Mental Health Care Plan's work via the following process:

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-The GP writes up a care plan and gives the referral letter to the psychologist via fax or to the patient to give to the psychologist directly.

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-The patient contacts the psychology clinic to make an appointment.

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- The patient completes the original prescription of sessions (max 6 at a time). 

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-The psychologist completes the MHCP rereferral report and sends to the GP to update them on the client's progress and whether more sessions are needed.

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- If more sessions are indicated, the client returns to the GP for a "rereferral" after the first completion of prescribed sessions (usually after the first 6 but may be less if indicated on the original referral). This is billed as a standard consult by the referring GP. Please note that a "review" is not needed to refer the patient for more sessions at this point in time. A review is a separate process the GP can do at any time after the first 3 months of the original referral but not before. The patient does not need to wait 3 months after the original referral to get a rereferral. This is important, as some patients may miss  sessions during this time that are needed, and that they are entitled to. 

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-The patient receives the rereferral paper work with a new prescription of sessions (max 6) and the diagnosis (usually continued from the last referral). The patient then takes this to their next psychologist appointment, or the GP faxes this to the psychologist.

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-A client may complete up to ten MHCP sessions per calendar year. Any left over sessions roll over to the next calander year. 

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-If a patient's presenting issue or situation changes dramatically or it has been more than 6 months since their last session, a review or a new MHCP may be completed by the GP. A new MHCP can only be completed if it has been 12 months since the original MHCP was completed. 

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-At completion of the treatment, or if the patient disengages, the psychologist will update the GP via a letter.

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If you have any further questions regarding MHCP's, you can contact the MBS via email at askmbs@health.gov.au.

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Client Frequently Asked Questions

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How long will therapy take?

Therapy is tailored to each individual. Some clients need only a few sessions for support or clarity, while others benefit from longer-term work. We’ll regularly reflect on goals and progress to make sure therapy remains helpful and aligned.

 

Can parents stay in the session with their child?

Depending on your child’s age and presentation, I may begin with some shared time and then transition to one-on-one work as rapport builds. I’ll keep you informed and involved through appropriate updates or strategies where needed.

 

What if I (or my child) suddenly want to stop therapy, even if it was going well?

It’s surprisingly common for clients to feel the urge to withdraw from therapy right when it starts becoming meaningful or emotionally “real.” This can happen with both teens and adults and is often not a sign that therapy isn’t working, but that it is.

When therapy begins to bring something deeper into awareness, especially emotions we’ve learned to avoid or cope around, the nervous system can react by pulling away. This may look like:
• Wanting to skip sessions
• Feeling flat, bored, or emotionally disconnected
• Becoming critical of the therapist or process
• Teens suddenly preferring a familiar or less confronting support person (e.g. school staff)

This is a normal and protective response, particularly for people who tend to manage emotions by staying in control, staying “strong,” or avoiding vulnerability. It’s sometimes referred to as “deactivation”, the reflex to emotionally shut down just as connection begins.

I approach these moments with care and curiosity, and encourage clients and parents not to interpret them as failure. Instead, they’re often a key turning point. If you or your child experience this, I invite open reflection so we can work through it together, this is often where deeper growth happens.

 

Can I still see you if I’m already working with another psychologist or counsellor ongoing?

To avoid fragmentation, emotional avoidance, confusion and to protect the ethical integrity of the work, I do not see clients who are already engaged in ongoing therapy with another psychologist or counsellor. If you are in crisis or need immediate support outside of our sessions, there are excellent 24/7 mental health crisis services available, and I encourage you to access them as needed (such as Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline 13 11 14). If the client needs another specialized therapy such as sexual assault, drug and alcohol, EMDR or couples counselling, I will discuss, coordinate and refer as appropriate. Crisis counselling is exempt. 

 

Can I text or email you between sessions?

Please keep all non-urgent matters for your scheduled sessions. This helps maintain clear therapeutic boundaries and ensures I can give each client the focused support they need. Appointment reminders or booking admin may be handled via text or email.

 

Do you diagnose ADHD?

I do not offer formal ADHD diagnosis due to limited report-writing capacity. However, I can screen for ADHD traits and provide a support letter for a paediatrician/psychiatrist to consider a potential diagnosis. Paediatricians and psychiatrists are also able to assess and additionally prescribe medication if appropriate.

 

Do you diagnose autism or intellectual disability?

Yes, I provide formal diagnostic assessments for autism and intellectual disability using a combination of standardised tools, clinical interviews, observations, and informant reports. These assessments are tailored to the individual and meet current best-practice guidelines for diagnostic reporting.

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What type of therapist are you interpersonally?

​I’m a registered, values-based psychologist who offers a warm, honest space for children, teens, and adults to explore what they’re going through. I’m down-to-earth, emotionally present, and gently direct, I’ll be real with you, while always respecting your pace. I work in a structured, insight-focused way and care deeply about creating a space where people feel safe enough to think, feel, and grow. Whether you’re navigating neurodivergence, anxiety, family patterns, or simply feeling stuck, I aim to walk alongside you with clarity, compassion, and a bit of humour when it helps.

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