Your first appointment
Arrive about ten minutes early to complete the intake form. Bring your Medicare card, any referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan, your GP's details, and a list of any medications.
Sessions run for 50 minutes. The first is mostly information-gathering and agreeing a direction.
Confidentiality
What you discuss stays between you and your psychologist. Your file is not shared without your written consent, with four exceptions: a serious and imminent risk to someone's safety, a legal obligation to report suspected harm to a child, a subpoena, or a mandatory notification about a health practitioner. Your psychologist will explain these at the first appointment.
If you were referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare requires a brief letter to your referring GP. You may read it first.
Young people
Adolescents are entitled to confidentiality. We explain to both the young person and their parents at the outset what will and will not be shared, and we hold to it.
Cancellations
At least 24 hours' notice, please. Late cancellations may be charged.
If something is not working
Tell us. Changing psychologists within the practice is common and no one takes it personally — fit matters more than continuity. If you have a concern about your care, speak to your psychologist or our Practice Manager. You may also contact the Health and Community Services Complaints Commission (NT) on 1800 004 474 or AHPRA on 1300 419 495.
We are not a crisis service
Our clinics are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm. Outside those hours please call 000 in an emergency, the NT Mental Health Line on 1800 682 288, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 13YARN on 13 92 76.
Bring with you
- Your Medicare card
- Any referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Your GP's name and clinic
- A list of current medications
- Previous reports, if you have them
Our clinics close at 5pm. Outside those hours, call 000 in an emergency, the NT Mental Health Line on 1800 682 288, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
All crisis services →