What should I expect in therapy?

Therapy provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for you to examine any challenges you are facing and to support you to work towards the life that you want to build for yourself. It is a collaborative process. Therapy goals are clarified, as well as strategies for achieving these goals. Your therapist will discuss evidence-based approaches, tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Your views and input are imperative to this process and will regularly be revisited as therapy progresses.

The initial session provides an opportunity to learn about the specific area/s in which you require support and to obtain a broader overview of you as a person, your history and upbringing, as well as your strengths and passions and what is important to you. During the initial session, your practitioner will also talk with you about their initial impressions and ideas for progressing therapy and will seek your input and agreement.

Subsequent sessions are tailored towards assisting you to work towards your individual therapy goals. As sessions progress, you can expect collaborative assignment of tasks between sessions to allow you to move forward more effectively and to consolidate and build on the work that is covered during sessions.

What do I need to do prior to attending my first session?

Prior to attending your session your will be emailed an initial intake and Information and Consent form. This form will outline details related to fees and confidentiality (including limits to confidentiality) and access to and storage of your information. It will request your contact details, an emergency contact person and credit card for payment. If you are providing a referral from a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan, you will also be able to provide these details, including your Medicare information and a Bank account to receive your rebate ($92.90). This form is required to be completed prior to your first session.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are 55 minutes long.

Do I need a GP referral?

You do not need a GP referral to book a session. However, if you would like to claim a rebate ($92.90 per session) for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year, you will need to make an appointment to see a GP and request a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan. Please provide your GP referral letter prior to the initial assessment session if you wish to claim the rebate. Alternatively, you can provide a referral from a GP at any stage in the treatment process, just be aware that care plans can not be backdated and the rebate can’t be claimed without a valid referral.

What about private health insurance?

If you have private health insurance you may also like to enquire as to whether psychology sessions may be covered. A receipt can be provided for the purpose of claiming on private health insurance.  Please note that health fund rebates do not require a GP referral. You cannot claim from Medicare and your health fund for the same session.

How many sessions will I need?

Frequency of sessions will be determined following the initial assessment session, based on your individual therapy needs and goals. Typically, sessions are booked weekly or fortnightly to begin with, although this will regularly be reviewed as sessions progress.  The length of treatment will largely be determined by your therapy goals and the nature of your presentation. This is something that can be discussed at the end of your initial session. For some people, 6 sessions or fewer may be more than adequate to meet their goals, whilst for others they may need more intensive support. You can expect your therapist to be honest with you about their expectations in terms of frequency and length of treatment and to discuss any time or financial considerations you may have.

Do you offer face to face sessions?

Currently the practice is operating as a telehealth service. Research suggests that telehealth, is as effective as face-to-face services in terms of treatment outcomes. Telehealth also affords the flexibility and reduced time demands associated with travel to and from appointments. Feel free to book a session at your convenience, for example, during your lunchbreak, in a private space at work, at home during your child’s sleep time, in your car, or in a park. As long as you have privacy and access to the internet it is suitable. If you are not sure whether telehealth is for you, feel free to try it and to discuss any questions or concerns with your therapist.

What is the Cost/Fee

The fee is $235 per session or $142.10 per session with a referral from a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan. If you hold private health insurance you may wish to enquire as to whether psychology sessions are covered. A receipt can be provided on request. Please note that private health and GP referrals (Medicare rebate) can’t be claimed on the same consult.

​What is the Cancellation Policy?

If, for some reason you need to cancel or postpone the appointment, please manage your booking online or give your psychologist at least 24-hours’ notice by telephone or email. A cancellation fee of 100% will be charged if insufficient notice is given. This allows your psychologist time to manage a busy waitlist and to make the appointment available to other clients.

How do you ensure confidentiality for online sessions?

To ensure confidentiality is maintained during sessions, Sarah utilises Zoom with End to End encryption enabled (E2EE) for all sessions. In a meeting with E2EE enabled, nobody except each participant – not even Zoom’s servers – has access to the encryption keys being used to encrypt the meeting. For detailed information related to E2EE please see Zoom E2EE information.

What are the limits to confidentiality?

Psychologists are bound by a strict code of ethics and the information that you share during your sessions will remain strictly confidential. There are certain exceptions to this including if 1) your notes are subpoenaed by a court, 2) failure to disclosure the information would place you or someone else at serious risk to life, health or safety 3) your prior approval is sought, for example to provide an update to your GP or other professional or 4) disclosure if otherwise required or authorised by law.

Do you have online bookings?

Yes, however online bookings are for existing clients. This means that you can easily make, cancel or reschedule sessions at your own convenience, taking into account the cancellation policy (see above) following your initial session. Online bookings are via the following link  Sarah Marshall Halaxy Online Bookings for existing clients

I would like to book an initial appointment, what should I do next?

Please send an email to drsarahlmarshall@gmail.com or submit your query via our secure online link via our CONTACT page. Your information will be kept totally confidential. Detailed information is not required to secure an appointment. You can expect an email response within 48 hours (excluding weekends). We will inform you of current availability and will support you to make an initial appointment, or to make a time for a confidential phone discussion (if required to discuss your needs and suitability).

Please note our phone and email are are used for planning purposes and are not monitored 24/7. If you are in immediate need of assistance please call 000 for emergency support or Lifeline available 24/7 on 13 11 14.