Question 1

What services does Liza's Place offer?

Accepted Answer

At Liza's Place, we offer a range of psychological services, including individual therapy for children and adolescents, dyadic work, parent support, and group therapy. Our experienced psychologists are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches to support concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. We provide a tailored program to meet your specific needs.

Question 2

What kind of clients do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Liza's Place specialises in supporting children (aged 3-11), adolescents (12-18), and young adults, as well as their parents and carers. We also work with education providers to help meet the needs of children and adolescents in school settings. Parents can also benefit from accessing parenting support, as we understand that the important role of parenting can sometimes be particularly challenging.

Question 3

How do I know if therapy is right for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

If you or your child are experiencing emotional distress or behavioural challenges, therapy can be highly beneficial. It offers a supportive space to explore concerns and develop strategies for coping and growth.

Question 4

How long will I need to see a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of therapy sessions varies from person to person. It depends on your unique needs, goals, and the nature of your concerns. Your psychologist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Question 5

How long will my appointment last?

Accepted Answer

For all new clients, we book a 90-minute assessment session. Ongoing sessions are typically 50 minutes long.

Question 6

How do I book an appointment with a psychologist at Liza's Place?

Accepted Answer

Booking an appointment with us is easy. We offer several ways to make a booking: you can call us, email us, submit a request online, or book directly via our portal. More information is available on our Bookings page. Please note that new clients cannot book their initial assessment session through the portal.

Question 7

What kinds of referral options do you offer?

Accepted Answer

While a referral is preferred, it is not necessary. Clients can see our psychologists using Medicare, such as through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), as well as Private Health Insurance, NDIS, Victims of Crime, or similar funding sources. Our provisional psychologists offer sessions at a lower set fee; however, rebates are not available for these appointments.

Question 8

Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist at Liza's Place; however, referrals are preferred as they help us better coordinate your mental health care. If you are not providing a referral, please bring a letter outlining your concerns. To receive rebates on your sessions, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or similar. Our provisional psychologists offer sessions at a set fee but do not attract a Medicare rebate.

Question 9

How many sessions with a psychologist am I eligible for under Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Under a Mental Health Care Plan, you are eligible for 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions per calendar year. Parents may access up to 2 parent sessions within the 10 individual sessions. Medicare offers a range of support plans, so please speak with your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist to find out what’s best for you.

Question 10

Is therapy covered by my health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many health insurance providers offer coverage for psychological services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to discuss the details of your coverage.

Question 11

Can I use my NDIS funding for therapy services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may be able to use your NDIS funding for therapy services. Liza's Place offers a variety of services that fall under NDIS support categories. We support both plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants.

Question 12

What happens if my NDIS funding runs out before my next planned therapy session?

Accepted Answer

If your NDIS funding runs out, you may need to self-fund your therapy sessions until your plan is renewed. You might also be eligible for Medicare-rebated sessions, so please discuss this with your GP or referring specialist. It’s a good idea to keep track of your NDIS funding to help avoid any interruptions to your therapy.

Question 13

Do you provide support for urgent cases?

Accepted Answer

We understand that everyone’s mental health needs are unique. Some clients present with higher-risk behaviours and require more immediate care. A GP referral helps us assess the urgency of your situation. Please note, if you are in crisis or need immediate support, contact your local hospital, call 000, or use the crisis numbers provided.

Question 14

I’m nervous about seeing a psychologist for the first time. How can you help me?

Accepted Answer

We understand that seeing a psychologist can feel like a big and sometimes scary step. To make things easier, we’ve provided plenty of information about us on this website - so please take your time exploring. We also know how important it is for you to feel safe and comfortable. That’s why we offer a weekly after-school "Drop-In" session, where you can visit the clinic and meet some of our team in a relaxed setting. Please contact our friendly reception to find out when the next Drop-In session is available, or enquire through this site.

Question 15

What should I expect in my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your first therapy session is an important opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know each other. This session usually lasts 90 minutes to allow enough time for this. We’ll explore your concerns, background, and therapy goals. Your psychologist will also introduce you to the clinic, explain the assessment and therapy process, and answer any questions you may have. Parents are encouraged to be involved in this process as well.

Question 16

What is the difference between a Provisionally Registered Psychologist and a Registered Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists become fully registered after completing 6–7 years of professional study and internship placements. Clinical Psychologists undertake an additional 2 years of specialist training.
After about 5 years of study, psychology students are typically provisionally registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) while they complete their advanced training. Liza's Place offers suitable Provisional Psychologists the opportunity to undertake placements. We provide formal supervision and additional training to help them meet their registration requirements. This means our Provisional Psychologists bring with them up-to-date knowledge from their recent psychological studies.

Question 17

Do both parents need to attend the assessment session (Session 1)?

Accepted Answer

It is always helpful to meet both parents to gain key insights. However, we understand this may not always be possible. If a parent is unable to attend but wishes to provide information, we can either see that parent separately, or you can write down the information for the other parent to bring to the first session.

Question 18

If the parents are separated or divorced, do you want to see them separately?

Accepted Answer

It is generally preferable for your psychologist to see both parents together, as this can be helpful. However, we understand this may be stressful. The other parent is welcome to book a separate session to discuss their concerns, or they can provide their information in writing directly to the psychologist.

Question 19

Will I be coming to the session with my child or teen?

Accepted Answer

Often, young people prefer to attend sessions alone, especially once they become familiar with the clinic and their psychologist. However, we’re happy to have parents attend sessions so everyone can learn new skills and share their perspectives. Whether parents attend is usually decided together by the young person and their family.

Question 20

Can siblings accompany my child to Liza's Place?

Accepted Answer

All children remain the responsibility of their parents or carers, and we ask that you continue your usual parental responsibilities at all times, including during sessions. If you are attending your child’s session, please ensure another adult is available to care for siblings, especially younger ones. For children under 14, parents or carers need to remain on the premises during sessions, even if the child is attending alone.

Question 21

How do I know my information will be kept private?

Accepted Answer

Your consent is usually required before we collect, use, or disclose your sensitive personal information for any purpose other than why it was originally collected. We respect your right to control how your information is used and shared. Consent forms are available to document your preferences.

Question 22

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that sometimes you may need to cancel or change your appointment. We kindly ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee. This allows us enough time to offer your spot to someone else who needs support. You can cancel or reschedule by calling us directly or sending us an email.

07 4572 3838

info@lizasplace.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions