How can I get in touch with you?
You can get in touch with us via email or telephone:
T: +61 1300 79 22 09
E: info@psylegal.com.au
Where are you located? Is there parking available on site? How do I get to you via transport?
We are located in the Melbourne CBD
Level 2, 488 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000, VIC
We are a 2 min walk from the Tram stop at the corner of Bourke Street and Queen Street
We are located less than 10 minutes via foot from Flagstaff train station.
Outside you will see a large ‘488’ on the building. You will need to enter the building and take the lift to level 2. Once on level 2, exit left and we are located at the end of the corridor. You should see “Psylegal Psychology” on the door.
There is paid parking available on Bourke Street outside the Office Building
How long is a session?
A standard consultation lasts between 50-60 minutes
Are the session’s private/confidential?
Everything discussed in a session is strictly confidential. This means your psychologist will protect your privacy and any information disclosed during sessions. Your psychologist will take clinical notes during the sessions, however no one else will have access. There are times however, that psychologists are legally required to break confidentiality under certain, rare circumstances:
- If they are concerned about your immediate safety or that of others
- If your information is subpoenaed by a court of law
- If you disclose information regarding your involvement in or knowledge of criminal activity
Your psychologist will explain more about the parameters of confidentiality during your first session.
What should I expect for my first appointment? (Arrival time, paperwork to sign)
On the day of your first appointment we ask you to arrive 15 minutes earlier prior to your appointment time to allow time to fill out initial paperwork.
After completing the paperwork, the session is usually spent discussing the issues that have brought you into therapy. As well as developing a thorough understanding of your concerns, your psychologist will explore relevant background history, for example, information about your family, social relationships, work history and any past counselling that you have done.
Based on this information we will begin to help you to understand more about what might be triggering and maintaining your current issues. If time allows we will also work with you to develop a collaborative and flexible plan for future therapy sessions.
Do I need a referral?/How can I get one?
You do not need a referral to book an appointment. However, if you would like to claim a rebate through Medicare you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP. Once you have a MHCP, you may take it to any clinic of your choice. Medicare offers rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
What are the fees associated with my session? Can I claim from private health?
Each health fund may have different policies so check with your health insurer for rebate details. In most cases, private health rebates can be claimed onsite via our HICAPS facility.
Medicare Rebates can be claimed directly following your appointment via Medicare’s EasyClaim. Please bring your Medicare and debit cards with you to your appointment to participate.
What is your cancellation policy?
There is a cancellation fee if you cancel less than 24 hours prior to your appointment time. PLEASE NOTE: No Medicare rebate is available for cancelled sessions.
What are your opening hours and do you offer after hours appointments?
Our opening hours are from
Monday: 9am – 7pm
Wednesday: 9am-7pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
We do offer after hours appointments and video consultations 7 days a week through our network of Psychologists on a secure Cyber Clinic platform.
How many sessions will I need to come in for?
Every individual has a different journey throughout therapy. This is largely dependent on the nature of why they are coming in and what it is that they are hoping to get out of the sessions.
Some people come to therapy to develop coping strategies to reduce or manage symptoms of mental illness. This type of work can be short to medium term, but might also involve checking in less frequently over the longer-term to deal with setbacks or prevent relapse.
Other people come to therapy to understand long-standing patterns (such as relationship issues) that stem from experiences during their childhood, or to receive ongoing support. This type of work tends to happen over an extended period of time, although again, this is dependent on client preferences.
Do I need a psychologist? What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?
Psychologists have completed several years of university studies in the science of mental functioning and human behaviour. They have professional, supervised training and clinical skills that allow them to help people deal more effectively with life problems and address mental health issues.
A counsellor is a person who assists people “to develop understanding about themselves and to make changes in their lives”. There are different types of counsellors and each may have very different qualifications and experience levels. There is no mandated minimum training and qualification framework for counsellors, although the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) maintains a national voluntary register of counsellors and psychotherapists who have satisfied that body’s minimum training standard.
Counsellors can come from a broad range of training and backgrounds. Currently in Australia the term “counsellor” is not protected. This means that anyone can refer to themselves as a counsellor. Having said this many counsellors have undertaken training and education in educational settings, ranging from a Diploma up to a Masters degree. An organisation called the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) has also been set up to protect the standards and ethical training of the counselling profession.
Am I able to bring a friend/family member with me to my session?
You are welcome to bring a support person with you to your appointment. This may be a family member, friend, partner, spouse or other significant person who is there to help you feel comfortable.
Do you Bulk bill?
No. This a private clinic.
Is there a specific age range that can book a session? Do you take people under 18?
Yes, we only see individuals from 16 years and over.