Do I need a referral to make an appointment? 

You do not require a referral to make an appointment, however, you are unable to claim Medicare rebates for your sessions without a referral. Private health insurance rebates may be available without a referral for a Psychologist or Counselling. Please check with your private health insurance provider before your appointment. 

Who can provide a referral?

A General Practitioner (GP), paediatrician or psychiatrist can provide a referral. We recommend that you book a long appointment with your doctor so that they may determine that you are eligible for a mental health care plan.

How long are sessions and what should I expect? 

When you contact us, please provide your name, mobile number and email address, as well as a summary of why you are seeking help. This will help to ensure a clear understanding of your concerns and how best you can be supported. You will then be sent an email with links to complete the online intake form.  

 

If your difficulties lie outside Krysta's area of expertise, you will be assisted in finding the most appropriate service for referral.      

 

INITIAL SESSION

The aim of the initial assessment session is to develop a shared understanding of your concerns and difficulties, as well as your goals and expectations. You will be invited to share information about your concerns, symptoms, history, current stressors, and strategies that have or have not worked in the past. This session is conducted in a collaborative manner and at a pace that is comfortable for you. You may share as much or as little as you like. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as needed along the way. At the end of the session, treatment options can be discussed (i.e., therapeutic approach, frequency of attendance). 

 

ONGOING SESSIONS

Ongoing sessions last for 50 minutes with remaining ten minutes used for record keeping, administrative tasks, and treatment planning. These sessions are based on a balance between gaining insight and understanding, as well as, skill development. You are invited to begin each session with any concerns you would like to focus on during the session. We explore and unravel the thoughts, emotions and behaviors that contribute to distress. We work together in targeting these factors in treatment. New strategies are introduced and practiced in session as well as outside. 

 

To get the most from psychological therapy it is recommended that you spend some time, at least 10 minutes, before each appointment reflecting on your hopes and goals for the session. After each appointment, it can be very helpful to spend another 10 minutes or so reflecting on what you learned during the session and plan for any changes you wish to make in the weeks ahead. It can be helpful to write these thoughts in a journal to keep throughout the treatment.

        

''Therapy does not only focus on eradicating difficulties but also on discovering what you value most in life and overcoming barriers to living a fulfilling life''.