Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive:
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?⌃
No. You can book directly with us without a referral. However, to claim Medicare rebates, you’ll need a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP or psychiatrist. We recommend checking with your GP first, as most people are eligible.
How do I know if I can access a Medicare rebate?⌃
If your GP assesses that you would benefit from psychological support, they may prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. With this plan and a referral, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The rebate is $101.55 for registered psychologists.
You can read more about rebates and session fees here
How many sessions will I need?⌃
Most people begin with a short course of therapy (around 6–10 sessions), while others find longer-term support more helpful depending on their goals and what they’re working on.
Your psychologist will check in regularly about how things are progressing and adjust the treatment plan as needed. For example, someone working through anxiety, depression, or trauma-related concerns may benefit from slightly different pacing depending on how symptoms respond to treatment.
If you’d like to understand more about how therapy looks for specific conditions, you can read about:
Are sessions confidential?⌃
Yes. Everything you share in therapy remains confidential, with only a few exceptions:
Risk of harm: if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
Legal requirements: if we are required by law (e.g., a court order or subpoena).
GP/Referrer communication: if you have been referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, we are required to provide brief progress reports back to your GP (or psychiatrist). These reports outline the number of sessions attended, progress made, and recommendations for ongoing support. They do not include detailed session content.
In all situations, your psychologist will discuss any necessary sharing of information with you wherever possible.
To support accurate and efficient record-keeping, MindSure Psychology uses Heidi, a secure Australian clinical note-taking system. Heidi helps your psychologist document sessions effectively while maintaining full professional control and confidentiality.
All records are encrypted and securely stored in Australia, in accordance with Australian Privacy Principles. Use of Heidi is consent-based, and you may opt out at any time without affecting your care.
Do you offer after-hours or weekend appointments?⌃
Yes. We offer a range of appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to fit around busy schedules. Please view our online booking system to check current availability.
MindSure Psychology works with adults in Gosford and across the Central Coast, as well as in Hornsby on the Upper North Shore.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?⌃
Psychologists: specialise in therapy and helping people develop strategies to improve mental health. They do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists: are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and often manage people with severe or complex mental health conditions.
Do you accept private health insurance, NDIS or WorkCover?⌃
Private Health: If you have extras cover for psychology, you may be eligible for rebates. Please check with your insurer.
NDIS: We accept self-managed and plan-managed clients. Learn more about NDIS psychology support.
What can I expect in my first session?⌃
Your first session focuses on understanding you: your background, current circumstances, and goals for therapy.
Many clients find that simply having space to share their experiences feels therapeutic in itself.
This initial session also helps identify the most suitable evidence-based approach for your needs. Typically, active treatment strategies begin from the second session onward.
To understand my approach, you can also read about my background and experience
Does MindSure write court reports?⌃
No. MindSure Psychology does not prepare reports for court or other legal proceedings. Our focus is on providing therapeutic support, not forensic or medico-legal assessment.
Court reports require a different process (often involving formal assessment, collateral interviews, and legal documentation standards), which are outside the scope of standard therapy sessions.
If you require a psychological report for legal purposes, we can provide referral information for appropriately qualified forensic or medico-legal psychologists.
Is MindSure a crisis support service?⌃
No. MindSure Psychology is not a crisis service and we are unable to provide immediate or emergency support outside of scheduled sessions.
If you are in crisis or need urgent help, please call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
You can also contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
We encourage clients to reach out to these services if they are in immediate distress, and to use therapy sessions with us for ongoing support and recovery.
For a full local guide to free and low-cost support, see where to get help on the Central Coast.
How do I make my first appointment?⌃
Simply call us (Gosford (02) 4313 1656, Hornsby (02) 8428 9210), email, or book online. If you are using a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan, please bring these documents to your first session.