New Clients: Booking and Your First Appointment
If you are wondering what to expect at a first psychology appointment, this page walks you through it, from booking and forms to the session itself. Most people feel nervous beforehand, and knowing the steps usually helps.
It covers adults, children and teenagers, in person and by telehealth. For an overview of the services we offer, visit the Perfectly Aligned Psychology home page.
How do you book?
You can book online, by phone on 0435 165 763, or by sending an enquiry through the contact form. Pick the Balgownie rooms or a video session, and mention whether a GP plan, claim or health fund is involved. Once booked, a confirmation email arrives with your forms, so you know what to expect at your first psychology appointment well before the day.
Choose a time
Book online, or call and we will find a time that suits.
Tell us the funding
GP plan, workers compensation, private health or private.
Complete your forms
Intake and consent forms arrive by email.
Come in or log on
Arrive a few minutes early, or join your video link.
If you have questions before booking, the contact page lists our phone, email and hours.
What should you bring?
What you bring depends on how the sessions are funded. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, send the GP referral letter beforehand. Injured workers should have the claim number and case manager's name ready. Anyone using extras cover should pack their health fund card. For private sessions, you need nothing extra.
A list of current medications and the name of your GP are helpful for everyone.
Unsure about the GP side? See our explainer on the Mental Health Treatment Plan. For injured workers, the workers compensation psychology page explains what the insurer needs.
Current prices and rebates are listed on fees, rebates and funding.
What intake and consent forms are there?
Before your first session you will receive an intake form and a consent form by email. The intake form asks about your contact details, GP, the main reasons you are seeking help and any relevant history. The consent form explains confidentiality, fees, cancellations and how your information is stored.
The forms take about 10 to 15 minutes. Answer what you can, and leave anything you would rather discuss in person.
Your forms are stored securely with your clinical file and are only seen by the psychologist.
What happens in your first session?
Knowing what to expect at a first psychology appointment makes it easier. The session runs for about 50 minutes and is mostly listening: why you reached out, how daily life is affected, the background that matters, and your hopes for therapy. You should leave with an outline of the plan and a feel for whether we are a good fit.
There is no pressure to share everything at once. You can go at your own pace, and you can ask questions at any time.
We also talk through confidentiality and its limits, and agree on how often to meet.
If you would like to read more about starting therapy, Beyond Blue has practical information on finding and preparing for mental health support.
Many people feel some relief after a first session, simply from having said things out loud. Others feel tired. Both are normal.
How do you book for a child or teenager?
Parents or guardians book for anyone under 18, and consent is needed from a parent with parental responsibility. If parents are separated, please tell us when booking and provide a copy of any parenting orders. Usually, parents attend alone for a younger child's first appointment.
For teenagers, we explain confidentiality clearly to both the young person and their parents at the start, so everyone knows what will be shared.
Our child psychologist service and teen psychologist sessions pages explain how sessions work at each age.
How do telehealth appointments work?
For a telehealth appointment, you receive a secure video link by email. Join from a private, quiet room with a laptop, tablet or phone, and log on a few minutes early to check your sound and camera. Forms, fees and rebates do not change when you choose video.
Headphones help with privacy. If the connection drops, we will call you on your phone to continue.
More detail, including time zones for interstate clients, is on our telehealth psychologist page.
What is the cancellation policy?
Changes need [cancellation notice to confirm] notice. A booking cancelled inside that window, or not attended, incurs [late fee to confirm], which no Medicare rebate applies to. Sudden illness and genuine emergencies are treated with understanding, so ring us as soon as you know.
Reminders are sent before each appointment by text or email.
New client questions
Do I need a referral?
No. Private bookings need no referral at all. You only need your GP's plan and referral letter if you intend to claim Medicare. Workers compensation clients need an approved claim and a referral from their treating doctor.
How long is the first session?
Around 50 minutes, like every standard session. Most of that time goes on hearing your story and priorities, and we finish by sketching out the next steps together.
Can I book online?
Yes. You can book online at a time that suits you, or call 0435 165 763 if you would rather talk to someone first. Online booking lets you choose in-person or telehealth appointments.
What if I need to cancel?
Let us know at least [cancellation notice to confirm] ahead, which frees the slot for another client. Shorter notice attracts [late fee to confirm]. Unexpected illness happens, so phone early and we will do what we can.
Ready to take the first step?
Choose a time online or ring 0435 165 763, and your forms will follow by email.