Your first appointment...
After you have made your first appointment you will receive a sms courtesy message a few days prior to your appointment. During your first visit you will receive an information package containing the following:
You are required to read and complete the forms in the package during your first visit. It is not a problem if you have difficulty with the completion of these forms/questionnaire as these will be discussed with the psychologist during your appointment and help with completion can be provided to you at this time.
It is understandable that you or your child may feel a little uncertain or worried about what to expect at your first psychology appointment. After meeting your psychologist in our waiting room you will be invited to take a seat in our private consulting room. If you have been referred by another health practitioner (e.g., a GP) your psychologist will ask for the referral letter, so please make sure you bring this information with you. If you are intending to claim through private health insurance please confirm your eligibility for our services with your health fund before arriving.
Generally the first few minutes of this session are spent completing and discussing important paperwork. The beginning of the first session is also when the psychologist will discuss confidentiality, the privacy of your records, fees and payment options, and any future correspondence with your doctor/referrer.
If this appointment is for your child then following this discussion your child will then be invited to take part in a short and easy "getting to know you" activity. You will remain in the room for this activity. The activity varies according to the age, developmental skill and needs of the child and is designed to help the child relax and become familiar with the psychology environment. It is also a chance for the psychologist to begin to get to know your child. If the appointment is for yourself then you will be invited to complete an assessment about your current symptoms.
In order to provide the most appropriate treatment for your concerns, the psychologist will need to gain a thorough understanding of the difficulties you have been experiencing. Following the child based activity, your child will have a chance to play in the waiting room whilst an "adult talk" takes place. If your child is too distressed or too young for this to occur they will be able to stay and play in the consulting room. "Adult Talk" is a opportunity for the psychologist to gain a thorough understanding of the difficulties your child has been experiencing. This usually involves talking about when and how your child's symptoms developed, as well as a discussion about any helpful or unhelpful steps you have already taken to alleviate the problem. The psychologist may also ask questions about your child's personal history (e.g., education, development, relationships, etc). Although it can sometimes feel a little strange to be discussing your child's private details with another person, please be assured that the information you provide helps to tailor your child's assessment and treatment program.
If your child is 14 years or older then session structure is likely to vary, and will include "Teen Talk" time. This will involve the parent leaving the room for a short period of time so that the young person may have an open and honest discussion about the issues they are experiencing. You will be asked to remain in the room for "Teen Talk" if your young person makes this request or is too distressed to remain alone with the psychologist.
If the appointment is for yourself then following the assessment task you will have an opportunity to discuss your current symptoms, problematic situation or difficulties. You will also be encouraged to discuss what kind of support you would like to have.
- Information about our service including explanation of service and fees
- Consent forms (for service and release of information)
- Information Questionnaire Form
You are required to read and complete the forms in the package during your first visit. It is not a problem if you have difficulty with the completion of these forms/questionnaire as these will be discussed with the psychologist during your appointment and help with completion can be provided to you at this time.
It is understandable that you or your child may feel a little uncertain or worried about what to expect at your first psychology appointment. After meeting your psychologist in our waiting room you will be invited to take a seat in our private consulting room. If you have been referred by another health practitioner (e.g., a GP) your psychologist will ask for the referral letter, so please make sure you bring this information with you. If you are intending to claim through private health insurance please confirm your eligibility for our services with your health fund before arriving.
Generally the first few minutes of this session are spent completing and discussing important paperwork. The beginning of the first session is also when the psychologist will discuss confidentiality, the privacy of your records, fees and payment options, and any future correspondence with your doctor/referrer.
If this appointment is for your child then following this discussion your child will then be invited to take part in a short and easy "getting to know you" activity. You will remain in the room for this activity. The activity varies according to the age, developmental skill and needs of the child and is designed to help the child relax and become familiar with the psychology environment. It is also a chance for the psychologist to begin to get to know your child. If the appointment is for yourself then you will be invited to complete an assessment about your current symptoms.
In order to provide the most appropriate treatment for your concerns, the psychologist will need to gain a thorough understanding of the difficulties you have been experiencing. Following the child based activity, your child will have a chance to play in the waiting room whilst an "adult talk" takes place. If your child is too distressed or too young for this to occur they will be able to stay and play in the consulting room. "Adult Talk" is a opportunity for the psychologist to gain a thorough understanding of the difficulties your child has been experiencing. This usually involves talking about when and how your child's symptoms developed, as well as a discussion about any helpful or unhelpful steps you have already taken to alleviate the problem. The psychologist may also ask questions about your child's personal history (e.g., education, development, relationships, etc). Although it can sometimes feel a little strange to be discussing your child's private details with another person, please be assured that the information you provide helps to tailor your child's assessment and treatment program.
If your child is 14 years or older then session structure is likely to vary, and will include "Teen Talk" time. This will involve the parent leaving the room for a short period of time so that the young person may have an open and honest discussion about the issues they are experiencing. You will be asked to remain in the room for "Teen Talk" if your young person makes this request or is too distressed to remain alone with the psychologist.
If the appointment is for yourself then following the assessment task you will have an opportunity to discuss your current symptoms, problematic situation or difficulties. You will also be encouraged to discuss what kind of support you would like to have.