FAQs

Yes. We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept referrals for NDIA-managed participants.

Yes, we do. In many cases, our clinical psychologists can connect with you through telehealth (video or phone) sessions. There are some instances where telehealth may not be suitable and we will discuss alternative options with you.

Telehealth may be a preferred option for clients who don’t live locally, who prefer to connect from the comfort of their home, or simply need flexible appointment options.

We do not typically place clients on a waiting list.

In most cases, we will book you into the next available appointment. While we aim to provide a flexible and responsive service, there may be some time between your initial contact with us and your appointment.

If none of our clinicians are currently accepting new referrals, you will be advised when you contact us.

We understand that unexpected things happen and sometimes you can’t make it to your scheduled appointment. Our services are in constant high demand and our clinicians are paid for time spent directly with clients.

When a session is cancelled with short-notice or not attended, we are unable to offer that appointment to another client. This has an impact on your therapy, other clients waiting for urgent cancellation appointments, and ultimately, those clients on our waiting list.

The late-cancellation/non-attendance fee helps to compensates the clinical psychologist for the appointment time, and for the time they have put in preparing for your appointment.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who obtained a general medical degree before going on to complete further specialised study in the area of mental health (i.e., Psychiatry). As a result, they can prescribe medication, provide assessment and diagnosis of a range of mental health disorders, and may also provide psychotherapy.

Psychologists are allied health professionals trained in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of psychological difficulties (i.e., depression, anxiety). All psychologists in Australia must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and demonstrate they have met the core competencies required to practice as a Registered Psychologist.

Please note, our team members at Towards Optimism Psychological Services are all psychologists.

Clinical psychologists have completed a minimum of 6 years university training to become a Registered Psychologist. They then complete an additional 2 years of supervision, practice and training in the area of Clinical Psychology to be titled as a Clinical Psychologist. They have been endorsed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as having specific skills in Clinical Psychology.

Clinical psychologists are trained to provide a range of assessment, diagnostic and treatment services to individuals with mental health conditions. Clinical psychologists use a range of techniques and therapies to meet the individual's goals for intervention.

Clinical Psychologists work in a variety of areas providing intervention for mild to complex conditions (either to individuals or groups), assessments (e.g., cognitive assessments), teaching, providing supervision, consulting with industry bodies, and other activities. Clinical psychologists can be found in Government, non-Government and private settings.

When making an enquiring we may ask you questions about the reasons you wish to see a psychologist. We ask these questions to find the most appropriate psychologist for your presentation.

You can make an appointment a few different ways*

• Call us on (08) 7080 2018
• Submit an enquiry form (have this link to the contact us page)
• Send us an email at contact@towardsoptimism.com.au

*Please note: our time is spent providing therapy services with clients so we are unable to make appointments if you present on site.

No. You do not need a referral to make an appointment with a psychologist. You are welcome to access psychological services privately at any time.

A referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your regular GP or eligible medical practitioner (ie. Psychiatrist) is required only if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate. If you do not have a plan, sessions can still proceed on a private, self-funded basis.

Whether Medicare-subsidised or private care is most appropriate can depend on your circumstances, preferences, and the type of support you are seeking.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is prepared by your regular GP after an assessment of your mental health. If you are eligible, it allows you to claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions under the Better Access program.

With a valid plan and referral, Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year (usually starting with up to 6 sessions, with more available after a GP review).

Medicare rebates reduce the cost of sessions, but you will need to pay the full fee on the day. Rebate details and our fees are available on our fees page.

A referral is a letter written from a GP or other eligible medical practitioner. It is valid when:

• It is current
• Clearly specifies the number of sessions requested
• Is linked to an active Mental Health Treatment Plan (unless referred directly by a psychiatrist)

From 1 November 2025, Medicare rebates will only be payable when yourMental Health Treatment Plans, reviews, and referrals are completed by your MyMedicare-registered practice or your usual medical practitioner for your mental health. If these requirements are not met, Medicare will not provide a rebate.

We encourage clients to confirm their eligibility with their GP or Medicare prior to commencing therapy to avoid unexpected costs.

Some private health insurance policies offer rebates for psychology services under “extras” cover. Coverage depends on your individual policy and insurer.

Please note:

• You cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session
• Rebates, annual limits, and eligibility vary between funds

We recommend contacting your health insurer directly to confirm what your policy covers.