What will the first session be like?
In your first appointment, your psychologist will introduce themselves and get to know you, developing an initial assessment which will involve asking questions about your past experiences, current circumstances and future goals - including about things like your childhood, family, relationships, work, hobbies and any current symptoms and difficulties you are experiencing. During this first session, you’ll also discuss privacy and confidentiality (and any limits to these).

Can I bring my baby to my session?
Absolutely, and while you’re at our practice, you are welcome to feed your bub (bottle, boob or tube) and otherwise comfort and tend to them wherever, whenever and however you like. We’re also more than happy to give bub a cuddle if you need a moment or need both hands for something else. For privacy, confidentiality and safety reasons, older babies and children are not able to be brought into your session or remain unsupervised in the waiting area during your session.

What do I do if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
We’re mums, and we get it - life is hectic, and it can be unpredictable. We aim to be flexible, and we will always try to fill any last-minute cancellations to avoid charging you a fee if we can. However, making therapy a priority is important for your wellbeing, and we will often have other clients on a waiting list for appointments, so it’s important to note that late cancellations (within 24 hours) or appointments that aren’t attended will incur a fee of $110 (including GST).

Do I need to have a referral in order to make a booking or see a psychologist?
No - you do not require a referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan unless you wish to obtain Medicare rebates for your sessions. If you do wish to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan referral from your GP, please book a ‘long’ appointment (or tell them that it is for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral), to ensure you have enough time for this to be completed.

Do you offer telehealth sessions?
We are happy to see clients via telehealth (phone or video), as long as they are in a private, secure and quiet place at the time of their appointment, and have an adequate phone signal or internet speed. Please note that if a client is not in a private, secure and quiet place when the psychologist commences the appointment (e.g. they are driving or out in public), that the appointment will not go ahead for safety reasons, and will be considered a late cancellation, with a fee applied.

What payment options do you offer?
We securely store client credit card details on file, and all payments are processed automatically and electronically. Clients who do not wish to have their credit card details stored in this manner will be required to pay for their session via direct deposit a minimum of two business days prior to the session. Please be advised that we cannot accept cash, cheque or in-person card payments.

Do you write letters or reports relating to court or legal matters?
No, we do not provide any letters or reports relating to any court or legal matters.

What do I do if I am in a crisis?
Our Village Psychology is a non-crisis service. If you need urgent assistance in a crisis, please call:
Emergency Services on 000;
Lifeline on 13 11 14; or
1300 MHCALL on 1300 642 255.