Seeing a Psychologist: 10 FAQs Answered

Taking the first step to see a psychologist can feel overwhelming. You probably have many questions about what to expect, how to prepare, and whether it's the right choice for you. This comprehensive FAQ guide answers the most common questions Australians have about seeing a psychologist.

FAQ 1: What happens in my first psychology session?

Your First Session: What to Expect

Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other and understanding your needs. Here's what typically happens:

Session Structure (50-60 minutes):

Introduction (5-10 minutes): Your psychologist will explain confidentiality, their approach, and answer any questions you have
Background discussion (20-30 minutes): You'll talk about what brought you to therapy, your current situation, and relevant history
Goal setting (10-15 minutes): Together, you'll identify what you want to achieve through therapy
Treatment planning (5-10 minutes): Your psychologist will outline their recommended approach and next steps

What You'll Be Asked:

What specific issues or concerns you're facing
How long you've been experiencing these problems
What you've tried before to address them
Your personal and family history
Your current living situation and support network
What you hope to achieve through therapy

Remember: You don't need to share everything in the first session. It's okay to take your time and only share what you're comfortable with. Your psychologist will guide you through the process.

FAQ 2: How do I prepare for my first psychology session?

Preparation Checklist

Before Your Session:

Write down your main concerns and symptoms
List any questions you have for the psychologist
Bring your Medicare card and Mental Health Treatment Plan (if you have one)
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork
Wear comfortable clothing
Bring a notebook if you want to take notes
Have payment method ready (card is preferred)
Plan your route and parking if it's in-person
Test your technology if it's online (camera, microphone, internet)
Find a quiet, private space if it's online

Mental Preparation:

Remind yourself that it's normal to feel nervous
Remember that psychologists are trained to help people feel comfortable
Know that you can take breaks or ask for clarification at any time
Understand that the first session is about building rapport, not solving everything

FAQ 3: How much does it cost to see a psychologist?

Cost Breakdown

Psychology costs vary depending on the type of psychologist and whether you have Medicare rebates:

Session Costs (2024):

Clinical Psychologist: $180 - $250 per session
General Psychologist: $150 - $200 per session
Online Therapy: $120 - $180 per session
Initial Consultation: $200 - $300 (longer session)

Medicare Rebates:

Clinical Psychologist: $145.25 rebate
General Psychologist: $98.95 rebate
Requirement: Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP
Limit: Up to 10 sessions per calendar year

Out-of-Pocket Costs (with Medicare):

Clinical Psychologist: $38.15 - $108.15 per session
General Psychologist: $53.35 - $103.35 per session
Online Therapy: $23.35 - $83.35 per session

Note: You need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP to access Medicare rebates. Without it, you'll pay the full session fee.

FAQ 4: How do I get a Medicare rebate for psychology sessions?

Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan Process

Step-by-Step Process:

Book a GP appointment: Make a longer appointment (20-30 minutes) to discuss your mental health
Discuss your concerns: Tell your GP about your mental health symptoms and why you want to see a psychologist
Request a Mental Health Treatment Plan: Ask specifically for this - it's different from a regular referral
Complete the assessment: Your GP will ask questions about your symptoms, history, and current situation
Receive your plan: You'll get a written plan with a referral to a psychologist
Book with a psychologist: Use the referral to book your first appointment

What Your GP Will Ask:

What symptoms you're experiencing
How long you've had these symptoms
How they're affecting your daily life
Your personal and family mental health history
Any previous treatment you've had
Your current medications

Tips for Your GP Visit:

Be honest about your symptoms and their severity
Explain how your mental health is affecting your life
Mention if you've tried other approaches
Ask questions if you don't understand anything
Take notes about what's discussed

FAQ 5: How long does therapy take to work?

Timeline Expectations

The timeline for therapy effectiveness varies significantly depending on your situation:

General Timeline:

Immediate relief: Many people feel better after just 1-2 sessions
Noticeable improvement: 4-6 sessions for most people
Significant change: 8-12 sessions for complex issues
Long-term conditions: May require ongoing therapy (6+ months)

Factors That Affect Timeline:

Type of issue: Simple problems resolve faster than complex ones
Severity: Mild symptoms improve faster than severe ones
Your commitment: Doing homework and practicing skills speeds up progress
Therapist fit: Good rapport leads to faster improvement
Support network: Having supportive people helps
Other factors: Stress, life changes, and physical health

What to Expect:

Progress isn't always linear - you may have ups and downs
Some issues improve quickly, others take longer
You should notice some improvement within the first few sessions
Your psychologist will regularly review progress with you

FAQ 6: How do I know if a psychologist is right for me?

Finding the Right Fit

Finding the right psychologist is crucial for effective therapy. Here's how to assess if they're a good match:

Signs of a Good Match:

You feel comfortable and safe with them
They listen actively and understand your concerns
They explain things clearly and answer your questions
They have experience treating your specific issues
Their approach makes sense to you
You feel heard and respected
They're professional but warm
You feel hopeful about working with them

Warning Signs to Watch For:

They dismiss or minimize your concerns
They seem distracted or uninterested
They push their own agenda instead of listening to yours
They make you feel judged or ashamed
They don't explain their approach or methods
They seem unprofessional or inappropriate
They don't respect your boundaries
They make promises that seem unrealistic

Questions to Ask:

What's your experience treating my specific issues?
What approach do you use, and why?
How long do you typically work with clients?
What can I expect from our sessions?
How will we measure progress?
What if I don't feel this is working?

FAQ 7: What's the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and counselor?

Mental Health Professional Types

Professional	Training	Focus	Medication	Medicare
Psychologist	4-6+ years psychology education	Talk therapy, assessment, behavior change	No	Yes (with plan)
Psychiatrist	Medical degree + psychiatry specialization	Medical diagnosis, medication management	Yes	Yes (higher rebates)
Counselor	Varies (diploma to degree)	General support, life issues	No	No

When to Choose Each:

Start with a psychologist for most mental health concerns
See a psychiatrist if you need medication or have severe conditions
Consider a counselor for general life issues or relationship problems

FAQ 8: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Online vs In-Person Effectiveness

Research Findings:

Equal effectiveness: Studies show online therapy is just as effective as in-person for most conditions
Same Medicare rebates: Online sessions receive the same rebates as in-person
Wide acceptance: Most psychologists now offer online sessions
Proven methods: Same evidence-based treatments used online

Online Therapy Advantages:

More convenient - no travel time
Often cheaper than in-person
Access to specialists regardless of location
More flexible scheduling
Comfort of your own environment

When In-Person May Be Better:

Crisis situations requiring immediate intervention
Severe mental illness needing close monitoring
Children under 12 (may benefit from in-person interaction)
If you prefer face-to-face communication
If you have unreliable internet

Tips for Successful Online Therapy:

Ensure you have a stable internet connection
Find a quiet, private space for sessions
Test your camera and microphone beforehand
Use headphones for better audio quality
Treat it like an in-person session (dress appropriately, minimize distractions)

FAQ 9: How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?

Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy

Common Reasons to Seek Therapy:

Persistent negative emotions: Sadness, anxiety, anger, or hopelessness that doesn't go away
Difficulty functioning: Problems at work, school, or in relationships
Life changes: Grief, divorce, job loss, or major transitions
Trauma: Past or recent traumatic experiences
Relationship problems: Conflicts, communication issues, or unhealthy patterns
Physical symptoms: Sleep problems, appetite changes, or unexplained physical symptoms
Substance use: Increased alcohol or drug use to cope
Thoughts of self-harm: Any thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life

Emergency Situations - Seek Immediate Help:

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Severe depression that affects daily functioning
Psychotic symptoms (hearing voices, delusions)
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Substance abuse that's out of control

If you're in crisis: Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or go to your nearest emergency department.

You Don't Need to Be "Sick" to Benefit:

Therapy can help with personal growth and development
It's useful for improving relationships and communication
It can help with stress management and work-life balance
It's valuable for processing life changes and transitions
It can improve self-awareness and emotional intelligence

FAQ 10: What if therapy isn't working for me?

When Therapy Isn't Working

Common Reasons Therapy Might Not Work:

Poor fit: The psychologist isn't right for you
Wrong approach: The therapy method doesn't suit your needs
Unrealistic expectations: Expecting immediate or dramatic results
Lack of engagement: Not doing homework or practicing skills
External factors: Ongoing stress, life changes, or other issues
Need for medication: Some conditions require medication alongside therapy
Wrong type of professional: You might need a psychiatrist or different specialist

What to Do If Therapy Isn't Working:

Talk to your psychologist: Be honest about your concerns
Give it time: Therapy often takes several sessions to show results
Try a different approach: Ask about alternative therapy methods
Consider a different psychologist: Sometimes a different person is a better fit
Explore other options: Medication, group therapy, or different specialists
Address external factors: Work on life circumstances that might be interfering

Signs It's Time to Change:

You don't feel comfortable or safe with your psychologist
You're not making any progress after 6-8 sessions
Your psychologist dismisses your concerns
You feel worse after sessions
Your psychologist doesn't explain their approach
You don't feel heard or understood

Remember: It's okay to change psychologists or try different approaches. Finding the right fit is crucial for effective therapy. Don't give up - the right help is out there.

Common Myths About Seeing a Psychologist

Myth: "Only crazy people see psychologists"

Reality: People see psychologists for all sorts of reasons - stress, relationship issues, life transitions, personal growth, and yes, mental health conditions. It's a sign of strength to seek help.

Myth: "Therapy is just talking about your problems"

Reality: Therapy involves evidence-based techniques, skill-building, and active work on changing thoughts, behaviors, and patterns.

Myth: "You have to see a psychologist forever"

Reality: Most people see a psychologist for a specific period (weeks to months) to address particular issues. Some choose ongoing support, but it's not required.

Myth: "Therapy is too expensive"

Reality: With Medicare rebates, therapy can cost as little as $20-50 per session. Many psychologists offer sliding scale fees for financial hardship.

Myth: "I should be able to handle this on my own"

Reality: Seeking help is a sign of wisdom and self-awareness. Even the strongest people benefit from professional support.

Ready to Start Your Therapy Journey?

Now that you have answers to the most common questions, take the next step toward better mental health.

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