We know trauma therapy
Making the decision to book your first appointment with a psychologist is a significant step toward improving your mental health and well-being.
At the Centre for Clinical Psychology we understand that this process can feel daunting, especially if you are unsure about what to expect. Here are answers to some common questions to help you feel more confident about starting your journey with us.
Do I Need a Referral to Book an Appointment?
No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment. As a private clinic, we welcome clients who reach out directly.
However, having a referral can be beneficial for several reasons:
– It provides useful background information for your psychologist
– It facilitates communication with your GP, ensuring they are updated on your care.
– A referral is necessary if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions. This requires a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP. We also work with a range of other third parties, such as Workcover, TAC and Bupa OSHC.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility we recommend discussing this with your GP.
How Will I Be Matched with a Psychologist?
Several factors influence how we pair you with a psychologist, including:
- Recommendations: You may have been referred to a specific psychologist by your GP, family member, or friend.
- Specialisation: If you need support in specific areas, such as trauma or perinatal health, we aim to match you with a psychologist experienced in those fields.
- Personal Preferences: You may have a specific psychologist in mind based on your research.
- First Availability: If timing is a priority, we can book you with our next available psychologist.
Our admin team is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and recommend a psychologist who best suits your needs. For more details about our team and their areas of expertise, please visit our website: Centre for Clinical Psychology.
Do I Have to Share My Full Mental Health History with the Admin Team?
No, you are not required to share your full mental health history during the booking process. Our administration team will ask for a brief description of your presenting issues or reasons for seeking support. This information helps us recommend the most suitable psychologist for your needs. Any information you share with the admin team will remain confidential and only be shared with your psychologist.
What Do I Need for the Intake Call?
Organising your first appointment typically takes around 10 minutes. To streamline the process, it helps to have the following information ready:
- Referral: If you have one (optional unless claiming Medicare rebates).
- Medicare Card Details: If applicable.
- Payment Information: A credit or debit card is required to secure your booking.
We collect this information during the intake call to set up your file. This means you won’t need to fill out extensive forms before your first session.
How to Book Your Appointment
We also offer an easy-to-use online client booking form. Simply provide your contact details and nominate a preferred time for our reception team to call you. We aim to contact you within 48 business hours to confirm your details and discuss your needs. Please note:
- The booking process includes a brief conversation to gather additional information.
- Bookings are subject to the psychologist’s availability and suitability for your needs.
- Psychological therapy often requires multiple sessions, so you may want to consider your availability for follow-up appointments.
Important Notes:
- We do not accept referrals for individuals under 18 years of age
- We do not accept Eating Disorder Treatment or Management Plans
- Pre-payment is required for your first appointment, and it is non-refundable.
Let’s Take the First Step Together
At the Centre for Clinical Psychology, our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.
We are skilled in the treatment of trauma as we have trained over 860 mental health professionals in trauma treatment. All of our team are trained in this gold-standard, evidence-based treatment. We also work with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health concerns and more.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly admin team. Taking the first step toward better mental health can be challenging, but we’re here to support you each step of the way.
Contact Details:
You can call 03 9077 0122 or email admin@ccp.net.au
You can also book online https://ccp.net.au/booking/
