Starting therapy can bring up many questions — especially if you are seeking support for the first time.
At Gold Coast Psychology Centre (GCPC), we understand that beginning therapy may feel unfamiliar, vulnerable, or even overwhelming. Many people want clarity about practical matters such as booking appointments, confidentiality, rebates, telehealth, session structure, and what therapy actually involves.
This FAQ page answers some of the most common questions we receive about psychology services at GCPC.
If your question is not answered here, our friendly team is always happy to help.
General Therapy Questions
What does a psychologist do?
Psychologists help people understand and manage emotional, behavioural, relational, and mental health challenges using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Psychologists may support people experiencing:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Stress and burnout
- Relationship difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Emotional overwhelm
- OCD
- ADHD
- Life transitions
- Self-esteem concerns
Therapy can also support personal growth, emotional resilience, and self-understanding.
What happens in a therapy session?
Therapy sessions involve collaborative conversations focused on understanding your experiences, emotions, behaviours, and goals.
Sessions may include:
- Exploring emotional patterns
- Learning coping strategies
- Processing difficult experiences
- Goal-setting
- Developing self-awareness
- Improving emotional regulation
Therapy is tailored to the individual and their needs.
What happens at the first therapy session?
The first session usually focuses on:
- Understanding your concerns
- Discussing your background and current challenges
- Exploring therapy goals
- Explaining confidentiality and therapy processes
- Helping you feel comfortable and supported
You do not need to prepare perfectly or know exactly what to say.
Do I need to be in crisis to see a psychologist?
No.
Many people seek therapy for:
- Stress
- Burnout
- Relationship challenges
- Emotional wellbeing
- Personal growth
- Self-esteem
- Life transitions
- Preventative support
You do not need to wait until things feel severe before seeking help.
Booking and Appointments
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can usually be booked by:
- Phone
- Online booking systems
- Contact forms on our website
Our team can also help answer questions about referrals, fees, and therapist availability.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No.
You can book privately without a referral.
However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan, you generally need:
- A GP referral
- A Mental Health Care Plan
Can I choose my psychologist?
Yes.
We encourage individuals to choose a psychologist who feels like a good fit based on:
- Areas of expertise
- Therapy approaches
- Personal preferences
- Availability
- Telehealth or in-person options
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard psychology sessions are usually around 50–60 minutes.
Some appointment types may vary depending on the service provided.
How often will I need sessions?
This depends on your goals, concerns, and preferences.
Some people attend:
- Weekly sessions
- Fortnightly sessions
- Monthly sessions
- Short-term therapy
- Longer-term therapy
Therapy frequency is discussed collaboratively with your psychologist.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Is therapy confidential?
Yes.
Therapy sessions are confidential within standard legal and ethical limits.
Your psychologist will explain confidentiality policies clearly during your first session.
Are there limits to confidentiality?
There are some situations where psychologists may legally or ethically need to break confidentiality, including:
- Serious risk of harm to yourself
- Serious risk of harm to others
- Court orders or legal obligations
- Mandatory reporting requirements
These situations are discussed transparently during therapy.
Will my GP know what I talk about in therapy?
If you are using a Mental Health Care Plan, your psychologist may provide brief progress reports to your GP as required under Medicare processes.
However, detailed session content remains private and confidential.
Medicare and Rebates
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a referral and treatment plan prepared by a GP that allows eligible individuals to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
You can book a longer appointment with your GP and request a Mental Health Care Plan.
Your GP will discuss your mental health concerns and determine eligibility.
Can I claim Medicare rebates?
Eligible clients with a Mental Health Care Plan may receive Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.
Current rebate eligibility and session limits may vary according to Medicare policy.
Can I use private health insurance?
Some private health insurance extras policies provide rebates for psychology services.
Coverage varies depending on:
- Your health fund
- Policy level
- Annual limits
Can I claim both Medicare and private health insurance?
Generally, no.
You usually cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance rebates for the same session.
Telehealth and Online Therapy
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes.
GCPC offers secure telehealth psychology sessions for individuals across the Gold Coast and Australia.
Is online therapy effective?
Research suggests telehealth psychology can be highly effective for many concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Burnout
- Emotional overwhelm
For many people, outcomes are comparable to face-to-face therapy.
What do I need for telehealth sessions?
You generally need:
- A stable internet connection
- A phone, tablet, or computer
- A private and quiet space
- Camera and microphone access for video sessions
Therapy Approaches
What therapy approaches do your psychologists use?
Depending on the psychologist and individual needs, therapy approaches may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Schema Therapy
- EMDR
- DBT-informed therapy
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Mindfulness-based approaches
Therapy is tailored to the individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
How do I know which therapy approach is right for me?
You do not need to know this before starting therapy.
Your psychologist can help explain different approaches and recommend strategies based on your goals and experiences.
Practical Questions
What if I feel nervous about therapy?
Feeling nervous is extremely common.
Many people feel uncertain before their first session, especially when discussing personal experiences with someone new.
Therapy aims to provide a supportive, respectful, and non-judgemental environment where trust develops gradually over time.
What if I cry during therapy?
Crying is completely normal in therapy.
You do not need to apologise for emotions during sessions.
What if I don’t know what to say?
That is also very common.
Psychologists are trained to help guide conversations gently and collaboratively.
You do not need to have everything figured out before starting.
Cancellation Policy
What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
Clinics generally require notice for cancellations or rescheduling appointments.
Cancellation policies may include fees for late cancellations or missed appointments.
Specific cancellation policies will be explained during the booking process.
Psychological Assessments
Do you provide psychological assessments?
GCPC may offer assessments depending on clinician availability and services provided.
Assessments may include support for concerns such as:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Cognitive functioning
- Diagnostic clarification
Please contact our team for current assessment information.
Couples and Relationship Therapy
Do you provide couples therapy?
Yes. Couples therapy may support individuals experiencing:
- Communication difficulties
- Conflict
- Emotional disconnection
- Trust concerns
- Relationship stressors
Relationship therapy aims to improve understanding, communication, and emotional connection.
Choosing the Right Psychologist
What if I’m not sure which psychologist to book with?
Our team can help guide you toward a psychologist based on:
- Your concerns
- Therapy goals
- Preferred approaches
- Availability
- Telehealth or in-person preferences
Finding the right therapeutic fit is important.
Psychology Services on the Gold Coast
At Gold Coast Psychology Centre, we provide compassionate, evidence-based psychological support in Robina for individuals across the Gold Coast experiencing anxiety, trauma, stress, burnout, depression, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
We aim to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where people feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the therapy process.
Final Thoughts
Seeking therapy can feel like a significant step, and it is completely normal to have questions before getting started.
Understanding how therapy works, what to expect, and how appointments, rebates, confidentiality, and telehealth operate can help reduce uncertainty and make accessing support feel more approachable.
At GCPC, we aim to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive and non-judgemental environment tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
If you have additional questions or feel ready to begin therapy, our friendly team is here to help. Contact Gold Coast Psychology Centre to learn more or book your first session today.