FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About Psychological Therapy & Counselling at Enhance Life Psychology, Albert Park
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about therapy, appointments, and practical matters at Enhance Life Psychology
I work with adults and adolescents across a range of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, and performance-related challenges — whether in sport, the arts, education, or professional life.
My goal is to make it easier for you to understand how therapy works, what to expect, and how we can work together to enhance your wellbeing and performance, both in and beyond the therapy room.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a collaborative process between you and your psychologist. It’s not about being “fixed” or “cured,” but about working together to explore challenges, build insight, and develop more effective ways of thinking, behaving, and coping.
Sessions often begin with your psychologist asking questions to understand your story — including your challenges, strengths, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past. From there, we develop a working understanding (or hypothesis) of what might be influencing your experiences.
As therapy progresses, this understanding evolves with new insights. Counselling is a dynamic process that draws on psychological theory, evidence-based approaches, and your own life experiences to support meaningful and lasting change.
Find out more about the Therapy Approaches I tend to use here https://enhancelife.com.au/counselling-therapy/therapy-approaches-melbourne/
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No — you can book directly with Enhance Life Psychology without a referral. Many people choose to see a psychologist to explore how they think and behave, process past experiences, or make decisions that align with their values.
However, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral from your GP. Your GP can assess your eligibility and provide a referral for psychological treatment if you’re experiencing issues such as anxiety or depression.
You are always free to choose your preferred psychologist.
Please note: MHTPs cannot be used under the NDIS, which provides support for building functional capacity rather than treatment. I am not currently able to provide assessments or reports to support NDIS access applications.
You’re always welcome to contact me directly, even if you’re unsure about whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate. I can guide you through your options.
What are your hours?
I offer consultations from Monday to Thursday.
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In-person sessions: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at Crawley House, 328 Montague Street, Albert Park.
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Telehealth sessions: Monday to Thursday.
If you cannot find a suitable time online, please contact me to discuss options. Limited after-hours appointments may be available by prior arrangement.
Holiday closures and changes to regular hours are shared on the website, social media, and via email updates.
Enhance Life Psychology is not available outside of the stated hours.
Find out more about location and my hours here - https://enhancelife.com.au/contact/
If you need support outside of these hours, please refer to crisis services listed here → https://enhancelife.com.au/helplines/
Can I bring someone?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. Sometimes, it can be helpful for them to join part of your first session. However, most counselling sessions are one-on-one, allowing space to focus on your goals and experiences.
Do you see adolescents? And can their parents attend?
Yes, I work with adolescents as well as adults. Parents may attend part of the first session as a support person. After that, sessions are typically individual, as the focus is on the young person’s experiences and goals.
Parental consent is generally required for clients under 18 and should be provided in writing on the intake form. Engagement with parents is often therapeutic and helpful, and any disclosure of therapy content occurs with the adolescent’s consent, unless required by law.
If an adolescent prefers to attend part or all of a session on their own, this will be respected, provided it is clinically appropriate.
Find out more about me and my approach here - https://enhancelife.com.au/about-nonie-carr/
Do you work with children?
I occasionally see pre-teens (ages 10–12) when the presenting issues fall within my area of expertise. I do not typically work with younger children. Please contact me to discuss whether my approach is suitable for your child’s needs.
Do you bulk bill?
No. Enhance Life Psychology is a private billing practice.
Engaging in therapy is an investment in your wellbeing, growth, and resilience. My fees reflect the training, experience, and professional development required to deliver evidence-based psychological care, as well as the standard costs of running a private practice.
Fees and payment terms are always discussed before starting therapy to ensure you understand and agree to the financial arrangements.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact me to discuss whether a reduced fee may be available.
Find out more about my Fees and Fee Policy here - https://enhancelife.com.au/service-fees/
Can you explain your fees?
My fees reflect the time, preparation, and expertise involved in providing psychological services. They are set below the recommended rate of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi), which currently suggests $330 for a standard 45–60 minute session.
For details about current fees, please visit the Service Fees page.
Do you charge late notice and non-attendance fees?
Yes, fees apply when sessions are cancelled without sufficient notice. Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you.
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More than 48 hours’ notice: no fee applies.
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Between 24 and 48 hours’ notice: 50% of the session fee may apply.
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Less than 24 hours’ notice or non-attendance: the full session fee may apply.
These fees apply equally whether your sessions are self-funded or supported by a third party (such as Medicare, TAC, or WorkCover), as these funders do not cover missed appointments.
Courtesy reminders are sent three days in advance to help you plan or adjust if needed.
Cancellations can be made by phone, email, or text.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
Yes. If your GP or psychiatrist prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and provides a referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative.
You’ll pay the full session fee at the time of your appointment, and Medicare will rebate a portion directly to your nominated account (currently $145.25 per standard session, as set by Medicare).
Your initial referral will usually cover up to six sessions.
After these sessions, you’ll need to return to your GP for a review to discuss your progress and request a re-referral for any remaining sessions — up to a maximum of 10 per calendar year.
This review now occurs as part of a standard GP appointment, rather than being billed as a specific review item.
Please note that Medicare requires your Mental Health Treatment Plan to be prepared by your usual GP — the doctor or medical practice you visit for most of your healthcare needs.
You don’t need to be registered with MyMedicare to access rebates, but having your usual GP prepare your plan helps ensure continuity of care and smooth communication between your treatment providers.
Rebates are available for both in-person and telehealth consultations when the referral and MHTP requirements are met.
Please note:
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Medicare rebates cannot be claimed for missed or cancelled appointments.
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You may also choose to self-fund your sessions without a referral.
→ Read more about fees and rebates here → https://enhancelife.com.au/service-fees/
Rebate eligibility and referral requirements can change. It’s always best to check the most current details with your GP or directly with Medicare before your appointment.
Why do you require prepayment of consultation fees?
Prepayment reduces administration during sessions and allows more of your time to be focused on therapy.
Prepayments are processed two business days before your appointment, after a reminder is sent. If you need to reschedule, your prepayment will be applied as a credit to a future session (subject to the notice periods in the Fee Policy).
If unexpected financial hardship arises, please reach out as soon as possible to discuss options.
What is confidentiality — and what are the limits?
Confidentiality is a core part of psychological practice. Everything you share in therapy is treated with respect, care, and discretion, and your personal information is kept secure and private.
There are, however, specific circumstances where your psychologist may be legally or ethically required to share information. These include:
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When information is subpoenaed by a court or required by law.
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When there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or another person.
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When disclosure is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to someone’s life, health, or safety.
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When you have given informed consent for information to be shared — for example, with your GP, psychiatrist, or another professional involved in your care.
Supervision is also an integral part of ethical and competent psychological practice. Psychologists engage in regular supervision to reflect on their work and ensure the care they provide is effective, appropriate, and aligned with professional standards.
This may involve discussing aspects of clinical work with a qualified supervisor; however, all information shared in supervision is de-identified, meaning that you cannot be personally identified.
When you consent to engage in therapy at Enhance Life Psychology, you are also providing consent for your psychologist to discuss your case in this professional, de-identified context.
Records of supervision are maintained securely and do not form part of your personal health record. They are used solely for professional reflection and quality assurance purposes.
Your information is managed in accordance with the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct (2025), the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and relevant state health records legislation.
You are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality at any time so that you can make fully informed decisions about your care.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes. Telehealth allows clients to access therapy from home or work using a secure video platform. It can be especially useful for those living remotely, managing busy schedules, or preferring the flexibility of online sessions.
Research supports the idea that telehealth consultations can be as clinically effective as in-person consultations for psychological treatment (for research see here and here).
Telehealth consultations are conducted using secure systems that meet privacy and confidentiality standards under Australian law.
Medicare rebates are available for telehealth sessions if you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan.
You can book telehealth appointments online or contact me to discuss if this option suits your needs.
How do you accept referrals?
Referrals are accepted from GPs, psychiatrists, and other allied health professionals.
They can be sent:
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By fax – (03) 8679 0504
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Brought in by the client
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Uploaded with your intake form prior to your first appointment
Referrals from GPs and psychiatrists are required only if you wish to claim Medicare rebates.
All referrals and client information are handled securely and confidentially, in accordance with professional standards.
Find out more about how to contact me here - https://enhancelife.com.au/contact/
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what has brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about your goals, what you’d like to work on, and any relevant background information.
I’ll explain how therapy works, discuss confidentiality, and answer any questions you might have. From there, we’ll plan together how best to approach your goals and the frequency of sessions.
You can learn more about my approach here - https://enhancelife.com.au/about-nonie-carr/
How long will therapy take?
The number of sessions depends on your goals, the issues being addressed, and the pace that feels right for you. Some people benefit from short-term, focused work, while others find longer-term therapy more helpful. We’ll review your progress regularly to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.
Do you provide performance psychology for non-athletes?
Yes. Performance psychology isn’t limited to sport — it’s also valuable for professionals, artists, educators, and anyone who performs under pressure. We can explore strategies to manage anxiety, maintain focus, and build confidence in high-performance settings.
Read more about performance psychology → https://enhancelife.com.au/counselling-therapy/performance-psychology/
What’s the difference between counselling and clinical psychology?
Both counselling and clinical psychologists use evidence-based approaches to support mental health and wellbeing.
As a Counselling and Clinical Psychologist, I draw on both traditions — combining a relational, person-centred approach with clinical training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Do you provide reports or letters for legal or medical purposes?
I can prepare short reports or letters to support communication with your GP, psychiatrist, or other treating professionals when this forms part of your ongoing care.
These reports may summarise your progress in therapy, outline treatment recommendations, or confirm attendance, as appropriate.
However, I am unable to provide reports for forensic or legal purposes, such as court proceedings, fitness-for-duty evaluations, or medico-legal claims.
I also do not conduct cognitive assessments or provide formal diagnostic assessments for neurodivergence (such as ADHD or autism), as I do not hold the specific assessment tools required for this type of evaluation.
I can, however, discuss screening for neurodivergence as part of therapy to help identify whether a specialist assessment may be beneficial.
If a formal assessment or report is needed, I can assist by recommending suitable practitioners or services who specialise in that area.
Do you offer supervision or consultation for other psychologists?
Yes. I provide clinical supervision and consultation for psychologists and other professionals interested in enhancing their reflective practice or performance.
Find out more about supervision and consultation → https://enhancelife.com.au/consulting-supervision-speaking/
