General Questions
What should I expect at my first session?
It is very common to feel a little anxious before your first session. During the initial appointment, your psychologist will spend time getting to know you, what has brought you to therapy, the difficulties you are experiencing and what you would like support with.
They may ask about your current concerns, history, goals and any previous support you have received. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, get a feel for the psychologist’s approach and consider whether they feel like the right fit for you.
How long do sessions run for?
Individual therapy sessions are usually 50 minutes. Some clients may be offered or recommended a 90-minute session depending on their needs, goals and the type of therapy being provided.
Couples therapy sessions may be 50 minutes or 120 minutes, depending on the practitioner and therapeutic approach.
Your psychologist will discuss session length, frequency and fees with you before appointments are booked. Please note that Medicare rebates do not increase for sessions longer than 50 minutes.
What are your fees?
Fees vary depending on the practitioner, appointment type and funding pathway. Psychologists consulting at VPC set their own fees.
As a general guide, individual therapy fees at VPC range from:
– $225–$265 for a 50-minute consultation during business hours
– $245-$285 for a 50-minute consultation outside of business hoursand
– $310–$360 for a 90-minute consultation.
Couples therapy fees vary depending on the practitioner, appointment type and therapeutic approach. Medicare rebates are not available for couples therapy.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit our Fees & Rebates page or contact the clinic.
When are consultations available?
VPC operates Monday to Saturday, with appointment availability varying by practitioner.
Appointments may be available during business hours, after hours and on Saturdays, depending on the psychologist’s individual consulting days. After-hours and Saturday appointments are often in high demand and may book out in advance.
Appointments are available face-to-face at our Essendon and Moonee Ponds clinics, with telehealth also available for clients where appropriate.
Can different family members or friends see the same therapist?
In most circumstances, we recommend that family members or close friends see different psychologists. This helps protect privacy, boundaries and the therapeutic relationship.
There may be exceptions, such as couples therapy or family-based treatment for eating disorders. If you are unsure, please contact the clinic and we can help guide you to the most appropriate option.
Can I get my notes from my previous psychologist transferred to my new psychologist?
Yes. If you would like information transferred from a previous psychologist to your new psychologist at VPC, you will usually need to provide written consent.
Depending on the situation, this may involve a written summary, copies of relevant documents or a verbal handover between clinicians. Your psychologist can discuss what information would be most helpful and appropriate to request.
Can my psychologist offer me outside session support?
Psychologists consulting at VPC are generally unable to provide support outside scheduled sessions, as they may be in appointments with other clients and are not able to offer crisis or on-demand support.
If you need an earlier appointment, please contact our support team and we can let you know about available options or add you to your psychologist’s cancellation list.
If you are in immediate danger or require urgent mental health support, please contact emergency services on 000, attend your nearest emergency department, or contact a crisis support service such as Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Do you offer any crisis support?
VPC is not an emergency or crisis service and is unable to provide immediate crisis support.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
For urgent mental health support, you can contact:
– Lifeline: 13 11 14
– Kids Helpline, for people aged 5–25: 1800 55 1800
– Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Do you write court reports or provide court-mandated treatment?
No. Psychologists consulting at VPC do not provide court reports, medico-legal reports, forensic assessments or court-mandated treatment.
If you require a report or treatment for legal proceedings, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified medico-legal, forensic or court-approved practitioner.
Medicare Related Questions
What Medicare rebates are available for psychological services?
Medicare rebates may be available for eligible clients who have a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) from their GP. Your GP will assess whether a plan is appropriate and provide a referral if you are eligible.
If you would like to access Medicare rebates, please book an appointment with your GP and let them know you would like to discuss a MHTP or EDP. You may wish to request a longer GP appointment so there is enough time to talk through your concerns.
As of 1 July 2025, the Medicare rebate is $145.25 for a Clinical Psychologist and $98.95 for a Registered Psychologist.
Can I receive a rebate for sessions?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist, but you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if your GP refers you under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Eating Disorder Plan or another eligible referral pathway.
If you have private health insurance with psychology included in your extras cover, you may also be eligible to claim a rebate through your private health insurer.
Please note that you generally cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session
What mental health conditions can be treated by a psychologist under the Better Access Initiative?
The Better Access initiative supports treatment for a broad range of mental health concerns. Your GP will assess whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Plan and may provide an initial diagnosis or referral reason.
Psychologists can support clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, stress, grief, sleep difficulties, substance use concerns and other mental health presentations.
If you are unsure whether your concerns are eligible for Medicare-rebated sessions, please speak with your GP.
Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Plan to see a psychologist?
No. You do not need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) to see a psychologist at VPC.
You can attend privately without a referral. However, if you would like to claim Medicare rebates for eligible psychology sessions, you will need a valid referral and MHTP or EDP or from your GP.
Other funding options may also be available depending on your circumstances, including private health insurance, WorkCover, TAC, DVA, NDIS or Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plans.
I have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, will the GP identify a psychologist for me, or can I choose my own?
Your GP may recommend a particular psychologist or clinic, but you are also welcome to choose your own psychologist.
If your referral is addressed to a specific psychologist or clinic, another eligible psychologist may still be able to accept the referral in many circumstances. If you are unsure, please contact us and we can help check the referral details.
How many Medicare-rebated sessions will I receive?
Eligible clients with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual mental health treatment sessions per calendar year. Group therapy sessions may also be available under Medicare and are counted separately.
You will not receive all 10 individual sessions at once. Your GP will refer you for an initial course of sessions. After this, your psychologist will provide a progress update to your GP, and your GP can review your plan and referral if further sessions are clinically appropriate.
Eligible clients with an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP) may be able to access Medicare rebates for up to 40 eating disorder psychological treatment sessions and up to 20 dietetic services within a 12-month period, subject to GP and specialist review requirements.
Medicare limits and requirements can change, so your GP or Medicare can confirm your current eligibility.
I have a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Plan, do I have to pay for sessions?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Plan provide access to Medicare rebates, but it does not cover the full cost of a psychology session.
You will pay the full session fee at the time of your appointment. VPC then processes your Medicare rebate through Halaxy, and the rebate is usually paid into your nominated bank account within a few days.
As of 1 July 2025, the Medicare rebate is $145.25 for a Clinical Psychologist and $98.95 for a Registered Psychologist.
If you reach the Medicare Safety Net threshold, you may receive a higher Medicare benefit for eligible out-of-pocket costs. Services Australia can provide more information about Medicare Safety Nets.
Will my Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Plan expire?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) itself does not usually expire. However, your referral will be linked to a specific number of sessions, and Medicare-rebated sessions reset each calendar year.
An Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) works differently. EDP sessions are available over a 12-month period from the date the plan is created and are subject to review requirements.
If you have used the sessions on your current referral, if your plan or referral period has ended, or if there has been a significant change in your circumstances, you may need to return to your GP for a review or new referral.
If you are unsure whether your referral is still valid, please contact the clinic and we can help check the details.
When do I need to see my GP for a new plan, review or referral?
You may need to see a GP or prescribed medical practitioner for a new Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), review or referral if your circumstances have changed, your previous referral has been used, you are starting with a new psychologist, or your treatment needs require review.
Under current Better Access requirements, MHTPs, referrals and reviews need to be completed by either a GP or prescribed medical practitioner at your MyMedicare registered practice, or by your usual medical practitioner.
Your usual medical practitioner may be someone who has provided most of your care over the past 12 months, or someone who is likely to provide most of your care over the next 12 months. This may include a GP you intend to see regularly for your ongoing care.
If you have an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP), you will also need to see your GP for required reviews during the 12-month plan period to continue accessing eligible sessions. Your GP will let you know when these reviews are due.
Your GP, medical clinic or Medicare is the best source of advice about whether you need a new plan, review or referral.
Do I need to see my usual GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan or review?
Under current Better Access requirements, Mental Health Treatment Plans, referrals and reviews need to be completed by either:
– a GP or prescribed medical practitioner at your MyMedicare registered practice; or
– your usual medical practitioner.
Your usual medical practitioner may be someone who has provided most of your care over the past 12 months, or someone who is likely to provide most of your care over the next 12 months.
This means you can speak with your regular GP or medical clinic, or a GP you intend to see regularly for your ongoing care. If you are unsure who can complete your plan or review, please contact your GP clinic or Medicare for guidance.
Funding Questions
Do you accept Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Health Cards?
Yes. DVA Health Cards, Gold and White, are accepted with a valid GP referral.
If you are unsure whether your DVA card or referral can be used for psychology sessions at VPC, please contact the clinic before booking.
Do you accept Workcover referrals?
Some psychologists consulting at VPC accept WorkCover referrals.
For WorkCover sessions, clients usually pay the session fee privately and are provided with a receipt to claim reimbursement from their insurer.
Please contact the clinic before booking so we can confirm whether a suitable practitioner is available and whether your referral details are appropriate.
Do you accept NDIS referrals?
Some psychologists consulting at VPC accept NDIS referrals, including self-managed and plan-managed referrals.
Availability depends on the practitioner, referral details and the type of support required. Please contact the clinic before booking so we can confirm whether a suitable psychologist is available.
VPC does not currently accept NDIA-managed referrals.
Do you accept TAC referrals?
Some psychologists consulting at VPC accept TAC referrals.
For TAC sessions, clients usually pay the session fee privately and are provided with a receipt to claim reimbursement from their insurer.
Please contact the clinic before booking so we can confirm whether a suitable practitioner is available and whether your referral details are appropriate.
Do you write reports or support letters?
Psychologists are required to provide correspondence to referring GPs or medical practitioners when clients are accessing Medicare rebates under an eligible referral. Clients are not charged for these routine Medicare-related letters or progress reports.
If you require a separate report or letter for another purpose, please discuss this with your psychologist. Reports are provided at the psychologist’s discretion and may attract an additional fee. Your psychologist can advise whether they are able to provide the report and what the associated cost would be.
Payment Questions
How is payment for sessions taken?
Payment is taken mid-way through a session using the nominated payment details provided during intake.
VPC does not accept cash payments. If you have any concerns about payment or need to update your payment details, please contact the clinic before your appointment.
When will I receive my rebate?
After you pay for your session, VPC processes eligible Medicare rebates through Halaxy.
Rebates are usually paid into your nominated bank account within a few business days. Processing times can vary depending on Medicare.
Do you offer Bulk Billing?
VPC does not currently offer bulk billing.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please speak with the clinic or your psychologist before your appointment. Options may vary depending on the practitioner, appointment type and funding pathway.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
VPC has a cancellation and non-attendance policy.
If you cancel your appointment less than 48 hours before the scheduled time, you will be charged 50% of the session fee.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the scheduled time, or do not attend your appointment, you will be charged 100% of the session fee.
If you are unable to attend in person, you may be able to change your appointment to telehealth or phone instead of cancelling. Please contact the clinic in advance to arrange this.
We understand that emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can occur. In these situations, please contact the clinic directly. Any exceptions are considered at the discretion of management.
Cancelled or missed appointments are not eligible for Medicare rebates.