. At Choice Point Psychology, we use neuroaffirming approaches like the MIGDAS-2 to celebrate and affirm neurodivergent traits while identifying strategies to support well-being and success. Neuroaffirming means recognising and respecting neurodivergent traits as valuable aspects of an individual’s identity. Our assessments focus on understanding strengths and challenges rather than pathologising neurodivergence. The goal is to support individuals in a way that aligns with their authentic selves while addressing specific needs.
What are early signs of autism/ASD in children?
Early signs of autism/ASD can include delays in speech and language development, limited eye contact, lack of interest in peer interactions, repetitive behaviours, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli. These signs often appear between 12 to 24 months of age. If you notice these behaviours, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Can adults be diagnosed with autism/ASD? Why seek a formal diagnosis?
Yes, adults can be diagnosed with autism/ASD. While many individuals receive diagnoses in childhood, some may not be identified until adulthood. Adult diagnosis involves reviewing developmental history, observing current behaviours, and conducting psychological assessments. A formal diagnosis can provide clarity and access to appropriate support services.
A formal diagnosis can help individuals and families understand behaviours and challenges, access tailored support and interventions, and connect with community resources. It also aids in setting appropriate educational and occupational goals.
Who conducts assessments at Choice Point Psychology?
At Choice Point Psychology, all autism/ASD assessments are conducted by Dr. Nicholas Harris, a clinical psychologist. Dr. Harris' training ensures a thorough and holistic evaluation of strengths, challenges, and needs.
How do I get started?
Contact us directly via phone call, email or use the contact form on the website. We’ll guide you through next steps and scheduling.
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Jenna Wilson, Dr Nicholas Harris and Belinda Allen
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