Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Hunter Psychological Services, we understand that starting therapy or seeking mental health support can raise many questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common queries to help guide you through the process. If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to contact us directly.

Your first session is an opportunity for you to get to know your psychologist and for them to understand your concerns. They’ll ask questions about your history, current situation, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This session is also a time for you to ask questions and see if the psychologist is the right fit for you. The goal is to establish a supportive and collaborative relationship.

Yes, we offer secure and confidential Telehealth appointments for clients across Australia. This allows you to access therapy from the comfort of your home or another private location. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a quiet space where you can speak freely.

We provide a range of evidence-based therapies tailored to meet individual needs, including:

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Our dedicated team focuses on supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, PTSD, OCD, and more. We’ll work with you to find the approach that best suits your needs.

You can book an appointment online via our secure Halaxy booking system. Simply visit our Book Now to choose your service, psychologist, and preferred time. Alternatively, you can call our clinic on 02 4086 7232, and our team will assist you with booking your appointment.

Our fees vary depending on the service you’re accessing. We accept Medicare referrals with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), which provides rebates for eligible sessions. We also accept private health insurance, NDIS (self and plan-managed), and WorkCover. Please note that we do not bulk bill, but we strive to keep out-of-pocket costs as low as possible. Contact us for more detailed fee information.

You do not need a referral to access our services; you can book directly as a private client. However, if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan, you will need a referral from your GP, psychiatrist, or other referring medical professional.

Standard individual therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes in duration. Group therapy and assessments may vary in length depending on the specific program or service. Your psychologist will inform you of the session length when you book.

We understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice to avoid a cancellation fee. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, or you miss your appointment, you may be charged a cancellation fee. You can manage your appointments through the Halaxy platform or by contacting us directly.

Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental part of therapy. Everything you discuss with your psychologist is kept private, with a few exceptions where we are legally or ethically required to share information (e.g., if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others). Your psychologist will explain these limits to confidentiality at your first session

If you’re unsure whether you need individual therapy, group therapy, or an assessment, our team can help guide you. Feel free to contact us, and we can help determine which service is best suited to your needs based on your current situation and goals.

We work with individuals aged 16 and above. Our psychologists have extensive experience in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, and behavioural challenges. We also offer tailored assessments and therapy services to meet the specific needs of older adolescents and adults.

If you’re coming in for an assessment, there’s no need to prepare extensively. However, it may be helpful to bring any relevant documents or previous assessments. Your psychologist will explain the process and ask any necessary questions during the session. Assessments typically involve a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and cognitive testing.

Hunter Psychological Services is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please contact a crisis support service such as:

- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- Emergency Services – 000 (Australia)

For non-urgent support, you can contact our clinic, and we’ll arrange an appointment at the earliest available time.

We provide mental health support to a diverse range of clients, including adults, adolescents, veterans, emergency services personnel, and individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. Our psychologists have experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, OCD, PTSD, and other conditions. You can learn more about our team’s areas of special interest on our Team page.

Book an
Appointment

Ready to take the next step? Booking an appointment is easy. We offer online bookings through Halaxy for both in-person and Telehealth sessions.
  • 02 4086 7232
  • Suite 1/45 Pearson Street
    Charlestown, NSW, 2290
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