Frequently Asked
Questions
Find clear answers about booking appointments, psychology fees, Medicare rebates, the therapy process, confidentiality, NDIS support, telehealth, accessibility, and choosing the right psychologist in Melbourne.
Before your first appointment
Information for new and returning clients, including cancellations, after-hours appointments and the online portal.
What information do I need to book my first appointment?
Our team will ask for your name, address, contact details, Medicare card details, whether you have received counselling or therapy before, and what you would like support with.
After your appointment is booked, we will email you a short online survey. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, although more information can help your psychologist prepare for your first session.
Our team will use this information to help match you with a psychologist who suits your needs. You can also request a particular psychologist.
Why do you recommend booking my first three sessions in advance?
The first three sessions give your psychologist time to understand your background, concerns and goals. Booking them in advance can help create a clear starting plan and reduce the chance of a long wait between early sessions.
How do I book an appointment?
New clients can call our reception team on (03) 8330 5588, Monday to Friday. Our team will guide you through the new-client process.
Returning clients can use the client booking portal to view availability and manage appointments, or call our reception team for assistance.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Weekday appointments: We require at least two business days’ notice. If this notice is not provided, 50% of the full fee may be charged. No fee will apply if the appointment is filled by another client.
Saturday appointments: We require three business days’ notice. If this notice is not provided and the appointment cannot be filled, a 100% cancellation fee may apply.
Do you offer after-hours appointments?
Yes. After-hours options include:
- before 8:30 am, and
- from 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.
- All Saturday appointments
An additional $15 fee applies to after-hours appointments.
How does the online client portal work?
The online client portal allows existing clients to book, view and manage appointments. It is not available before your first appointment because our team needs to collect some important information first.
After your first session, ask your psychologist or admin team for your portal login details.
Fees, Medicare and referrals
Clear information about appointment costs, Mental Health Care Plans and private health insurance.
What are the fees?
Our fees vary depending on the psychologist's experience, background and area of endorsement.
| Psychologist | Fee (In-hours) | Medicare Rebate | Gap Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $225 | $101.55 | $123.45 |
| Senior | $235 | $101.55 | $133.45 |
| Principal | $245 | $101.55 | $143.45 |
An additional $15 fee applies to appointments before 8:30 am, from 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, and all Saturday appointments.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No. You can book a psychologist without a referral.
A referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist may allow you to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 eligible sessions in a calendar year.
What are the rebates under Medicare?
With a valid Mental Health Care Plan, the Medicare rebate is $101.55 for sessions with a General Psychologist as of July 2026.
Your GP may need to complete a review during the plan. Please confirm your current eligibility and rebate amount with Medicare or our admin team.
Am I covered by private health insurance?
Some private health policies include psychological services under extras cover. Policies, rebates and limits vary, so check with your insurer before booking.
Let our team know that you plan to claim through private health insurance and we can provide an invoice.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychologist is trained in human behaviour, psychological assessment and evidence-based therapy. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, consider physical health factors and prescribe medication.
Psychologists often work alongside GPs and psychiatrists as part of a person’s broader care.
What to expect from therapy
Answers about first sessions, session length, frequency and finding the right psychologist.
What should I expect from seeing a psychologist?
The first one to three sessions are usually part of the intake and assessment process. Your psychologist will ask about your current situation, background and goals.
Once they understand the broader picture, they will discuss a treatment plan with you and suggest what therapy could look like. The plan is tailored to your needs and can change if your priorities change.
How long does a session go for?
A standard appointment usually includes around 50 minutes of discussion and 10 minutes for your psychologist to complete notes and paperwork.
How many sessions with a psychologist will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your situation and goals. Shorter periods of therapy may involve around 6 to 12 sessions for a specific concern.
Other people may continue therapy over a longer period to maintain wellbeing, work towards longer-term goals or reduce the risk of relapse.
How often will I need to see a psychologist?
Weekly or fortnightly sessions are often recommended during the early stages of therapy. This can help your psychologist understand your needs and build momentum.
As you become more confident using the strategies discussed in therapy, appointments may be spaced further apart, such as monthly.
How do I make the most out of therapy?
You may find it helpful to write short notes about situations, reflections, questions or topics you would like to discuss. Practising skills between sessions can also help.
Your psychologist will work with you to find an approach that feels manageable and useful.
What if I do not like my psychologist?
The relationship between you and your psychologist matters. It is okay if the first psychologist you meet does not feel like the right fit.
You can speak with your psychologist or our admin team about your concerns. We can help recommend another psychologist who may be better suited to your needs.
Your privacy and information
Understand how your information is protected and the limited situations where it may need to be shared.
Is everything I say in therapy confidential?
Information shared with your psychologist is confidential. However, there are limited situations where information may need to be disclosed for legal or ethical reasons, including:
- There is a serious concern about your safety or another person’s safety.
- Your records are legally required by a court subpoena.
- Communication with your GP is required as part of a Mental Health Care Plan.
- Your psychologist seeks professional supervision or advice. Identifying information is generally not shared unless consent has been obtained.
Where possible, your psychologist will discuss this with you before sharing information.
Can I see the same psychologist as my family member, friend or partner?
Usually, it is better for people in a close relationship to see different psychologists. This helps the psychologist remain impartial and avoids conflicts of interest.
If a connection is discovered, your psychologist will discuss the options with you. Couples counselling is different because the psychologist works with both partners together.
NDIS psychology support
Information for clients with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding.
Can I use NDIS funding for psychology appointments?
Our psychologists can provide services for clients whose NDIS plans are self-managed or managed by a plan manager.
The practice is not directly registered with the NDIA and cannot provide services under plans managed directly by the NDIA.
What are the NDIS psychology fees?
From July 2026, the NDIS fee for psychology is $252.99 per session. There are no gap fees.
What do I need before booking an NDIS appointment?
- Confirm whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed.
- Check that sufficient funds are available for consistent appointments.
- Obtain approval from your plan manager where required.
Which psychologists can provide NDIS appointments?
We have a few psychologists here who can provide NDIS appointments:
- Tristan Chooi
- Austin Chu
- George Phlorides
- Alec Smith
- Maria Tandoc
Understanding
our psychologists
Learn about registration, endorsement and how to choose someone who feels right for you.
What is the difference between a General, Clinical and Organisational Psychologist?
All registered psychologists are trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis and support, must complete ongoing professional development and follow professional ethical standards.
An endorsed psychologist has completed additional supervised training in an approved area of practice, such as Clinical Psychology or Organisational Psychology.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist has completed additional training and supervised practice in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of mental health concerns. They often work with more complex clinical presentations.
What is an Organisational Psychologist?
An Organisational Psychologist has additional training in how people think, feel and behave at work. They may support concerns involving leadership, performance, workplace change, career development and burnout.
How do I find the right psychologist for me?
Consider whether the psychologist works with your concerns and whether you feel safe, heard, supported and accepted without judgement.
It may take time to build a strong working relationship. It is okay to decide after your first session that another psychologist may suit you better.
What is a Board Approved Psychology Supervisor?
A Board Approved Supervisor supports provisional psychologists and psychologists completing endorsement programs. They help ensure that training and competency requirements are met.
Austin Chu is a Board Approved Supervisor in Organisational Psychology and is available for supervision. Tristan is also a Board Approved Supervisor for Registered Psychologists.
Location and accessibility
Information about the West Melbourne clinic, wheelchair access, parking, public transport and telehealth.
Where is the clinic and how do I get there?
Reimagine Psychology Melbourne is located at 3 Howard Street, West Melbourne. The clinic is the ground-floor office on the left side of the large red-brick building.
Metered parking is available in front of the practice. Free on-street parking may be available on Rosslyn Street on Saturdays. Public transport is also within walking distance.
Is the practice wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There are no steps in the clinic, an accessible bathroom is available, and three of the four practice rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Let the admin team know before your appointment so an accessible room can be reserved.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. Sessions may be available by phone or videoconference for clients who prefer to attend from home or cannot easily visit the clinic.
Here’s what to do next
Appointments available by booking only.
Call us or send us a message to make a booking.
Phone: (03) 8330 5588
Email: hello@reimaginepsychology.melbourne
Address: 3 Howard Street, West Melbourne, VIC
Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat 8am–3pm
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