Frequently Asked Questions

Appointment length varies depending on the service and clinician. 

• Psychology sessions are typically around 50 minutes 
• Psychiatry and neurology appointments vary depending on whether the appointment is an initial consultation or review 

Our administrative team can confirm the expected appointment length when booking. 

The first appointment usually focuses on understanding your concerns, discussing relevant background information, and identifying goals for support. 

Your clinician may also discuss possible treatment options or recommendations. 

Our team can help guide you toward a clinician who may be suitable for your needs. 

When requesting an appointment, you can also indicate any preferences for a clinician. 

Yes. Finding the right fit is important when accessing support for your mental health. If you feel another clinician may be more suitable, our team can help arrange this where possible. 

Appointments require advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. 

Full details are outlined in our Scheduling & Attendance Policy. 

Yes. Many people begin psychological therapy while waiting for a psychiatry appointment.

This can provide early support, help stabilise symptoms, and ensure continuity of care. Where needed, care can later be coordinated with psychiatry within the same service.

Some services require a referral from your GP or specialist. 

For example, psychology services accessed through a Mental Health Care Plan and psychiatry consultations with the option to claim a Medicare rebate typically require a referral. 

If you are unsure whether a referral is needed, our team will be happy to assist. 

A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP is typically required if you would like to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.

If you do not have a plan, you can still access services privately (or through other funding options where relevant). Our team can assist you in understanding your options and next steps.

Mind-Care offers a range of funding options depending on the service you are accessing.

For many psychology and psychiatry services, Medicare rebates may be available when you have a valid referral, such as a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.

Some services may also be accessed through private health insurance, NDIS (where appropriate), or on a private fee-paying basis.

If you are unsure which funding options apply to your situation, our administrative team can assist you in understanding your eligibility and next steps.

Yes. Many telehealth psychology appointments are eligible for Medicare rebates when you have a valid referral, such as a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.

Eligibility may depend on the type of service and clinician. Our administrative team can help confirm this for you.

Yes. Our clinicians provide support for individuals experiencing trauma-related concerns, including PTSD.

Treatment approaches are tailored to the individual and may include evidence-based therapies designed to support emotional regulation, processing of experiences, and recovery.

We also have clinicians on our team who offer trauma treatment through the use of EMDR therapy.

Yes. Telehealth can be used to access psychological support for ADHD, including assistance with emotional regulation, executive functioning and coping strategies.

Where appropriate, care can also be coordinated with other services, such as psychiatry, as part of a broader treatment plan.

Yes. Telehealth allows individuals to access psychological therapy and counselling online through video consultations or by phone with qualified clinicians, depending on the service required.

Fees for online therapy vary depending on the clinician, service type and appointment length. All services at Mind-Care are charged at the same rate, regardless of whether the appointment is in-clinic or telehealth.

If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Our team can provide detailed fee information prior to booking.

Many people choose online therapy when looking for mental health support to fit around work, family or other responsibilities. Or when access to supports in their local area is not readily available. 

Telehealth appointments provide a secure way to access these services with qualified clinicians without travelling to a clinic. 

For many individuals, telehealth offers a flexible and effective way to receive professional support from home.

Research indicates that telehealth appointments can be as effective as in-person care for many mental health concerns when delivered by qualified clinicians.

Telehealth enables individuals to access professional support from home while maintaining the same clinical standards as in face-to-face consultations.

Yes. Telehealth appointments are conducted using secure platforms designed to protect your privacy and confidentiality.

Clinicians follow the same professional and ethical standards as in-person care, including privacy and record-keeping requirements.

If you would like to request a telehealth appointment, please complete our Appointment Request Form, and a member of our team will contact you to arrange a suitable time.

You may also wish to visit our Team page to learn more about our clinicians and their areas of expertise.

Yes. Mind-Care offers telehealth appointments across Australia, allowing individuals to access psychology, psychiatry and other mental health services online without needing to travel to a clinic. This can be particularly helpful for people living in regional or remote areas.

A telehealth appointment is similar to attending a session in person. At the scheduled time, you will connect with your clinician via a secure video link or by phone, if preferred.

During your appointment, your clinician may:

• Discuss your current concerns and goals
• Review relevant medical or treatment history
• Provide therapeutic support or treatment recommendations
• Develop a plan for ongoing care if appropriate

Your clinician will guide the conversation and ensure you have the opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns.

• A device with internet access (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
• A stable internet connection
• A private, quiet space where you feel comfortable (important for confidentiality)
• Headphones (optional) for additional privacy
• Your phone available in case of connection issues or if you have opted for a phone consultation
• Any relevant documents or referrals (e.g. MHCP if applicable)

You will receive a secure link prior to your appointment. Simply click the link at your scheduled time to join.

Before your appointment, it can help to:

• Choose a quiet and private space where you feel comfortable speaking
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection
• Use a device with a camera and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Test your device and internet connection ahead of time

We recommend joining your appointment a few minutes before the scheduled time to ensure everything is working smoothly.

Many telehealth appointments are eligible for Medicare rebates when you have a valid referral from your GP, such as a Mental Health Care Plan.

If you are unsure whether you require a referral for your appointment, our administrative team will be happy to assist.

Telehealth is appropriate for many appointments, however there are some situations where an in-clinic consultation may be recommended to ensure the most appropriate and effective care.

Telehealth may not be suitable if:

You do not have access to a private space
Appointments involve discussing personal information, so it is important that you are able to speak openly in a quiet and private environment where you feel comfortable.

Your appointment requires in-person assessment or examination
Some assessments, tests, or procedures may require an in-clinic appointment so that your clinician can complete a thorough evaluation.

There are technology or connectivity limitations
A stable internet connection and access to a device with a camera and microphone are important for telehealth. If technology issues make communication difficult, an in-person appointment may be recommended. We can also facilitate phone-only appointments if preferred.

Your clinician recommends in-person care
In some circumstances, particularly where more comprehensive assessment, monitoring, or support is required, your clinician may advise that an in-clinic appointment would be more appropriate.

If telehealth is not suitable for your situation, our team will help arrange an in-clinic appointment at our Charlestown clinic wherever possible.

If you are unsure whether telehealth is appropriate for your appointment, our administrative team will be happy to assist.

Mind-Care operates as a multidisciplinary medical-health service, not a psychology-only telehealth platform. In addition to psychology, individuals may have access to psychiatry, neurology and other allied health services if their needs change over time.

This allows for continuity of care without needing to restart assessments or seek support from multiple providers.