It’s common to feel uncertain before beginning therapy. The first session is a conversation about what has been happening for you and what feels important to understand or explore. We may discuss your background, current concerns and psychological symptoms and what you hope to gain from therapy. This also offers an opportunity for you to get a sense of the therapeutic process and whether this approach feels like a good fit for you.

A session (usually 50 minutes) costs $255.25 (the APS recommended fee schedule is currently set at $311).

If you have a referral from your GP under the Medicare Better Access Scheme (also known as a Mental Health Care Plan), then you will receive a rebate of $145.25. This means there is an out-of-pocket gap of $110 per session.

You can access up to 10 Medicare Better Access sessions per calendar year.

It depends on what you would like to work through, your goals, and the pace that feels right for you. Some individuals prefer shorter-term support, while others choose longer-term work to explore more complex or longstanding patterns.

This is something that we will discuss together early in the therapy process. As a Schema Therapist, I often support clients over a longer period of time.

No, you can see me privately if you prefer. This means, however, that you will not receive a rebate for your session and will need to pay the full fee yourself.

If you do wish to attend therapy under a Mental Health Care Plan, it is a relatively simple process – phone and make a longer (double) session with your GP – you can let the medical practice reception know you are seeking a psychology referral. The GP will ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and you can request that your referral be directed to a particular psychologist.

Yes. If you have a current Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare rebates are available for sessions with a Clinical Psychologist. You are also welcome to attend privately without a referral, if you prefer.

Rebate and fee information will be outlined clearly prior to your first appointment.

Sanctum does not accept WorkCover, DVA funding, or requests related to family court or other legal matters. If you are seeking support under any of these, we'd encourage you to seek a provider who specialises in these areas.

Sanctum supports adult individuals experiencing:

• Experiences of low mood or depression

• Feelings of anxiety, worry, or internal tension

• Stress and the impact of ongoing demands

• Complex or developmental trauma

• Grief, loss, and significant life transitions

• Questions of identity, meaning, or purpose

Sanctum offers a focused scope of practice. We do not work with the following:

• Specific Phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Eating Disorders

• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders

• Relationship or Sexual Dysfunction Counselling

• Child and Family Psychology

• Drug and Alcohol Counselling

• Anger Management/Forensic Presentations
  

If you are seeking support with any of the above, we encourage you to speak with your GP or treating health practitioner, who can help connect you with the right specialist.

Yes. While many people find in-person sessions helpful—especially at the beginning—telehealth is also available if this is more suitable for your circumstances.

If we are considering telehealth as the primary way of working together, we will discuss this collaboratively to ensure it aligns with your needs. All telehealth sessions are held through a secure, private online platform.

Sometimes, ‘life happens’, and you are very welcome to cancel or reschedule your appointment. However, you do need to provide at least 24 business hours’ notice. If you cancel or reschedule your appointment within this time – regardless of the reason – then you will be charged a $110 cancellation fee, which you will need to pay yourself (i.e., there is no rebate on cancellation fees).