FAQs

This page answers common questions about psychological therapy, couples work, and assessment processes, to support you in deciding what feels right for you.

Psychological Therapy

Couples Therapy

Assessments

Psychological Therapy FAQs

  • Yes, we currently have availability. Please visit our online booking page to view times, or please feel free to contact us if you’d prefer to get in touch directly.

  • At Lavender Psychology, we provide a range of psychological services tailored to meet the needs of individuals aged 18 and older. We strive to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their concerns and work toward their goals. Each therapy plan is collaboratively developed to meet the unique needs of every individual. If you’re curious about how our services might support you, feel free to contact us for more information.

  • Yes, we offer Telehealth services for clients who prefer to access therapy remotely. Telehealth allows you to attend sessions via secure video conferencing from the comfort of your own home or another private location. It’s a convenient option for those who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions due to distance, mobility, or other circumstances. If you’re interested in Telehealth, feel free to contact us to discuss whether it’s a suitable option for your needs. Telehealth sessions are eligible for Medicare rebates when you have a valid referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

  • Yes, we accept clients who wish to claim rebates through Medicare. If you have a valid referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or pediatrician, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 therapy sessions per calendar year under the Better Access Initiative. The current rebate for sessions with a clinical psychologist is $149.05.

    If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how to access a referral, we’d be happy to guide you through the process. Feel free to contact us.

  • Yes, we accept private health insurance for psychological services. Many private health insurance providers in Australia offer rebates for sessions with registered psychologists under their "Extras" cover. The rebate amount depends on your specific health fund and level of coverage. To determine your eligibility and the potential rebate, we recommend checking with your insurer. Please note that private health claims cannot be used in conjunction with the Medicare rebate.

  • Our session fee is $270 for 50 minutes. If you have a current Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $149.05. Under the Better Access initiative, Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 individual psychological sessions per calendar year. Private health rebates may also be available, depending on your provider and level of cover.

    If you have any questions about rebates or payment options, such as claiming through Medicare with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, please feel free to contact us.

  • To get the most out of your first session, it can be helpful to think about what brought you to therapy and what goals you'd like to work on. You may also want to gather any relevant medical or psychological history that might be helpful for your psychologist to know. However, there's no need to feel overwhelmed and your psychologist will guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable.

  • During your first session at Lavender Psychology, you can expect an initial assessment where we’ll take time to understand your concerns, goals, and any relevant background information. This helps us tailor the therapy to suit your specific needs. We’ll discuss any questions you may have about the process, confidentiality, and what to expect from therapy. We may also begin discussing any immediate challenges you're facing, as well as explore suitable therapeutic approaches.

    It’s a safe, non-judgmental space, so feel free to share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the therapy process and how we can work together to help you reach your goals. If you have any concerns or need clarification before the session, don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Everyone’s journey in therapy is different. Some people come for a short time to focus on a particular concern, while others find value in longer term support. There is no right or wrong way to approach therapy. It is about what feels helpful for you. We will check in together along the way to make sure it continues to meet your needs. You are always welcome to pause, return, or make changes as things evolve.

  • If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or feel unsafe, please contact a 24/7 support service such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or call 000 in an emergency. For urgent mental health support outside of session times, these services are best equipped to provide immediate care.

  • We do not provide psychological reports or letters for legal or medico-legal purposes. Our focus is on providing therapeutic support to help clients improve their mental health and well-being. If you require a report for legal, employment, or insurance purposes, we recommend seeking assistance from a psychologist or other professional who specialises in such documentation.

Couples Therapy FAQs

  • Yes, we warmly welcome and support people across all identities and neurotypes in their relationships. Our work is grounded in inclusive, affirming, and informed care and centres the needs of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients.

    These relationships can come with unique challenges and deserve support that is affirming, respectful, and informed by the broader social and cultural context you’re navigating.

    Many people have felt unseen, judged, or misunderstood in therapy, especially when shaped by experiences of gender, neurodivergence, sexuality, or intersectionality. At Lavender Psychology, there’s no need to explain who you are, prove your relationship, or fit into a narrow idea of how you should connect. This is a space to be met with curiosity, care, and respect, just as you are.

  • At this time, we work with couples across a wide range of identities and neurotypes. While we do not currently offer therapy for non-couple relationship structures, we recognise that relationships exist in many forms, and not all of them fit within traditional or couple-based frameworks. Language matters, and we believe everyone deserves to see their experience reflected respectfully in the care they receive. While our current scope is focused on couples, we are committed to ongoing learning and reflection in this area.


    Our hope is to continue expanding our capacity to support a wider range of relationship structures over time. We want to approach this work with care and intention, and we know that doing so takes time, reflection, and continued learning. We appreciate your understanding as we grow in this space.

  • Not at all. Couples therapy can be helpful at any stage of a connection, whether you're feeling stuck, adjusting to change, or simply wanting to strengthen your bond. You don’t have to wait for things to fall apart. Sometimes, the most meaningful work happens when you choose to slow down and tune in before things escalate.

  • It’s common for people to feel unsure about starting couples therapy, especially when things have been painful or stuck for a while. Sessions are never about taking sides or assigning blame. The focus is on creating a space where everyone involved feels heard, respected, and supported to explore what’s going on, together.

  • The first session is a space to begin getting to know you and to understand what’s been feeling difficult in your relationship. You’ll have time to share what matters most to you, and what you hope might feel different. There’s no pressure to have the right words or explain everything perfectly. We’ll go at your pace and start to build a shared understanding of what’s happening, and where you’d like to go from here.

  • Yes. Online sessions are available for couples across Australia. Telehealth can be a helpful option if you're living regionally, juggling busy schedules, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space.

  • The fee for couples therapy is $280 per 50-minute session. Some private health funds may offer a rebate depending on your level of cover.

  • Medicare rebates are not available for relationship therapy, as it isn’t covered under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Sessions are billed as a private service. Some private health funds may offer a rebate depending on your level of cover. If you're unsure what your policy includes, it’s best to contact your insurer directly before your first session.

  • Sessions are 50 minutes and typically include both people attending couples therapy. Early in the process, it’s often helpful to have one individual session with each person to better understand their experiences and perspectives within the relationship. Many clients attend weekly or fortnightly, depending on what feels most helpful. We’ll work together to find a rhythm that feels supportive and manageable for everyone involved.

  • Every relationship is different. Some attend for a short time to focus on a specific concern, while others benefit from ongoing support. We will regularly check in on how therapy is going and whether it continues to feel helpful. There is no set number of sessions. The length of therapy depends on what you are working through together, your shared goals, and what feels sustainable and meaningful over time.

Assessment FAQs

  • An assessment aims to provide a clearer understanding of your experiences, strengths, challenges, and support needs. It can help answer diagnostic questions, identify areas for support, and provide recommendations for study, work, and everyday life.

  • Lavender Psychology currently offers autism, AuDHD, and learning assessments for adolescents and adults. Depending on your goals, assessments may focus on diagnostic clarity, self-understanding, cognitive strengths, learning needs, or support recommendations.

  • Yes. Combined AuDHD assessments are available for people who would like to explore both autism and ADHD within a single assessment process.

  • The assessment process typically includes intake forms, questionnaires, a clinical interview, assessment sessions, and a feedback appointment to discuss the outcomes. Depending on the assessment, cognitive testing and additional information from people who know you well may also be included.

  • The length of an assessment varies depending on the assessment type and your individual circumstances. Some assessments can be completed in a small number of sessions, while others require a more comprehensive process.

  • Assessment fees vary depending on the type of assessment and documentation required. Current fees can be found on the relevant assessment page, or please get in touch if you're unsure which option is right for you.

  • A referral is not required for most assessments. In some circumstances, Medicare rebates may be available for people under 25 through the “Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders scheme.” Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your eligibility or funding options.

  • Not receiving a diagnosis does not mean the assessment has been unsuccessful. Assessments are designed to increase understanding, identify strengths and challenges, and provide recommendations that may be helpful moving forward, regardless of whether diagnostic criteria are met.

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