A referral is only required if you wish to access Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan. You will need to see your GP to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan and referral. If you are not claiming through Medicare, no referral is needed — simply get in touch directly to book.

Yes. A Mental Health Care Plan referral can be used to see any eligible psychologist, not just the one named on the referral.

Once your appointment is confirmed, we will send you some information to read through ahead of time, including details about fees, our location, and a brief intake and consent form. This helps us make the most of your first session together.

The first session is primarily an opportunity for us to get to know you. We will explore what has brought you to therapy, your personal history, and what you are hoping to work toward. By the end of the session, we will share our initial impressions and discuss what therapy might involve, including an indication of focus areas and the recommended frequency of sessions.

This varies from person to person. The length of therapy depends on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and the changes you are working toward. Some people benefit from a shorter course of focused work; others find that longer-term therapy better suits their needs. We will discuss this with you early on and review your progress regularly throughout.

Most people begin therapy on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Session frequency can be adjusted over time as your needs and circumstances change. We will work with you to find a rhythm that feels manageable and effective.

Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is kept strictly confidential. There are a small number of circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be carefully considered — for example, if there is a serious concern for your safety or the safety of others, or if required by law. We will discuss this with you at the outset so you are fully informed.

Our phone is monitored during limited business hours Monday to Friday. If we are unable to take your call, please leave a message or send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Current clients are encouraged to email us directly for any timely updates or requests, as the phone is frequently not attended during business hours.

We require 48 business hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Sessions cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 business hours but more than 24 hours notice will be charged at half the session fee. Cancellations, reschedules or non attendance with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full session fee. Please note that cancellation fees cannot be claimed through Medicare or private health insurance.

Yes. We offer both in-person sessions in Sydney and telehealth appointments via a secure video platform. Telehealth can be a convenient option for those who prefer to attend from home or who are unable to attend in person.

Clinical psychologists complete specialist postgraduate training in psychology and primarily provide assessment and therapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialised in mental health and are able to prescribe medication. The two often work collaboratively, and a referral to a psychiatrist can be arranged through your GP if needed.

No. Examined Life Psychology works with adults aged 18 and over.

Please get in touch to discuss availability.

We aren’t able to provide reports for legal or court matters, insurance claims or for academic or work exemptions.

We are committed to assisting you in your therapy journey but are not able to provide crisis care. If you are experiencing an acute mental health episode or need crisis support please contact:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

• NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

• Emergency Services: 000
  
  

The cost of seeing a psychologist in Sydney varies depending on their type and level of experience. At Examined Life Psychology, individual therapy sessions are $295 for 50 minutes and couples therapy sessions are $320 for 50 to 60 minutes. If you hold a valid Mental Health Care Plan, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate of $149.05 per session for individual therapy, reducing the out-of-pocket cost to $145.95. For full details, please visit our Fees & Rebates page.

Yes, if you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate of $149.05 per session for individual therapy. This leaves an out-of-pocket gap of $145.95. Medicare rebates are not available for couples therapy.

Depending on your level of extras cover, you may be able to claim a rebate for psychology sessions through your private health insurer. We recommend checking with your fund directly. Please note that Medicare and private health insurance rebates cannot be claimed for the same session.