FAQ
- A GP referral in the form of a “Mental Health Care Plan” or a psychiatrist’s referral is required to access the Medicare rebate for Liberty psychology services.
- We understand life can become busy and, on some occasions, it may be difficult to attend a scheduled appointment.
- In these circumstances, we would appreciate as much notice as possible of your inability to attend an appointment so your appointment time can be allocated to another patient.
- We will also reschedule your appointment to a more convenient time.
- Appointments can be hard to find, and a long waitlist is in place.
- We will notify you via email or SMS five (5) days prior to your appointment Cancellations within less than two full business days (48hrs) notice will incur a fee equal to 100% of the consultation fee.
- Cancellation within 72hrs, 3 full business days’ notice will incur a fee equal to 50% of the consultation fee.
- Cancellations with more than 3 full days’ notice will NOT incur a fee unless they are NDIS appointments as these have a 7 day cancellation policy should the appointment not be able to be filled – see NDIS policies.
- Example a 10:00 AM appointment on Monday would need to be cancelled by 10:00 AM Wednesday, for the cancellation NOT to incur a fee (weekends are not business days)These fees cannot be claimed for with Medicare or private health insurance.
- Access to consultations will be restricted if cancellation fees are owing and future appointments may be cancelled if fees remain outstanding.
- All personal information is subject to the Privacy Act of 2002
- All staff sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
- All Client records are kept securely.
- Parental consent is required for the information to be provided to a paediatrician, psychologist or school counsellor.
- Information on diagnosis and treatment will be provided to the referring practitioner.
- Confidentiality is needed between a child/teenager and their treating clinician to encourage a trusting therapeutic relationship, and for treatment to be successful. Clinicians will encourage a child/teenager to talk with their parents but will only break confidentiality when safety is at risk
With a valid referral, a Medicare rebate can be obtained for psychology appointments.
Standard consultations with our psychologists or counsellors are for 50 minutes.
The level of parental involvement during sessions will vary significantly based on the child’s age and the specific issues at hand. Your psychologist will discuss whether it’s appropriate for you to be present during sessions with your child.
Typically, for older children, we may offer feedback to parents as needed, with the child’s consent, fostering a collaborative approach. Generally, children will attend sessions independently, though this can vary depending on circumstances.
Yes in some circumstances telehealth can be arranged, however face to face sessions are the preferred mode of delivery.
The key factor in successful treatment is the match between the client and the practitioner. It’s crucial for clients to feel a genuine connection with their practitioner, where they feel understood and supported. Your practitioner should be your strongest advocate, and finding the right match is essential for this to happen. At Liberty Psychology and Consulting, if there is a presentation outside our area of expertise, we will support you with an external referral to ensure you receive the most appropriate support.
Before starting your therapy sessions, you may need to complete administrative paperwork for record-keeping purposes. Additionally, you might be asked to fill out psychological assessment forms to inform your therapeutic journey.
In the initial session, our main objective is to grasp your personal circumstances, challenges, and difficulties within a safe, relaxed, and confidential environment and determine client-therapist fit. We prioritize evidence-based practices and approach our consultations with compassion and respect, striving to facilitate effective and positive change. It’s important to understand that therapy sessions are highly individualized, tailored to address specific issues using various treatment approaches.
Research indicates that our environment plays a crucial role in influencing both our mental and physical wellbeing. That’s why, at Liberty, we’ve carefully curated our aesthetics to evoke feelings of calmness, comfort, nurturing, and safety. We understand the vulnerability that comes with the therapeutic process, and we strive to create an environment where individuals feel supported and at ease. Additionally, we have a charming Mini Schnauzer who occasionally joins us, bringing an extra dose of pawsitivity to your session.