Working Together
Taking the step to begin therapy can feel significant, especially when you have been carrying things on your own for a long time.
We begin with an initial “getting to know you” session, where we take time to understand what has brought you to therapy, what you have been experiencing, and what feels most important to focus on. From there, we move at a pace that supports safety and trust, gradually exploring the areas that feel most relevant to you.
Appointments are available in person in Kew and Lower Templestowe, as well as via secure Telehealth across Australia.
Therapeutic Approaches
Our work may draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, depending on your needs and what feels most helpful at the time. These may include CBT, DBT, EMDR-informed approaches, TF-CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, motivational interviewing, exposure therapy, and reminiscence therapy.
Rather than following a fixed method, we tailor the approach to what feels most relevant and useful for you at each stage of the process.
If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, you may receive a rebate for eligible psychological services under the Better Access initiative. A valid referral is required from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.
DVA: DVA-funded psychological services may also be available for eligible DVA clients. A valid referral is required. For most clients, this will be from their GP.
Medicare and DVA
If you have a valid referral, please let us know when booking so we can confirm eligibility and appointment arrangements.
The current Medicare rebate for a Clinical Psychologist is approximately $149.05. If eligible, this rebate is paid directly by Medicare into your nominated bank account following processing.
Medicare rebate amounts are set by the Australian Government and may change over time.
Private Health
If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible to claim a rebate for psychological services, depending on your level of Extras cover and annual limits.
In most cases, a GP referral is not required for private health claims, provided your policy includes psychology services.
Rebate amounts vary between funds and policies, so it is best to check directly with your insurer to confirm what is covered under your plan.
Some clients choose to use their Medicare-rebated sessions first and then continue using private health cover afterwards, depending on their circumstances and available benefits.
Please contact your private health insurer directly if you have questions about your eligibility, rebate amount, or available benefits.
Appointments
Appointments are available in person in Kew, as well as via secure Telehealth across Australia.
Cancellation Policy
A friendly appointment reminder will be sent 48 hours before your scheduled session.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice so the appointment time can be offered to someone else who may be waiting for support. Please note that the full session fee may apply for cancellations or rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice, as outlined in our cancellation policy.
We appreciate that appointment times are reserved specifically for you and are often difficult to reallocate at short notice.
PAYMENT
Following your appointment, an invoice will be issued. Payment can be completed using secure electronic payment methods provided by Grounding Bear Psychology.
Where applicable, Medicare rebates will be processed following payment.
Any outstanding fees must be settled before additional appointments can be scheduled.
Fees and Rebates
The standard fee is $250 for a 60-minute session.
Workplace & Group Sessions
Group programs may be available for organisations and workplaces, depending on needs, availability, and the specific goals of the group. Each program is tailored to the specific context, team, and goals of the group.
Sessions may focus on areas such as stress and burnout, emotional regulation and coping strategies, mindfulness and grounding skills, and strengthening communication, connection, and wellbeing within teams.
Safety • Trust • Somatic Awareness • Gentle Pace • Emotional Space • Collaboration • Healing • Safety • Trust • Somatic Awareness • Gentle Pace • Emotional Space • Collaboration • Healing
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity to begin understanding what has been happening for you, and what you are hoping for support with. There is no expectation to explain everything straight away or to find the “right words.” We begin where you are, and move at a pace that feels manageable, steady, and collaborative.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book privately.
If you would like to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP or psychiatrist. This is usually obtained through a longer appointment with your GP to discuss your needs. With a valid referral, you may be eligible for up to 10 rebated psychology sessions per calendar year, with a review required after six sessions. If you have a referral and Mental Health Care Plan, you are welcome to send these through prior to your first appointment.
How often do sessions occur?
Session frequency varies depending on your needs, goals, and what level of support feels sustainable for you. Some people attend weekly, while others prefer fortnightly or move to less frequent sessions over time. This can be discussed together in the early stages of therapy and adjusted as needed.
What if I’m unsure whether therapy is right for me?
It’s very common to feel uncertain before starting therapy, especially if you’re used to managing things on your own. You don’t need to be in crisis, or have everything clearly understood before reaching out. Therapy can begin simply with noticing that things feel harder than they used to, or that what you’ve been carrying no longer feels sustainable on your own.
How long does therapy normally take?
Therapy looks different for everyone, so there isn’t a fixed timeline. For some people, a short period of support is enough to work through a specific challenge. For others, especially when working with longer-standing patterns or experiences, therapy may be more ongoing. We’ll check in along the way about what feels helpful and whether the work is still meeting your needs.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another person who may be waiting for support.
Appointment times are reserved specifically for you and are often difficult to reallocate at short notice. For this reason, cancellations or rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments where no notice is provided, may incur the full session fee in accordance with the Grounding Bear Psychology Terms & Conditions.
In genuine exceptional circumstances, fees may be reviewed at our discretion. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for further information.
How do I pay for my appointment?
Following your appointment, an invoice will be issued. Payment can be completed using secure electronic payment methods provided by Grounding Bear Psychology.
Where applicable, Medicare rebates will be processed following payment.
