Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Information
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist? No, you can book an appointment without a referral. However, to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP.
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)? An MHTP is a plan prepared by your GP to address mental health concerns. It allows you to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year.
How do I book an appointment? You can book an appointment by contacting our reception team at 1300 490 901 or by visiting our website’s booking page.
What payment methods do you accept? We accept EFTPOS, credit cards, and bank transfers. Please note that we do not accept cash payments. This policy aligns with recommendations from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and NDIS guidelines for secure and transparent transactions. Payment is required at the time of your appointment.
How long do I have to wait for an appointment? We prioritise timely access to care and can generally book you in with your preferred therapist within a month, and with any available therapist within a fortnight.
How do I lodge a complaint? We are committed to providing the highest level of care and take all feedback seriously. If you have concerns or would like to make a complaint, please complete our complaints form available on our website or email us directly at complaints@blueprintpsychology.com.au. Our team will review your feedback promptly and work with you to address your concerns.
Services and Assessments
Can I use my NDIS funding for psychology services? Yes, we are a registered NDIS provider. You can use your funding for therapeutic supports such as assessments and therapy, provided your plan covers these services. This must be approved by your plan manager or support coordinator, and we will require confirmation of funding allocation. Please discuss this with our reception team if you need guidance.
Can I have more information about the assessment process for ADHD and ASD? At Blueprint Psychology, we provide a supportive and neuroaffirming environment for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments. Our comprehensive process includes:
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Initial Consultation: Meet with our principal or lead psychologist to discuss your background, prior diagnoses, and relevant referrals. We may administer screeners if needed and provide guidance on the most suitable course of action, whether that involves proceeding with assessment or exploring therapy options.
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Initial consultations are $245 and can be conducted via telehealth. This fee is deducted from the total assessment cost if you proceed.
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Please note: Written reports are not provided from the initial consultation alone.
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Assessment Phase: In-depth evaluations using standardised tools, interviews, and questionnaires tailored to your needs.
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Scoring, Coding, and Reporting: Comprehensive reports are generated to provide clear and actionable insights.
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Combined ADHD/ASD Assessments: If both assessments are required, only one initial consultation is necessary. Cost adjustments may be discussed during the initial session.
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Do you offer university or school reports for special provisions or misadventure? Yes, but only for regular therapy clients who have attended at least two therapy sessions with one of our team members. Please discuss report costs with our reception team.
Can you provide urgent assessment reports? Unfortunately, we do not offer urgent assessment reports. Our comprehensive assessment process involves thorough evaluations, scoring, and reporting to ensure accuracy and high-quality outcomes. Rushing this process may compromise the reliability and usefulness of the report. If you have specific deadlines, please discuss them during your initial consultation, and we will do our best to accommodate within our standard timeframes.
Are there rebates for eating disorder treatments? Rebates may be available for certain eating disorder therapies under a specific plan from your GP. Please discuss this with your GP or contact our reception team for more information.
Therapy Sessions
Are all sessions conducted in person? We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions, depending on your needs and preferences. Certain assessments and therapeutic interventions are most effective when conducted in person.
Why do you require pre-payment for video sessions? We require pre-payment for video sessions to ensure that administrative processes are completed prior to the session, allowing the clinician to focus entirely on providing care during the appointment. This also avoids using session time to arrange payment. Once payment is processed, the video session link will be sent shortly before the scheduled session time.
Do you offer home or school visits? No, we do not provide home or school visits. All sessions are conducted in person at our Alexandria office or via video conferencing.
How long do sessions go for? At Blueprint Psychology, your therapy session and assessment intake sessions are for 50 minutes. If you are running late, your psychologist cannot extend the time, as they need to write notes and prepare for the next session (as well as take bathroom breaks and hydrate!). Please be respectful of the start and end time of sessions.
How should I prepare for my first session? Upon booking your first appointment, we will send you a short intake form via email. Just bring yourself, as there's no right or wrong way to prepare for the session. If you have any previous reports or assessments, feel free to bring them along.
What therapeutic methods do you use? We utilise a wide range of evidence-based frameworks, taking a client-centred approach. Our methods include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychoeducation, Relaxation Strategies, Interpersonal Therapies, Solutions-Focused Therapies, DBT, and more.
What if I (or my child) do not feel comfortable with my therapist? Effective therapy requires a good therapeutic relationship. If you feel uncomfortable or believe a different fit would be better, please inform us. We will address your concerns and refer you to a more suitable professional. Please contact us at complaints@blueprintpsychology.com.au.
Practical Considerations
Is parking available? Parking can be difficult in our area. We recommend allocating at least 30 minutes to find parking and locate our office. If you experience difficulties or get lost, please call our friendly reception team for assistance.
Can sessions start late if I am delayed? Unfortunately, our clinicians need to adhere to session schedules to accommodate following clients. Sessions must start and finish on time, even if you arrive late. Please plan your arrival accordingly to maximise your session time.
Do you offer bulk billing? No, we do not offer bulk-billed sessions through Medicare. Our focus is on providing high-quality, personalised care, which aligns with the industry-recommended rate by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Bulk billing rates significantly limit the time and resources available to clients. For those seeking low- or no-cost services, we recommend exploring options such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline, or Headspace.
Blueprint Psychology – Supporting Growth, Celebrating Neurodiversity