Nervous about your first appointment? That’s OK. Lots of people feel that way. Much of the worry comes from not knowing what will happen.
This guide explains what happens in a first psychology session by video or phone. It starts with the link in your inbox. It ends with the last five minutes of the call. Read it at your own pace, and skip to the parts you care about.
What happens in a first psychology session?
A first session is mostly a conversation. Your clinician checks who you are and where you’re joining from. They explain confidentiality and its limits. Then they ask what brought you here, what you’ve tried and what you’d like to change. Near the end, you talk about next steps and decide together whether to continue.
What do you need to prepare?
Not much. You need a phone, tablet or computer with a camera, a steady internet connection and a private spot. You’ll get a link before your appointment. There’s nothing to download. A few notes and your paperwork, if you’re claiming Medicare, can make the start easier.
A short checklist:
- Your GP paperwork. If you plan to claim a Medicare rebate, have your Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral ready.
- A few notes on your phone. Two or three lines on what’s been going on. Nerves can make your mind go blank, so it helps to have them written down.
- Headphones. They keep the clinician’s voice private to you.
- A charged device. Plug it in if you can.
- Your own device. A work laptop or work network may be monitored. A personal phone is often the more private choice.
If the link hasn’t arrived a day before, check your junk folder. Then join a couple of minutes early, so you have a moment to settle.
Where can you join from if home isn’t private?
Anywhere you can talk openly and won’t be interrupted. For many people that isn’t home. Some people use a parked car, a quiet room at work or a friend’s place. If finding a private spot is hard, that’s OK. Let your clinician know when you book or at the start of the call.
If you use a car, park first and turn the engine off. Please don’t join while you’re driving.
Worried about being overheard partway through? Mention it in the first few minutes. You and your clinician can agree what to do if someone walks in. You might pause, switch to questions you can answer with yes or no, or finish another time. Having that plan settled can make it easier to relax.
What happens in the first five minutes?
The first few minutes are practical. That gives you time to settle in. Your clinician confirms your name and asks where you’re joining from. They may ask whether anyone else is in the room. They may also check how to reach you if the call drops. If video isn’t working on the day, your clinician can continue by phone.
Then comes confidentiality. Your clinician explains it before you share anything personal. That way, you decide what to say once you know the rules.
Is what you say confidential?
Yes, with some limits. What you say in a session is confidential, and your records are kept private. Some limits apply to all mental health care in Australia. They include a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s, a court order for records, or a legal duty to report. Your clinician explains these in your first session.
Have a question about these limits? You’re welcome to ask. A clear answer is part of the first session.
What will the psychologist ask you?
Your clinician wants to understand what’s going on for you. Most questions fit into three areas: what brought you here, what you’ve tried and what you’d like to change. You can answer in your own words. You don’t need the right terms, and you don’t need to know what’s wrong.
- What brought you here. What’s been happening, and why now.
- What you’ve tried. What helped, what didn’t and what you’ve already ruled out.
- What you’d like to be different. A rough answer is fine. “I’d like Sunday nights to feel easier” is a good place to start.
They may also ask about sleep, work, family, your health and who is around to support you. These questions give context. There are no wrong answers.
Do you have to tell your whole story?
No. Share as much or as little as you want. You don’t have to start with the hardest part. If there’s a question you’d rather not answer yet, say so. Your clinician will move on. Many people share more over time, once they know the person they’re talking to.
What happens at the end of the session?
Your clinician will usually sum up what they’ve heard. They’ll talk about what might help and how they tend to work. You decide together whether to book again and how often. Everyone’s needs are different, so your clinician will talk with you about what to expect.
This is also a good time to ask anything you didn’t get to. Small questions are welcome too. Common ones are about fees, how often to meet and what happens between sessions.
What if the clinician doesn’t feel like a fit?
That’s OK. It’s a normal outcome of a first session. Fit matters, and it’s fine to say so. You can browse our clinicians and book someone else. You make the final choice. If another kind of support would suit you better, your clinician can talk with you about other options, including a referral elsewhere.
How much does a first psychology session cost?
A psychology session is $220. A counselling session is $150. A Medicare rebate may apply to psychology sessions if you meet Medicare’s rules. Counselling sessions have no Medicare rebate. Every fee is listed on our fees and Medicare rebates page.
If you meet Medicare’s rules, these amounts apply as at 1 July 2026. They are for a psychology session of 50 minutes or more:
- Registered psychologist: Medicare pays $101.55 back.
- Clinical psychologist: Medicare pays $149.05 back.
- How many sessions: up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
- Your first referral: covers up to 6 sessions. Your GP then reviews your plan before you can claim more.
- Who writes the plan: since 1 November 2025, your Mental Health Treatment Plan must come from your usual GP or MyMedicare practice.
You pay the gap between the fee and the rebate. You can also book without a plan and pay the full fee. Healthdirect has a plain guide to the Mental Health Treatment Plan. Our guide to mental health care plans and Medicare rebates goes through each step.
Need to cancel or change a time? Please let us know as early as you can. Our cancellation terms are explained when you book.
Is telehealth right for you?
Telehealth isn’t suitable for everyone or every concern. Your clinician may suggest in-person care, a GP review, urgent care or a referral elsewhere. This depends on your circumstances. If that happens, they’ll explain why and talk through your options with you.
What if you need help right now?
We’re not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
How do you choose who to see first?
Not sure where to start? That’s OK. You can answer a few questions in Get Matched in your own time. We’ll suggest a service and show you clinicians who may suit what’s going on. You’ll see each clinician’s fee and next available time before you book. You choose who you see.
Already know who you’d like to see? Book an online session when you feel ready, or call us on 1300 704 901.
