Initial consultation

The first step is to figure out what we’re dealing with, in an initial consultation process that itself can take one to four meetings.

The purpose is to undertake a treatment assessment, make a (preliminary) diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.  I share my understanding with you, and make recommendations for treatment.

How sessions work

We both turn up at the agreed time and place. We start on time. If you arrive late, you get a shorter session. If I arrive late (it’s rare), I’ll extend the end of the consultation.

In session, you talk about whatever you want to discuss - that may be related to certain goals, or it may be more exploratory. We’ll decide that in the first few sessions, so you’ll know what you’re going to be attending to as we work through. There may be surprises along the way, of course.

You pay on the day of your consultation, unless we have made a different arrangement. If it’s Telehealth you pay at the beginning of the session.  If it’s in-person, I don’t mind which end of the session it happens.  I can process your Medicare rebates for you (unless you prefer to do it yourself), so you pay only the gap, and I give you the receipt for your records.

Cancellation and no shows

Things happen, and you may need to cancel. When that happens, I require 48 working hours notice. If you don’t give it, you will incur 50% of the fee. You carry half since experience has shown that the consultation time can’t realistically be used, I carry half since I don’t do the consultation. That’s about as fair as I can make it.

Confidentiality & Limits

What you talk about is private and held in confidence. There are some limits on confidentiality to do with the risk of harm to self or others,  professional supervision and specific legal situations.  This will be discussed in full in your first session, or you can read further here. 

If you have concerns you’d like answered before you get to a first session, please contact me here.