Appointments FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about appointments – if your question is not covered here, please contact us for more information.
Are appointments confidential?
Yes, your privacy is incredibly important to us. Everything you share in your sessions is confidential and protected by law. This means we do not share your information with anyone unless you give written permission.
There are a few rare exceptions where psychologists are legally required to break confidentiality to keep people safe. These include situations where:
- There is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or someone else
- A child or vulnerable person is at risk of harm.
- We are required to provide information by a court order.
Outside of these specific circumstances, what you share in therapy stays private.
What is an initial session?
An initial session is your first meeting with a psychologist. It is a safe, supportive space to share your story and discuss your goals. There is no pressure to have all of the answers. This session is about understanding your needs and helping explore how psychology can best support you.
I feel nervous about booking and am unsure how this would work
It is normal to feel nervous. Booking an appointment can feel daunting for a lot of people as it involves meeting someone new and attending a new location. Reaching out for support tis a big step and it is okay to take it at your own pace.
If it helps, you are welcome to book a free 15-minute introductory call via email. This gives you a chance to meet your therapist, ask questions, and get a sense of whether the fit feels right before committing to a full session.
If visiting a new space feels stressful, we also send a welcome email after your first appointment is booked. It includes a short video showing the property, therapy room, and how to enter from the car park so you know what to expect on the day.
What is Mental Health Care Plan and how do I get one?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a plan created by your doctor that allows you to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. This means you pay the full fee on the day and then get some of that money back from Medicare ($98.97). This plan allows for 10 psychology sessions per calendar year.
How to get one:
- Book a longer appointment with your doctor. Let them know it’s for a Mental Health Care Plan.
- Talk with your doctor about the concerns you’re having.
- If appropriate, your doctor will create a plan and can address it to Marina Iliadis or Inner Matters Psychology.
Note: I would recommend keeping a copy and bringing it to your first appointment.
A Mental Health Care Plan gives you access to Medicare Rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
To avoid cancellation fees, please cancel by 10am the day before your scheduled session. Failure to cancel within this timeframe will result in a cancellation fee of up to the full amount being charged. You can cancel via the cancellation link two days prior to your appointment or via email/phone if within 48 hours.
Missed appointments are not eligible for the Medicare rebate.
Why do I have to sign a consent form?
Consent forms are an important part of starting therapy. They explain how sessions work, your rights, and how information is kept confidential. Signing the form shows that you understand the process and agree to participate. Your psychologist will not be able to proceed without a signed consent form.
How do I tell my psychologist I would prefer to change goals or use a different intervention?
That’s a positive step! Goals in therapy can change over time and it is important to hear your thoughts with your therapist. When you’re asked about your goals for a session, you can simply say something like “I’d like to focus on _____ today”.
Therapy is your space to explore what feels most meaningful and helpful to you. Advocating for your needs is always welcome and your therapist will work with you to adjust goals or try approaches that best support your growth.