No, you don’t need a referral. You can book directly. A referral from your GP is only required if you’d like to claim Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan.

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is created by your GP and allows you to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. With a MHCP, you can receive a rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist.

You can book an appointment with your GP and ask for a Mental Health Care Plan. Your doctor will talk with you about your needs, and if appropriate, provide a referral so you can access rebates for psychology sessions.

This depends on your private health fund and level of cover. Some insurers provide rebates for sessions with a registered psychologist. It’s best to check directly with your health fund to confirm your entitlements. The item number is “200” for your reference.

With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per year. If you have private health insurance, you may be able to claim additional sessions depending on your policy.

No. New Connections Psychology does not provide psychological reports, letters, or support for legal, court, or forensic matters (including custody disputes, insurance claims, or WorkCover/compensation cases).

Counselling can support a wide range of concerns including anxiety, the effects of trauma, stress, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anger management, and life transitions.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure and nervous about beginning counselling. Your first session is simply a chance to talk through what’s been happening and ask any questions you have. You’re always in control of what you choose to share, and we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My role is to provide a safe and supportive space as we explore what’s important to you.

Your first session is simply about getting to know you — what’s been going on and what you’d like support with. Together, we’ll explore your goals, answer any questions, and put together a plan that feels safe, realistic, and the right fit for you.

This is different for everyone. Some people prefer weekly sessions, others fortnightly or monthly. Together, we’ll discuss what feels manageable and supportive for your needs and adjust as therapy progresses.

It depends on your needs and goals. Some people come for just a few sessions, while others find ongoing support helpful. We’ll discuss what feels right for you.

Yes. Everything you share in counselling is private and treated with respect. As registered psychologists, we follow strict confidentiality and privacy guidelines in Australia. The only exceptions are if there’s a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if disclosure is required by law. If that ever came up, we’d always talk it through with you.

Yes, online sessions are available through a secure video platform, making it possible to access counselling from anywhere in Australia.

Online counselling sessions are held via a secure video platform. All you need is a private space and a device with internet access. Many clients find online therapy as effective and supportive as in-person sessions, with the added convenience of joining from home.

A standard 50-minute session is $220. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, you can claim a Medicare rebate of $98.95 per session, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost. Private health insurance rebates may also apply depending on your policy.