FAQs
Starting therapy can feel daunting. To help you, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions we receive. If you’d like to know more or have a question that isn’t covered below, please reach out through our contact page. We’re here to support you on your journey.
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If you’re in crisis, please remember that Conscious Shift is not an immediate crisis support service. For urgent assistance, you should reach out to your local general practitioner or emergency department.
Emergency Contacts (Australia):
Emergency (Triple Zero): 000
Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14
Mental Health Triage: 13 14 65
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
1800Respect (Domestic/Family Violence): 1800 737 732
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Child Abuse Report Line: 131 478
Drug and Alcohol Services SA: 1300 131 340
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1800 880 052
MensLine: 1300 789 979
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression): 1300 726 306
SHINE SA (Sexual Health): 8300 5300
If you’re outside of Australia, please contact your local emergency health services or GP for immediate support.
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With deep reverence, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, work, and create. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, and honour their connections to land, sea, and community.
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At Conscious Shift, therapy is offered in a way that’s flexible, inclusive, and tailored to your needs. Services are available both in-person and via telehealth, making support accessible wherever you are in the world.
Types of Sessions Offered
Psychology Consultations
50-minute sessions focusing on psychological assessment, personalised treatment planning, and emotional wellbeing.Psychotherapy, Counselling & Coaching
Individual sessions that blend therapeutic insight with practical support—tailored to your goals and life context.Drop-In Sessions (30 Minutes)
Shorter sessions for check-ins, brief follow-ups, or extending a standard consultation. Please contact us directly to request an extension.Couples Therapy
50- or 80-minute sessions using Gottman Method principles. Open to all relationship structures, with a focus on connection, communication, and repair.Specialised Services
These may include guided meditation, perinatal support, or workplace wellbeing packages. Please enquire directly to discuss options.Where Sessions Are Offered
Telehealth
Available to clients across Australia and internationally via secure video or phone. If booking from outside Australia, please contact the practice to arrange a suitable time.In-Person Appointments
Subject to availability and individual practitioner.Please visit the Contact page or refer to the Team page to check current availability and book in-person sessions.
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Booking a session at Conscious Shift is designed to be simple, flexible, and secure. All appointments are managed through our Client Portal, or by contacting us directly.
Telehealth Bookings
Telehealth sessions (via video or phone) can be booked online through the Client Portal.
Please note:
Not all available hours are listed in the portal. If you don’t see a time that suits you, please get in touch via the Contact page and we’ll do our best to accommodate your availability.Face-to-Face Bookings
Please use the Contact form to email the practice and request an appointment. These bookings are not available via the online portal at this time.
Time of Day
Standard Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
After Hours: 4 PM – 8 PM
Expanded hours may be available by request—please contact us to discuss availability.
Session Type
Private Client: Attending without a referral (self-funded)
MHTP Client: Using a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP
If you're unsure which option to choose, feel free to reach out for support.
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Telehealth offers a flexible, private way to access support—whether you're at home, at work, or on the move. Sessions can be held via secure video or phone, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.
What to Expect
Create a Private Space
Choose a quiet, comfortable location where you feel safe and uninterrupted. This might be at home, in your car, on a walk, or wherever suits your needs on the day.Check Your Tech
Ensure a reliable internet connection and test your audio and video settings before the session begins.Accessing the Session
A private meeting link will be sent to you before your scheduled time. Simply click to join at your appointment time. -
At Conscious Shift, inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of the therapeutic approach. The practice welcomes clients of all cultures, identities, genders, sexual orientations, and belief systems. This is a space where diverse experiences are seen, respected, and supported.
Who Can Access Support
Therapy is available to clients across the lifespan—including teenagers, adults, and older adults.
If you're enquiring on behalf of a younger child, please contact the practice to ensure services are developmentally appropriate.Presenting Issues Commonly Supported
Support is available for a broad range of concerns, including:
Anxiety, low mood, and trauma
Relationship challenges and addiction counselling
Grief, bereavement, and life transitions
Body image, disordered eating, and self-esteem
Sexuality, sexual health, and identity
Chronic illness, chronic pain, and fatigue
Perinatal mental health and men’s wellbeing
Workplace stress, burnout, co-dependency, and more
Corporate & Group Services
In addition to individual support, Conscious Shift offers tailored services for workplaces, schools, and group environments. These sessions may focus on wellbeing, communication, resilience, or mindfulness, and can be designed to suit the needs of the participants.
Please note: If a client presents with complex or high-risk concerns requiring intensive or multidisciplinary care, a referral to external services may be recommended to ensure appropriate support.
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Session Length
Most individual sessions run for 50 minutes.
Extended or shorter sessions (e.g. couples, group, school, or workplace consultations) may vary depending on what’s needed.Therapeutic Style
Each practitioner brings their own therapeutic style and approach, but all sessions are held in a space that is safe, respectful, and collaborative.
In the first session, there will be time to:
Discuss your reasons for attending
Explore relevant background and goals
Begin shaping a therapeutic plan that fits your needs
Therapy Framework
Sessions draw on a blend of evidence-based modalities and mind–body strategies. Depending on your preferences and needs, your plan may include (but is not limited to):
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Schema Therapy, mindfulness, or nervous system regulation tools
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Your privacy and confidentiality are our top priorities. We’re committed to maintaining a safe space where you can speak freely, knowing that your information is protected.
Confidentiality Explained:
We are legally and ethically bound to keep your sessions confidential. There are a few exceptions, such as if there’s an immediate risk of harm to you or someone else. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please feel free to ask.Emergency Contacts:
When you sign up, we’ll ask for your GP and an emergency contact. This is solely to ensure your safety in case we ever need to seek help on your behalf. -
Booking
Telehealth sessions can be booked online via the Client Portal.
Face-to-face sessions must be booked by contacting the practice directly via the Contact form.After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email and a reminder three business days before your session.
If you don’t see a suitable time listed online, please reach out—additional availability may be accessible upon request.Payment
All payments are processed electronically.
Payment is typically charged after your session using the stored card provided at booking. Receipts are issued for Medicare or private health claims.
Fees are subject to change, and any available discounts or subsidised rates are discussed in advance.Cancellations & Appointment Changes
Cancellations are accepted up until 9am the business day before your appointment (minimum 48 hours' notice).
Late cancellation (less than 48 hours): $70 fee
No-show or cancellation within 2 hours of session: $120 fee
If you're facing unexpected barriers to attending, please get in touch. The practice will always aim to work with you compassionately when possible.
Appointments can be rescheduled via the portal (for Telehealth), or by email.
If a practitioner is unexpectedly unavailable, you will be notified and offered an alternative time. No fee is charged in these cases.Consent & Intake Forms
Before your first session, you’ll receive an intake and consent form.
Please complete these at least 24 hours in advance. If not completed beforehand, they will need to be filled out during your session time.Client Etiquette
Sessions begin and end at the scheduled time. If you are running late, the session will still conclude at the original end time.
Respectful communication and conduct are expected. Inappropriate, aggressive, or offensive behaviour may result in the session being ended at the practitioner's discretion, and the full session fee being charged.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long therapy will take. The process is tailored to individual goals, pace, and preferences, and treatment plans can be reviewed and adjusted as needs evolve.
General Guidelines
It’s often helpful to begin with a block of six sessions, allowing time to build rapport, explore key concerns, and establish a foundation for change. Some clients find this is enough, while others choose to continue for longer.
Sessions may start on a weekly or fortnightly basis, with frequency adjusted over time. Many clients attend 10–20 sessions, with optional check-ins or reviews as needed to maintain progress.
Booking Ahead
To ensure consistency and access to preferred times, it is recommended to book 4–8 sessions in advance. The practice calendar is typically open for bookings up to two months in advance.
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At Conscious Shift, fees are set below the APS recommended rate of $300 AUD to support greater access to therapy. Pricing may vary depending on session type, time of day, and funding arrangements.
For specific fees, please refer to the practitioner’s page or contact the practice directly.
Medicare Rebates (Australia Only)
Some practitioners offer sessions under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This referral from your GP provides access to a Medicare rebate for eligible sessions.
To claim a rebate:
Please send your referral before your first session
Keep track of how many sessions you've used
Let the practice know when you're due for a review or extension
Receipts will be issued after each eligible session for Medicare claiming.
Private Sessions
Clients are welcome to attend privately, without a referral. Private sessions offer full confidentiality and do not involve reporting to Medicare, GPs, or health funds.
It is possible to alternate between private and MHTP-funded sessions if needed, though both cannot be applied to the same session.
Subsidised Fees
A sliding scale is available to support access for those experiencing financial hardship. This option is limited based on caseload capacity and is generally prioritised for clients with a valid healthcare card.
If you believe you may be eligible, please reach out to discuss availability.International Clients
Medicare rebates do not apply for clients located outside of Australia. However, session fees for international clients may be adjusted in line with the practice’s subsidised structure to reflect accessibility needs across global contexts.
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At Conscious Shift, a sliding scale pricing structure is available to increase access to therapy. This is a rare offering in private psychology practice and reflects the belief that financial limitations should not be the sole barrier to receiving care.
How It Works
Sliding scale fees are offered based on individual financial circumstances. These sessions are not bulk billed, and no Medicare or private rebates apply.
To help determine your place on the scale, please refer to this tool developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. You will not need to answer “yes” to every statement—the section with the most “yes” responses will indicate whether you may be eligible for subsidised support.
A Note on Access & Availability
Subsidised sessions are limited and caseload dependent. While calendar availability may appear open, appointments at a reduced rate are capped per practitioner to ensure balance and sustainability.
Priority is often given to clients who hold a valid healthcare card or who are experiencing significant, demonstrable hardship.
Trust & Transparency
This offering is based on mutual trust. Clients are encouraged to reflect honestly on their financial position before selecting a lower-cost option. Choosing a subsidised rate when it’s not truly needed may limit access for someone in greater need.
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Also known as a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a government-supported initiative that provides eligible clients with a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. These plans are designed to support people experiencing mental health concerns that significantly impact daily functioning—such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress-related conditions.
Please note: MHTPs do not apply to couples or family counselling.
How to Access a Mental Health Treatment Plan
1. Visit Your GP
Speak with your doctor about your current concerns. They may complete a brief assessment and discuss whether a referral to a psychologist is appropriate.2. Receive Your Referral
Your GP will create a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provide a referral. If you already have a psychologist in mind, let your GP know. Referrals can be made out to a specific practitioner or addressed to “Conscious Shift.”3. Begin Your Sessions
Once your referral has been received by the practice, you're ready to book. After each eligible session, you will receive an invoice to submit your rebate claim via Medicare.What to Provide with Your Referral
To ensure a smooth process, please provide the following documents:
Referral Letter: A signed and dated letter from your GP that includes:
Your full name, date of birth, and address
Your symptoms or diagnosis
The number of sessions you are being referred for (maximum of 6 for the initial referral)
A statement confirming that a Mental Health Treatment Plan has been prepared
Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP): A copy of the plan outlining your treatment goals and strategies.
Providing both documents ensures that you can claim Medicare rebates for your sessions.
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
An MHTP provides access to up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year, broken into two parts:
Initial referral: 6 sessions
Review referral: Up to 4 additional sessions (following a review with your GP)
Once all 10 sessions have been used in a calendar year, further rebates via your MHTP are not available until the following year.
If additional support is needed the following year, your GP can prepare a new referral to continue with rebate access. *This is not always the case, i.e., in the instance of an Eating Disorders Plan, where more sessions are allocated. Please check with your GP.Tracking Your Sessions
It’s important to keep track of how many MHTP-rebated sessions you’ve used. You can:
Check your Medicare claims history through the MyGov website
Use the Express Plus Medicare app to monitor your claims
Please notify the practice when you're nearing the limit so we can ensure your invoices are accurate and up to date.
Claiming Medicare Rebates
Medicare rebates are self-claimed, giving you direct access and flexibility. After your session, we’ll send you an invoice with all the required information.
You can submit your claim in one of two ways:
Option 1: Using the Express Plus Medicare App
Download the Express Plus Medicare app from the App Store or Google Play.
Log in using your MyGov credentials.
Select ‘Make a Claim’ from the home screen.
Choose ‘Psychology’ or the relevant item category.
Enter the details from your invoice, including:
Service date
Item number
Amount paid
Upload the invoice (PDF or image).
Review and submit your claim.
If approved, your rebate is usually deposited into your bank account within 1–3 business days.
Option 2: Using the MyGov Website
Go to my.gov.au and log in.
Ensure your Medicare account is linked.
Select ‘Medicare’ and navigate to ‘Make a Claim’.
Enter the relevant session and payment details.
Upload your invoice and submit your claim.
Important Notes
Ensure your bank account details are correct and linked to Medicare
Claims must be submitted within two years of the session date
You can view your rebate history via the Medicare section of MyGov
If you have questions about your invoice or claiming process, feel free to contact the practice for assistance.
No MHTP? No Problem!
You’re welcome to access sessions privately at any time. Private sessions offer full confidentiality and are not linked to your GP, Medicare, or health records.
Clients can alternate between private and MHTP-funded sessions if needed, but both cannot be applied to the same session.