I understand that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process, I’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions I receive about my services.
I provide professional psychological support entirely via secure telehealth services, allowing you to access care from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in Australia.
📧 Email: info@shifapsychology.com.au
📞 Phone: 04 1483 4953
📠 Fax: 03 9970 6403
📬 Mailing Address: PO Box 6015
I do not have a physical office location, as all consultations are conducted online via secure video conferencing.
I offer individual consultations and group therapy.
For more details visit my About page where I extensively address the support I offer and my therapy style. If you have specific questions or needs, please reach out using the online enquiry form.
My services are available to children, teens and adults. I also provide a range of services to schools. Visit the About page for more information.
Just as a doctor might run tests to understand your physical health, a psychologist uses various tools and tests to understand how your mind works. These assessments can help identify strengths, challenges, and areas where you might need support. They may be used to provide a clearer picture of your mental and emotional well-being, understand your behaviour or offer a diagnosis, helping you and your psychologist create a plan that aligns with your goals.
I sometimes do short assessments during my counselling sessions to better understand the mental health and behaviour of my clients. I don’t currently offer formal diagnostic assessments as a separate service, but may add this service in the future. If you’re interested, please let me know by filling out the online enquiry form.
Telehealth therapy is just like traditional therapy, but it’s done online. You can talk to a psychologist through video calls, phone calls, or even messages, all from the comfort of your own space.
At Shifa Psychology we offer telehealth therapy through video calls and occasionally through phone calls when appropriate.
To join a telehealth session you will need:
We use a secure video platform called Coviu for our telehealth therapy.
Before your session, you’ll receive a link sent to you via email or text. Just click the link when it’s time for your session.
Before your first session you will also receive simple instructions about accessing your telehealth session.
Your privacy is very important to us. Our telehealth platform, Coviu, is an encrypted software that meets strict security standards to keep your information safe. You can read more about Coviu’s security here.
Any notes your psychologist takes are securely stored on Halaxy, our online practice management software, and only your psychologist can access them. You can read more about Halaxy’s security here.
We also recommend that you find a quiet and private place for your sessions.
For many people, telehealth works just as well as meeting in person. Moreover, it’s convenient because you don’t have to travel, and you can get help from anywhere. However, it is not for everyone. Get in touch using our online enquiry form to see if telehealth is right for you.
Each session costs $215 for a 50-minute session.
It’s worth noting that our fee of $215 is below the recommended rates by the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS), which range around $310-$315 for a session lasting between 40 to 60 minutes.
When you book an appointment, you’ll complete an online intake form where you’ll securely enter your card details into our online client management system, Halaxy. After your session, your psychologist will process your payment using Halaxy’s secure online payment system.
Learn more about security here.
If you have a mental health care plan, you generally qualify for a rebate of about $95* per session, resulting in an out-of-pocket expense of about $120. The mental health care plan covers up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
*Please note that this information can be subject to change based on updates to Medicare. For the latest information on Medicare rebates, see the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a joint plan with your GP or psychiatrist that outlines the treatments you need for your mental health. It sets goals for therapy, recommends how often you should see a psychologist, and includes any referrals to specialists. With a Mental Health Care Plan, you can get Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions each year, helping you afford the care you need. For more details, please visit Better Health Channel.
To get a Mental Health Care Plan, begin by seeing your GP. They’ll assess your mental health and decide if you need a plan. If so, they’ll create a personalized plan with goals and referrals to psychologists or other specialists. With this plan, you can start getting the recommended treatments and use Medicare rebates to help pay for them.
We process Medicare rebates on your behalf once your session fee has been paid. You can expect to receive the rebate within 1-3 business days on your nominated debit card registered with Medicare.
If you have private health insurance with extras, you may be eligible for a rebate. We recommend contacting your provider to inquire about your entitlements. If your current policy doesn’t cover psychology sessions, consider using a health insurance comparison service to find a better option. Switching companies for extras may not involve a waiting period.
After payment, you will receive an email with your receipt to assist with claiming a rebate from your private health insurer. Please note that some insurers may require a different item code than the code on our invoices. If your claim is rejected, contact us, and we will adjust the invoice as needed
To book your first session, just fill out our online enquiry form. We’ll respond via email with details on how we can work together and provide forms to help prepare for your first consultation. If you prefer to talk before booking, you can use the online enquiry form to request a call, and we’ll be happy to chat with you first.
After your first session, you can easily schedule your next session at the end of your current one. If you need to make changes later, simply get in touch with your psychologist by phone or email.
Each standard therapy session is 50 minutes long.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee. You can do this by calling, texting or emailing us.
If you don’t show up for an appointment or are unable to give us 24 hours notice of cancellation , we charge a cancellation fee which is 50% of your session fee. This fee is processed on your card securely stored in our system.
If you don’t show up for an appointment we charge a cancellation fee on your card securely stored in our system. This policy ensures fair access to our services for all clients.
Starting therapy with us is easy. Simply fill out our online enquiry form. Once we receive your message, we’ll respond via email to book your first consultation and provide forms to help prepare for it.
If you prefer to talk before booking, you can use the online enquiry form to request a call. We will be happy to give you a call to chat about your needs and book your first consultation.
Prior to your first session you will be emailed an information and consent form. This form will outline details related to fees, confidentiality, and storage of your information. This form will also request your contact information, credit card details used for payment, and Medicare details. We require this form to be completed and signed prior to your first session.
In our first session together, I’ll spend some time getting to know you and understanding what’s been on your mind. We’ll discuss what you hope to achieve through therapy and how I can best support you. By the end of our session, we’ll usually have a plan and set some initial goals to get started, though this can vary based on your unique situation.
For your first online session, find a quiet and private place with a good internet connection. Have any important documents or information nearby.
The length of therapy is different for everyone. It depends on what you want to achieve. Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others may need more time. We’ll figure out what works best for you together.
Tuning in to Teens is an evidence-based parenting program designed to enhance emotional intelligence in both parents and their teens.
The Tuning in to Teens program covers:
This program is perfect for parents and caregivers of teens aged 10 to 18. Whether you’re facing significant challenges or simply want to improve your relationship with your teen, you’ll find valuable insights and tools here.
By joining this program, you’ll learn practical strategies to connect better with your teen, manage conflicts effectively, and support their emotional growth.
The program runs for six weeks, with weekly sessions lasting two hours each. This schedule provides ample time to practice and integrate new skills into your daily interactions with your teen.
Our Tuning in to Teens program is offered via telehealth on Zoom. You can join from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are, and still receive high-quality guidance and support.
The entire six-week program costs $300 per person or $500 per couple, which covers all materials and resources provided during the sessions.
We strive to make our program accessible to all families. If you have concerns about the cost, please reach out to us to discuss possible payment options or financial assistance.
No, in most cases, participating in the Tuning in to Teens program does not qualify for a Medicare rebate.
To express your interest or register for the next available session, please complete our online enquiry form. We will contact you with further details and help you get started.
Many parents face similar challenges, and sharing these experiences in a group setting can be incredibly beneficial. The group format allows you to:
We understand that discussing parenting challenges in a group can be daunting. Our facilitators create a respectful and confidential atmosphere where you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. Many parents find listening to others’ experiences beneficial, and we ensure privacy is respected.
Absolutely! We encourage both parents or primary caregivers to attend if possible. Having both involved can enhance the learning experience and provide a unified approach to parenting.
You’ll need a stable internet connection and a device capable of running Zoom, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. We recommend a quiet, private space where you can participate without interruptions.
We understand that life can be unpredictable. If you miss a session, we will provide you with key materials and summaries so you can catch up. However, attending each session will give you the most comprehensive experience.
Yes, participants receive handouts, worksheets, and other resources to support their learning. These materials help you practice the skills discussed in the sessions and apply them in your daily life.
We’re here to help! If you encounter any technical difficulties during the session, we can provide support to ensure a smooth experience.
Before the first session, we recommend joining 15 minutes early so we can troubleshoot any issues before starting. However, some problems can be complex or time-consuming to resolve. To avoid disruptions, please ensure you have the following before enrolling:
If you have any additional questions or need more information before committing to the program, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our online enquiry form.
Get in touch with us and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible with an answer.
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