Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology at Havenbrook

Considering psychological therapy or an ADHD or autism assessment in Melbourne? Below are answers to common questions about appointments, fees, Medicare rebates, Telehealth and visiting Havenbrook Psychology in Armadale.

Havenbrook Psychology is a boutique, single-practitioner psychology practice led by registered psychologist Claire Landsberry. Appointments are available in person on High Street, Armadale, and through secure online therapy across Australia.

Getting Started

  • No. You can book privately with a psychologist without obtaining a referral.

    If you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible therapy sessions, you will need a valid referral from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician. This may form part of a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

  • You can submit an enquiry or book an initial appointment through our secure online booking portal. After booking, you will receive an email with your appointment information and the forms that need to be completed before your first session.

    If you are seeking an ADHD assessment, autism assessment or combined ADHD and autism assessment, an initial screening consultation is recommended before the complete assessment is booked.

  • Havenbrook Psychology provides individual psychological therapy for adults. ADHD and autism assessments are available for adults and adolescents.

    The practice does not currently provide ongoing child therapy, couples counselling or family therapy.

  • We support adults experiencing a range of concerns, including:

    • Anxiety and excessive worry

    • Depression and low mood

    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

    • Panic attacks and panic disorder

    • Trauma and attachment-related difficulties

    • Stress and burnout

    • ADHD and autism

    • Identity and self-esteem concerns

    • Relationship and interpersonal difficulties

    • Life transitions and adjustment

    • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

    You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to begin therapy. An initial consultation can help clarify your concerns, goals and whether Havenbrook Psychology is likely to be the right fit for you.

Your Psychology Appointments

  • Your first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to therapy, your relevant history and what you would like to change or understand more clearly.

    We will ask questions to develop an initial understanding of your experiences while allowing the conversation to move at a manageable pace. You can also ask questions about therapy, confidentiality and the approaches that may be suitable for you.

  • A standard individual therapy appointment is approximately 50 minutes. Additional time is reserved after the consultation for clinical documentation and other professional responsibilities associated with your care.

    Assessment interviews, feedback appointments and other specialised services may have different durations. These will be explained before your assessment begins.

  • The right frequency depends on your needs, goals, availability and current circumstances. Many clients begin with weekly or fortnightly appointments to establish continuity, while others attend less frequently.

    Your psychologist will discuss an appropriate schedule with you, and the frequency can be reviewed as therapy progresses.

  • Therapy is individualised rather than based on a single approach. Depending on your needs, we may draw from evidence-based therapies including:

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    • Compassion-Focused Therapy

    • Exposure and Response Prevention

    • Mindfulness-based approaches

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills

    • Trauma-informed and somatic-informed interventions

    Your therapy plan will be developed collaboratively and adapted according to your experiences, preferences and goals.

  • There is no standard number of sessions that suits everyone. Some people seek focused support for a specific concern, while others benefit from longer-term therapy involving more complex or longstanding experiences.

    Your progress, priorities and preferences will be reviewed throughout therapy. You are welcome to discuss the direction or pace of your sessions at any time.

  • A strong therapeutic relationship is an important part of effective psychological care. The first few sessions allow both you and your psychologist to consider whether the approach feels suitable for your needs.

    You are encouraged to raise questions, preferences or concerns directly. If Havenbrook Psychology is not the right service for your presentation, we may discuss other services or referral pathways where appropriate.

  • A support person may be involved in some appointments when clinically appropriate, particularly during an ADHD or autism assessment. Please discuss this before the appointment so that consent, confidentiality and the purpose of their involvement can be considered.

    Havenbrook Psychology provides individual therapy and does not offer couples or family therapy.

Fees, Medicare and Payments

  • Standard individual therapy fees are:

    • In-hours appointment: $260

    • After-hours appointment: $290

    Assessment services have separate package fees based on the type and scope of the assessment. The complete costs and payment schedule will be provided before you agree to commence.

  • Havenbrook Psychology is a private, full-fee psychology practice and does not routinely offer bulk-billed appointments.

    Eligible clients may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket cost by claiming a Medicare rebate under a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan or through applicable private health insurance.

  • If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral, you may be eligible to claim Medicare rebates for individual therapy appointments.

    Eligible clients can currently claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual mental health treatment services per calendar year. Referrals generally begin with up to six sessions, with further sessions requiring consideration and referral by your doctor.

    Eligibility and claiming limits are determined by Medicare. Current information is available through Services Australia.

  • Medicare provides a set rebate toward eligible psychology appointments rather than covering the full consultation fee. This means there will usually be an out-of-pocket gap between the Medicare rebate and Havenbrook Psychology’s private fee.

    We understand that the cost of therapy is an important consideration. Havenbrook’s standard fees of $260 for in-hours appointments and $290 for after-hours appointments remain below the Australian Psychological Society’s current suggested fee of $330 for a standard 46–60 minute psychology consultation.

    Medicare rebates and eligibility requirements can change, so please contact the practice or visit Services Australia for current information.

  • Comprehensive ADHD and autism assessments are generally private services and are not ordinarily covered under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

    In some circumstances, another funding or rebate pathway may apply. You should confirm your individual eligibility with Medicare, your private health insurer or the relevant funding body before commencing an assessment.

  • Depending on your policy and level of extras cover, you may be eligible for a rebate for psychological services. Please contact your insurer directly to confirm your eligibility, expected rebate and any annual limits.

    Medicare and private health insurance cannot ordinarily both be claimed for the same appointment.

  • Payments, receipts and invoices are managed securely through Halaxy. You will receive payment and account instructions before your first appointment, and a valid payment method may be required to confirm your bookings.

    Where a Medicare claim applies, the claim can generally be submitted after the full appointment fee has been paid and the required referral information has been received.

Online Therapy and Telehealth

  • Yes. Havenbrook Psychology provides secure online psychology appointments through Telehealth, allowing adults to attend therapy from home, work or another private location.

    Online therapy is available across Australia and can be particularly helpful for clients who live outside Melbourne, have a busy schedule, experience mobility or transport barriers, or feel more comfortable attending from a familiar environment.

  • Yes, where clinically appropriate. You may attend some appointments at the Armadale psychology practice and others through Telehealth.

    Please advise the practice before your appointment if you need to change the consultation format.

  • You will need:

    • A reliable internet connection

    • A computer, tablet or phone with a camera and microphone

    • A quiet and private space

    • Access to the secure Telehealth link provided before your appointment

    Headphones can provide additional privacy. It is also helpful to minimise interruptions and allow a few minutes to test your connection before the session begins.

  • Eligible Telehealth psychology appointments may attract a Medicare rebate when you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and meet Medicare’s requirements.

    Eligibility can depend on your referral and individual circumstances. Please confirm your eligibility with Medicare or your referring doctor.

ADHD and Autism Assessments

    • ADHD assessments

    • Autism assessments

    • Combined ADHD and autism assessments

    Assessments are available for adults and adolescents and are conducted using a comprehensive, neuroaffirming approach.

  • The exact process depends on the referral question, but an assessment may include:

    • An initial screening or assessment-planning consultation

    • A comprehensive clinical interview

    • Review of developmental, educational, psychological and medical history

    • Standardised questionnaires and psychometric measures

    • Information from a parent, partner or other trusted person

    • Review of school reports, previous assessments or other relevant records

    • Clinical integration and consideration of alternative explanations

    • A comprehensive written report

    • An individual feedback consultation

    • Practical recommendations for ongoing support

    The assessment process is intended to provide meaningful clarification and recommendations, whether or not the diagnostic criteria are ultimately met.

  • Developmental information is an important part of ADHD and autism assessment. Where possible, information may be gathered from a parent, relative, partner or another person who knows you well.

    If a suitable informant is unavailable, this does not necessarily prevent an assessment from proceeding. We may consider school reports, previous records, additional interviewing or other appropriate sources of developmental information.

    This will be discussed during the initial screening or assessment-planning stage.

  • No. An assessment is a process of careful investigation and does not guarantee that a particular diagnosis will be made.

    Information from interviews, questionnaires, developmental history, records and other sources is considered together. The outcome may confirm a diagnosis, identify another explanation, recommend further investigation or conclude that there is not currently enough evidence to make a diagnosis.

  • No. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

    A psychological ADHD assessment can provide diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations. If you would like to explore medication, you will need to discuss this with a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist who can assess medical suitability and prescribing options.

  • Comprehensive ADHD and autism assessment packages include a detailed written report. The report may describe the information considered, relevant findings, diagnostic conclusions, functional impacts and personalised recommendations.

    Reports are written to be meaningful for the individual and may also support communication with families, GPs, psychiatrists, schools, universities or other healthcare professionals where appropriate and with your consent.

Visiting Havenbrook Psychology in Armadale

  • Havenbrook Psychology is located at 921–927 High Street, Armadale, Melbourne.

    The practice is directly opposite Armadale Station and close to the Route 6 tram, providing convenient access from surrounding suburbs including Malvern, Prahran, Toorak, South Yarra, Caulfield and St Kilda.

  • From High Street, follow the leafy pathway along the side of the building. Continue past the established trees and garden fountain until you reach the private Havenbrook Psychology entrance at the top of the red marble staircase.

    The entrance is set back from High Street to provide a greater sense of privacy and separation from the surrounding activity.

  • Street parking may be available along High Street, Northcote Road and surrounding streets. Parking restrictions can vary, so please check the signs and allow sufficient time before your appointment.

    Public transport is also readily available, with Armadale Station opposite the practice and the Route 6 tram nearby.

  • The private entrance is accessed by stairs. If stairs or physical access may be difficult for you, please contact Havenbrook Psychology before booking an in-person appointment. Telehealth may provide a more accessible option where clinically appropriate.

Privacy, Communication and Safety

  • Psychological services are confidential, and your personal and health information is managed in accordance with professional and legal requirements.

    There are circumstances in which information may need to be disclosed, including where there is a serious concern about safety or where disclosure is required by law. Confidentiality and its limits will be explained as part of the consent process, and you are welcome to ask questions at any time.

  • If you attend under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Claire may provide your referring practitioner with relevant progress information as required for coordinated care and Medicare purposes.

    Information will otherwise only be shared with another person or professional with your consent, except where disclosure is legally required or necessary in response to a serious safety concern.

  • Email and administrative communication can be used for matters such as booking, rescheduling, invoices and providing agreed documents. Email is not suitable for therapy, urgent clinical support or crisis communication.

    Clinical concerns are usually best discussed during an appointment, where there is enough time and privacy to consider them properly.

  • No. Havenbrook Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service and cannot provide immediate or continuously monitored support between appointments.

    If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or attend the nearest emergency department.

    For 24-hour crisis support, contact Lifeline:

    • Call 13 11 14

    • Text 0477 13 11 14

    • Use Lifeline’s online crisis chat

Still have a question?

If your question has not been answered here, please contact Havenbrook Psychology or submit an online enquiry. We will help clarify whether our psychological therapy, ADHD assessment or autism assessment services are appropriate for your needs.

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