Psychology Process and Fees | Psychologist Derrimut and Essendon

Free Phone Consultation

We offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to help answer any of your questions and provide you with insights on my approach to see if we are a good match. There is no obligation to make a booking during or after this consultation.

Making a Booking

If you would like to proceed with a booking, there are a couple of options available to make that process as easy as possible.

• You could make a booking at the end of the free phone consultation
• You can contact the clinic via phone or email 

Before your first appointment, you will recieve an email with our policy and consent forms, along with any relevant questionnaires so that we can make the best use of our time together during our first session.

Therapy Locations

To make therapy as accessible as possible, The Whole Perspective offers psychological therapy from our primary location in Derrimut, a secondary consulting room in Essendon, and via secure online sessions, providing flexible options for individuals across Melbourne's western suburbs and beyond.

Derrimut Location: 21/82 Makland Drive, Derrimut 3020

Essendon Location: 80-82 Keilor Rd, Essendon 3040

The first session

Some people come to therapy with a clear concern or goal, while others simply have a sense that something feels difficult, confusing, or unresolved. You may be ready for change, uncertain about where to start, or attending because someone important to you has encouraged you to seek support. Wherever you find yourself, the first session provides an opportunity to begin exploring what has brought you here.

The first session focuses on getting to know one another and building a foundation of safety, trust, and understanding. Together, we will explore your current concerns, as well as the experiences, circumstances, and patterns that may be influencing them. The aim is not only to understand the difficulties you are facing, but also to understand you within the broader context of your life, so that therapy can be tailored to your individual needs and goals.

While there is some structure to help gather important information, the process remains collaborative and responsive to your priorities, comfort, and pace. There is no expectation to share everything at once. Therapy unfolds over time, allowing space for trust to develop and for exploration to occur in a way that feels manageable and supportive.

Fee Schedule

The cost of a 50 minute consultation is $280 which is payable at the end of the session by cash, debit or credit card.

Our session fees are set below the standard 46-60 minute consultation fee in the APS National Schedule of Recommended Fees 2025-2026 ($318) and the AAPi Recommended Fees Guide 2025-2026 ($330). 

 

Rebates

Medicare rebates are available with a current referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist. A total of $145.25 per session can be claimed back for up to 10 sessions in 1 year. Medicare rebates can be processed automatically at the time of payment. Alternatively, rebates can be claimed through the Medicare app or Medicare online using the provided payment receipt.

Many private health funds offer rebates for psychological services under 'Extras' cover. Because every policy is different, please check directly with your insurer to confirm your exact rebate amount. Please note you cannot claim a private health rebate if you are already claiming a Medicare rebate for the exact same session.

Clients may also be able to access psychological services through a range of additional funding pathways, including the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Work Safe / Work Cover, Victims of Crime Scheme (VOCAT) and self-managed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plans. For these funding arrangements, payment of the full session fee is required at the time of the appointment. An invoice will be provided for you to submit directly to your funding body for reimbursement where applicable.

As The Whole Perspective does not offer direct billing to third-party payers, clients are encouraged to confirm their eligibility and reimbursement arrangements with their funding provider prior to commencing services.

Cancellation Policy

When you book an appointment, that time is reserved exclusively for you. Each session also involves detailed preparation and planning to support your individual needs and goals.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations made between 24 and 48 hours before the scheduled appointment time will incur a fee of 50% of the session cost. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notice, will be charged the full session fee.

This policy helps ensure that appointment times can be offered to other clients who may be waiting for support, while also recognising the time and preparation involved in providing psychological care.