We’re Here to Answer All Your Questions
Starting therapy can feel daunting and questions often come up. To help you, we’ve compiled answers to common questions we receive from our clients — below.
If you’d like more information, please get in touch with us via our online enquiry form or email hello@upsidestoriespsychology.com. Not sure if Upside Stories is right for you? Book a free 20-minute consult.
Crisis & Emergency Support
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Remember: Upside Stories is not a crisis service.
In an emergency where there is immediate risk of harm to you or others, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
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Remember: Upside Stories is not a crisis service.
For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Getting Started With Upside Stories
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Click ‘Book Now’ and choose:
o A free 15-min consult (for new clients), or
o A telehealth 50-min session (for existing clients).
Pick a time that works for you, and you’re all set. -
You’ll get a text from our booking system, Halaxy, with a code to confirm your booking. Once confirmed, you can save your appointment to your calendar and complete the Intake Form. Then you’ll receive an email with your session details and a secure Telehealth link.
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Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and explore what you’d like help with. If we decide to keep working together, we’ll book your next session. New clients receive access to the Halaxy Client Portal.
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In your second session, we’ll start creating a therapy plan that suits your needs and begin working together.
Fees, Medicare, & Private Health Rebates
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Medicare rebates reduce the cost of therapy if you see a Clinical Psychologist or Psychologist. These are paid for by the Australian Government. Psychotherapists, Counsellors, and Coaches do not qualify for Medicare rebates.
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$141.85 for a Clinical Psychologist with a Mental Health Treatment Plan
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A 50-minute session costs $245. With the Medicare rebate, your out-of-pocket cost is:
o $141.85 for a Clinical Psychologist
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Your session fee is charged automatically via debit or credit card during the session. You’ll provide your card details when you complete the Intake Form.
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To claim a rebate, you need:
o A referral from your GP or psychiatrist.
o A Mental Health Treatment Plan that is less than 12 months old.
Note: You don’t need a referral to book a session. -
We lodge the claim for you after your session. Your rebate is paid into your bank account linked to MyGov, usually within 24–48 hours (but it can take up to 7 days).
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Medicare covers up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year for people with a diagnosable mental health condition. Your GP or psychiatrist will first refer you for 6 sessions. After that, you’ll need to see them for a review to get 4 more sessions.
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Yes. Private health rebates may apply. Check with your insurer. You cannot use both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session—you must choose one.
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Please let us know at least 24 hours before to avoid a fee. Our cancellation fees follow the Australian Psychological Society guidelines:
No notice: Full fee
Less than 24 hours’ notice: Full fee
More than 24 hours’ notice: No fee
If we can fill your appointment, we’ll waive the fee. Medicare, WorkSafe, DVA, NDIS, and TAC do not cover missed appointment fees. Free 20-minute consults do not have cancellation fees.
Working Together at Upside Stories
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Clinical psychologists are highly trained healthcare providers who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders.
They’re also real people who’ve been through many of life’s twists and turns, so they get you!
They have at least:
6 years of full-time university training in psychology, including a Masters in Clinical Psychology.
2 years of supervised practice with a Psychology Board of Australia endorsed supervisor.
Some clinical psychologists also hold a PhD, which means they have further expertise in psychological research alongside clinical practice. Their research often focuses on specific areas of interest such as dementia, trauma and growth.
All clinical psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and follow strict ethical guidelines.
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Online therapy lets you talk to an experienced psychologist anywhere you have internet or mobile coverage.
Our telehealth sessions—much like a regular video call—use secure video software, called Coviu. It’s a simple and private way to get support, even if you live far away, have trouble getting around, are travelling, or have a busy schedule.
At Upside Stories, online therapy offers a relaxed, warm, and authentic space where you can feel comfortable talking about anything. We ask insightful questions that can shift your perspective, and tailor our approach to meet your needs.
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There is no fixed number of sessions. It depends on your needs. We usually recommend starting with six sessions.
Short-term therapy is 4 to 12 sessions.
Longer-term therapy is for more complex concerns.
Although we make recommendations, you decide what works best for you. Most people start weekly or fortnightly, then move to monthly when they feel more confident.
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Sessions are 50 minutes. If you join late, we cannot extend the time.
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Yes. Everything you discuss with your psychologist is confidential. We only share information if you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, or you give permission to share information with another healthcare provider. Read our Privacy Policy for more details.