No, a referral is not required to start. However, to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions, you will need a mental health treatment plan referral. We encourage you to reach out to your doctor, whether it's your GP, Psychiatrist, or your child's Paediatrician, to discuss eligibility for this plan. The mental health treatment plan helps to cover the cost of therapy for up to ten sessions per calendar year. You will need to see your doctor after six sessions for a review. Depending on your needs, you may be eligible for an additional four sessions. Read more on Mental Health Treatment Plan ((https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan)external website).

In Australia, there are many caring professionals dedicated to helping individuals who face mental health challenges such as Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Nurses, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers, Psychotherapists, and Counsellors. Each of these professionals plays an important role in delivering holistic mental health care. It is important to recognise that, beyond their formal training, each of these mental health professionals have a unique area of special interest and experience that ensures they can provide the support you might be seeking. This diversity of options means you have the freedom to choose a therapist who truly resonates with your personal journey. Many mental health professionals often choose not to use client testimonials for a variety of ethical, legal, and professional reasons. This absence of testimonials for marketing can sometimes create confusion or frustration as you navigate your options for therapy. One significant reason for the lack of testimonials is that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What may be effective for one person could be completely different for another, so having testimonials could lead to false hope. Another reason to refrain from using testimonials is to protect clients from potential harm. Publicly sharing personal experiences could inadvertently lead to a violation of client confidentiality or create pressure to conform to a certain narrative about their recovery. So while client testimonials might seem like a helpful tool for prospective clients, the complexities of individual therapy experiences and ethical considerations make their use unfeasible for many mental health professionals. In light of these considerations, we recommend attending the initial three therapy sessions with a prospective therapist. This approach allows you to evaluate their therapeutic methods, communication style, and overall experience, helping you determine if they are the right match for your needs. Additionally, these sessions will provide an opportunity for you to assess your comfort level and rapport with the therapist, which is essential for a successful therapeutic relationship. Taking the time to find the right therapist can make a significant difference in your mental health journey.

Generally, all sessions are confidential. However, there are a few situations where a therapist may need to share information, such as: 1. If someone is at risk of hurting themselves or someone else 2. If a court of law subpoenas a client's records 3. If there is a concern about the safety, welfare and well-being of a child under 18 years old If you have any questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Before your first appointment, please ensure you have the following items ready: - Your claim number from SIRA - The number of approved sessions provided by your insurer - A signed copy of your WorkCover medical certificate from SIRA - Contact details for your relevant insurer and case manager - If available, a copy of your job description for your pre-injury role We are an accredited and registered provider with the NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), dedicated to supporting individuals eligible for WorkCover and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) claims. We welcome referrals and enquiries from individuals and Nominated Treating Doctors seeking psychological treatment and support. We strictly adhere to SIRA guidelines, ensuring that all services provided are “reasonable and necessary” and are time-limited.

The cost of your session will vary based on your referral and individual circumstances. A valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) Referral: If you’re a student, concession holder, senior, or just going through a tough time financially and need therapy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information. Victims Services NSW Referral: Private client (No Referral Needed): SIRA Workers Compensation and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Referral: NDIS Participants With Self-Managed or Plan-Managed Funding: Report Preparation (Only for clients engaged in therapy after 5 sessions):

Yes, there is a cancellation fee. We truly value your time and want to ensure that when you make an appointment, we are available exclusively for you. As the demand for services is high, late cancellations make it more difficult for another client to fill your appointment slot. Please take note of the following cancellation policy: • 48-hour Free Cancellation: You can cancel without charge as long as you provide 48 hours' notice before your appointment time. Notice needs to be given during business hours, which do not include weekends or public holidays. For example, if your appointment is on a Monday at 3pm, you must notify by the previous Friday at 3pm. • 24-hour Cancellation: 50% of the standard session fee will be charged to your nominated payment option. • Cancellation on the day or No Shows: 100% of the standard session fee will be charged to your nominated payment option. Thank you for understanding that Grounded Therapy Space reserves the right to postpone future appointments until all past fees are settled. Cancellation fees are out-of-pocket expenses and cannot be claimed as a rebate. In the event of an emergency, such as you or a loved one being hospitalised or a natural disaster occurring, please be assured that this cancellation policy will not apply. Please note that we do not classify having a cold, tiredness or forgetfulness as an emergency.

There are several convenient payment options that you can select from, including direct deposit, cash, or credit card through our online management platform. Payments are made on the day of your appointment. If you’re planning to pay with cash, please note that cash is not kept on-site, so be sure to bring the exact amount with you.

For children and young people under 16 years old, we warmly encourage parents to be actively involved in your child's therapy. Your participation is invaluable, as research has shown that it significantly enhances the effectiveness of your child's therapy. Your involvement can include attending sessions, discussing any concerns, and collaborating with your child's therapist to create a tailored plan that best supports your child's unique needs and progress.

We appreciate your understanding that we specialise in specific therapy areas, and we do not have expertise in family court matters, custody disputes or visitation arrangements. If you need help in these areas, we recommend reaching out to your GP, who can refer you to a practice that can assist you. Also, we do not have the resources to provide therapy for individuals experiencing active suicide and deliberate self-harm, or those with eating disorders who have recently been admitted for physical health restoration. These presentations require a holistic team approach, which is beyond the scope of this private practice. If you're in need of immediate support, please consider calling the NSW Mental Health Access Line on Ph: 1800 011 511, calling 000 to connect to your local mental health team or present to your nearest local hospital to explore other appropriate options.

Our office is located in the Wotso Building, which has 24/7 CCTV surveillance. This means that activities in and around the common areas are monitored and recorded, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all members, staff, and visitors. If you would like to learn more about the terms and conditions for accessing the building, you can find them here https://wotso.com/terms-and-conditions/ (https://wotso.com/terms-and-conditions/)

Yes, Trang can communicate in Vietnamese.

Grounded Therapy Space is located on Level 1, 244 Macquarie Street, right in the vibrant heart of Liverpool, inside the Wotso building. You’ll find our entrance next to Australia Post. When you arrive for your appointment, just give the doorbell a ring! If you have any trouble finding us, don’t hesitate to call reception at 1800 496 876 or reach out to Trang on 0405 676 721. Looking for parking? Here are some great options for 3 hours of free parking on your visit: - Westfield Liverpool: Just an easy 7-minute walk away! - Civic Place Car Park: Enjoy the first 3-hours free when you enter via Terminus Street, about a 12-minute walk from us. If you need to park longer, just a heads up that payment can only be made by credit card. If you prefer paid parking, here are a couple of options: - Warren Serviceway Car Park: About a 6-minute walk away. - Northumberland Street Car Park: About a 5-minute walk away. - Parking Meter: If you park on Macquarie Street, you can use pay-by-plate parking. Catching the train or bus? We're about a 8-min walk from Liverpool Train Station.