Frequently Asked Questions

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialist training in mental health after finishing their medical degree. They are registered with AHPRA and are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medications. Their primary role is to diagnose and manage complex or severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and psychosis. Psychiatrists can assess whether symptoms have a medical or psychological cause and offer treatment that may include medication, and hospital admission. 

Psychologists

Psychologists are registered with AHPRA. They are mental health professionals qualified to assess and formally diagnose mental health conditions, and they use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and others to help clients improve their wellbeing. Psychologists can work with individuals, couples, or groups to address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, learning difficulties, grief, and behavioural issues. Their treatment often includes psychological testing and formulation. If referred by a GP through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, clients may be eligible for Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) 

AMHSWs are highly trained clinical social workers with specialised experience in mental health practice and psychological treatment. They are different from general social workers. AMHSWs hold a social work degree and are strictly required to complete a minimum of two years of full-time clinical experience specialising in mental health intervention, treatment, and therapeutic practices. They are formally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and are recognised by the Australian Government (Medicare) to provide therapy under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. AMHSWs work across the lifespan and offer therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, grief, and more. Similar to psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers use a range of evidence-based psychological interventions in helping people with mental health disorders. Clients may be eligible for Medicare rebates for sessions with an AMHSW.

Psychotherapists

Psychotherapists help people explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, relationships, and past experiences. Psychotherapy often involves deep emotional work and is typically suited to people seeking long-term, insight-based therapy. Registered psychotherapists have university qualifications in psychotherapy and/or a background in psychology, social work, or counselling. Registered psychotherapists are highly skilled and trained in helping clients address a wide range of psychological issues, such as childhood trauma, identity struggles, emotional dysregulation, mental health disorders, and long-standing relational patterns. They may use approaches like psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, etc. Registered psychotherapists are highly skilled in helping individuals foster greater self-awareness, emotional growth, and internal change over time.

Counsellors

Counsellors offer support for life challenges and emotional distress, such as grief, stress, relationship problems, and work-related difficulties. Their work is usually short- to medium-term and focused on helping people cope better in the present. Many counsellors have completed a diploma or degree-level training in mental health counselling and may register with peak professional bodies for ethical and educational standards such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Counsellors provide a safe, empathetic space where clients feel heard and understood. They support individuals in identifying goals, building coping strategies, and making positive life changes. Although counsellors do not diagnose mental illness, they play an important role in early intervention and can refer clients to other professionals if needed.

Hypnotherapists

Hypnotherapists use guided relaxation and focused attention to help people access their subconscious mind and make behavioural changes. Hypnotherapy is often used to support treatment for issues such as phobias, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, insomnia, and habit change (e.g. smoking cessation). Many practitioners complete certification through professional associations, such as the Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA). Some qualified therapists (e.g. psychologists, AMHSWs, psychotherapists, counsellors) may include hypnotherapy as part of their clinical practice. It is often used as a complementary therapy and may be combined with other forms of treatment, such as CBT or talk therapy. Hypnotherapy is very safe and can be effective for certain clients, though it may not be suitable for everyone. It is typically used for short-term, goal-specific interventions.

Individuals seek counselling or therapy for a wide range of reasons. Generally, it is because something is troubling them in their lives and they feel unable to change or resolve the issue themselves, and they need someone to talk it through. Sometimes the problem is persistent and interferes significantly with their day-to-day lives.

At other times the problem seems to come and go, yet there is an underlying awareness that things could be better. Speaking to a counsellor can assist you to see things from different perspectives. The way we perceive things affects the way we feel, and the way we feel about certain things affects the way we behave. A counsellor will walk through the journey with you and explore that 'unknown path' together.

Everything you share in the course of our sessions will be strictly confidential; however, there are a few circumstances (as required by law) in which your counsellor may be required to breach confidentiality:

• If you are at risk of seriously harming yourself or someone else
• If your counselling records have been requested by a court of law
• If another party or agency has requested your information, and you have agreed and provided us with your written consent to this. 

Yes, you are able to make an appointment at any time without a referral.

At Live Your Story Psychotherapy, if you have a current mental health care plan and a referral from your GP, the answer is yes, we do offer Medicare rebates to eligible clients. Note that only Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, and individuals on a special visa type (e.g. New Zealanders, British etc.) are eligible for Medicare rebates.

As for private health funds, this would depend on your individual insurance policy. Usually mental health or counselling services are covered by private health funds; however, it is your responsibility as a client to check and confirm with your respective private health insurance provider regarding this matter.

Yes, the Overseas Student Health  Cover (OSHC) does cover mental health or counselling sessions. You will have to pay full fee first and use the receipt to claim a rebate from your respective OSHC insurance provider. 

To book an appointment, you may use our user-friendly online booking system on our website at www.liveyourstory.com.au

We believe that mental health services should be made more available and affordable to individuals who need it most; therefore, our fees are relatively more affordable in comparison to other private practices or clinics. Most individuals are eligible for some kind of rebates (e.g. Medicare, Private health, OSHC etc.) and the actual gap fee you will be paying in the end is approximately AUD$120 per session. 

Payment is taken at the end of your session. You can either pay by:

• PayID
• Bank transfer

Once you have made a booking, you will receive an email confirmation regarding your session. Each session last for at least 50 minutes. As a part of our client service experience, you will received an email reminder 5 days before your appointment, and an SMS gentle reminder 2 days before your session. If you have any questions, you are more than welcome to get in touch with us. You may find our contact details on the 'contact us' page. 

Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you. Once your appointment is confirmed and if under any circumstances, you decide to cancel your appointment, please notifies us at least 24 hours in advance.

When you cancel late, or do not attend your appointment, that appointment time slot may not be filled. This is a loss to the clinician who reserved time for you, and other clients who are on a waiting list.

If less than 24 hours notice is provided, a late cancellation fee of AUD$210 will be charged. This is to ensure fairness to all parties, including you as the client, the therapist, and those who may need a counselling session but they have to be on a waiting list due to limited availability.

This cancellation fee can be waived if you have a valid reason(s) such as a hospital emergency or under life-threatening circumstances. For more information, please refer to our Service Policy.