Frequently Asked Questions
​These responses are written by Dr Sarah Fischer, Principal Psychologist at Behavioural Edge Psychology. Dr Fischer holds a PhD in Psychology and is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under AHPRA with endorsement in organisational psychology. Behavioural Edge Psychology provides clinical therapy, adult neurodivergence assessments, workplace psychology services, and registered services under NDIS, WorkSafe Victoria, and TAC. We see clients at our clinics in Caulfield South and St Kilda, and via Telehealth Australia-wide.
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Getting Started
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a 50-minute clinical intake. We will discuss what has brought you to therapy, your current concerns, your relevant history, and what you want to get out of the process. I will explain how therapy works and answer any questions. You will not be asked to share anything you are not ready to discuss. By the end of the session we will have a shared understanding of your goals and a preliminary plan for working towards them.
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How do I book an appointment?
You can book directly through the online booking system on this website, or call us on (03) 8771 4315. After booking you will receive confirmation along with intake forms and a client services agreement to complete before your first session. These forms help me prepare so that your first appointment is focused and productive.
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Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist privately. You can book and attend sessions at any time. To access a Medicare rebate, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral from your GP under the Better Access initiative. With a valid plan and referral, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate on up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. If you are unsure whether you have a current plan, your GP can check for you.
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What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a document prepared by your GP after a dedicated mental health consultation. During that appointment your GP will ask about your symptoms, how they are affecting your life, and what kind of support you are seeking. The GP then prepares the plan and provides a referral to a psychologist. With a valid MHTP and referral, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate of $98.95 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative.
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Fees, Rebates, and Payment
What are your fees?
Individual therapy sessions (50 minutes) are $250 in person and $225 via Telehealth. These fees sit below the Australian Psychological Society's recommended rate for a standard consultation. With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan you will receive a Medicare rebate of $98.95 per session. Private health insurance rebates may also be available depending on your level of extras cover. Adult ADHD assessments start at $1,500, adult autism assessments at $2,000, and combined ADHD plus autism assessments at $2,500. Assessment fees include clinical interviews, standardised testing, and a written report.
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Can I claim through private health insurance?
Yes, if your private health insurance includes extras cover for psychology. Rebate amounts vary between insurers and between levels of cover, so we recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm your entitlements. You can claim your rebate through your insurer after each session using the receipt I provide.
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What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Missed appointments and late cancellations are charged at the full session fee. We understand that unexpected circumstances arise, and if something urgent comes up, please contact us as early as possible so we can discuss options.
Implementation note.
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The Therapy Process
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on what you are working on, your goals, and the complexity of the concerns you bring. Some people benefit from a focused six to ten sessions. Longer-term work on complex trauma or recurrent patterns may take six months or more. We will review progress together at regular intervals so the plan stays connected to what is actually useful for you.
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Do you offer Telehealth sessions?
Yes, we offer secure video and telephone sessions for clients across Australia. Telehealth sessions are billed at $225 per 50-minute session. Medicare rebates apply to Telehealth sessions on the same terms as face-to-face sessions, provided you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. Many clients find Telehealth a practical option when work, caring responsibilities, distance, or sensory and access needs make in-person sessions difficult.
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What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication and is registered with the Medical Board of Australia. A psychologist holds a tertiary degree in psychology and is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under AHPRA. Psychologists provide assessment and evidence-based talking therapies and cannot prescribe medication. For some people the most effective support combines psychiatric medication review with psychological therapy.
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Adult Neurodivergence Assessments
What does an adult ADHD or autism assessment involve?
Adult ADHD and autism assessments at Behavioural Edge Psychology use the MIGDAS-2 for autism and the DIVA-5 for ADHD as core diagnostic tools, alongside clinical interview, developmental history, and standardised self-report measures. Assessments are neurodiversity-affirming and focus on giving you a clear formulation, diagnostic outcome where appropriate, and practical strategies for work, study, relationships, and daily life. You will receive a written report you can share with your GP, employer, or NDIS planner if relevant.
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Can I get a Medicare rebate for a neurodivergence assessment?
No, Medicare does not currently rebate adult neurodivergence assessments performed by a psychologist. Some private health insurers may contribute a partial rebate under extras cover for psychology, depending on your policy. We provide itemised receipts so you can check directly with your insurer. If you have NDIS funding under Improved Daily Living, your plan may cover a diagnostic assessment that supports your goals.
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I think I might be autistic or have ADHD. Where do I start?
Start with a brief phone or email enquiry so we can talk through what you are looking for. If we are a good fit, we will book an initial consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking assessment, your history, and your goals. We will then map out the assessment process, including timeframes and fees, so you can make an informed decision before committing. There is no pressure to proceed.
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WorkCover, NDIS, and TAC
How do WorkCover psychology sessions work?
Behavioural Edge Psychology is a registered provider of treating psychology services through WorkSafe Victoria (WorkCover). If you have an accepted WorkCover claim that includes psychological injury, your GP can refer you for sessions, and we will bill WorkSafe directly at the scheduled rate. There are no out-of-pocket fees for accepted clients. We can also prepare reports for your claim, including impairment assessments and treatment summaries.
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Do you provide services under the NDIS?
Yes, Behavioural Edge Psychology is a registered NDIS provider under Registration Group 0128 (Therapeutic Supports). We work with NDIS participants whose plans include Capacity Building funding for psychology, whether you are self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed. Our work is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed, and we can support psychosocial recovery, neurodivergent capacity building, and skill development in line with your plan goals.
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Can I access psychology services through the TAC?
Yes, we provide treating psychology services for clients with accepted TAC claims. After a transport accident, your GP can refer you for psychological treatment, and we bill TAC directly at the scheduled rate. There are no out-of-pocket fees for accepted clients. We work with clients on trauma symptoms, adjustment, pain management, and return to work or daily life.
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Workplace Psychology Services
What is a psychosocial incident report?
A psychosocial incident report is an independent psychological assessment commissioned by an employer, insurer, or legal representative to document the psychological impact of a workplace incident. Reports may cover bullying, harassment, traumatic exposure, or other psychosocial injury. They are written to a standard that meets the requirements of WorkSafe Victoria, the Fair Work Commission, and Victorian legal proceedings under the 2024 Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act amendments. Dr Sarah Fischer prepares these reports with AHPRA endorsement in organisational psychology.
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What is a Fitness to Work assessment?
A Fitness to Work assessment is an independent evaluation of whether a worker is psychologically fit to perform their inherent job requirements safely. It is commissioned by employers, insurers, or legal representatives, usually in the context of return-to-work planning or disciplinary processes. The assessment includes clinical interview, review of medical and employment records, and standardised testing. The report addresses fitness, recommended adjustments, and prognosis.
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Practical Details
Where is Behavioural Edge Psychology located?
Behavioural Edge Psychology has two clinics in Victoria. The Caulfield South clinic is at 223 North Road, Caulfield South VIC 3162. The St Kilda clinic is at 22 Alma Road, St Kilda VIC 3182. We also offer Telehealth sessions to clients across Australia.
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What are your clinic hours?
Our Caulfield South clinic is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Our St Kilda clinic is open Thursdays from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Telehealth sessions are available across these hours.
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Is there parking available?
Yes, both clinics have free parking nearby. The Caulfield South clinic has on-site parking and free street parking on surrounding streets. The St Kilda clinic has has on-site parking and free street parking on Alma Road and adjacent streets. Both locations are also accessible by public transport.
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Who do you typically work with?
We work with adults (18+) across a range of presentations, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma and CPTSD, workplace stress and burnout, adjustment difficulties, and grief. We have particular experience supporting healthcare and legal professionals, regulated workforce members, high-achieving professionals, and people seeking adult neurodivergence assessment. We do not currently see children or adolescents.
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Is everything I say in therapy confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is fundamental to therapy and is protected by the Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct. There are limited exceptions where confidentiality may need to be broken, including risk of serious harm to yourself or others, court orders, mandatory reporting requirements, and supervision or peer consultation. These limits will be discussed in your first session as part of informed consent.