From Lindy: A psychologist is a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn. We consider what has set in motion current difficulties and apply evidence-based approaches and tools to support each individual to develop skills. Sometimes, I say, a psychologist is a like a coach for the mind - being by someone's side (to give encouragement and guidance) as they navigate their way toward their goals. There is often a misconception that psychologists can "fix" people. As a psychologist, I can't "fix" anyone - I can only offer professional and targeted intervention and support so that each person is able to solve the problems that are affecting their life. Whilst I am not a handyman or a magician, I use my 'tooklit' to support each person to gain insights and find solutions to meet their needs.

You do not need a referral to book an appointment or see a psychologist. However, having a referral can reduce the fees payable: To receive a Medicare rebate (for up to 10 sessions per calendar year), a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is required from a GP, psychiatrist or pediatrician. Depending on your Private Health Fund, you may be eligible for a rebate and no MHTP is required. You would need to check your eligibility with your Private Health Fund directly. Note: You cannot claim for both a Medicare and a Private Health Fund rebate for the same session. NDIS Participants For Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS Participants, you have the choice to use Connectfully if you have a Capacity Building budget (note: Lindy is a non-NDIS Registered Provider who adheres to NDIS requirements). It is the responsibility of the NDIS Participant or Nominated Representative of the Participant to ensure their: NDIS Plan has an allocated NDIS Budget for Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living. NDIS Budget can cover Connectfully's fees. NDIS Plan is provided to Connectfully at the initial appointment so that a Psychological Therapy Plan can be developed which addresses the NDIS goals.

If you have a MHTP referral or an NDIS Plan, you must provide this prior to or bring with this documentation to the first session (initial appointment). The first session is about understanding your history, current needs and struggles, and goals for intervention. Topics discussed include family, social, developmental/school/work, social, medical/health, and lifestyle. Having a full picture of what's happening for you and around you is the first step in building perspective, understanding and planning the therapeutic journey with you. The first session is typically 75-90 minutes. For NDIS Participants, after this session, a Psychological Therapy Plan will be developed which addresses one's NDIS goals.

Every person's needs and current situation are different and so the frequency and number of sessions will reflect that: GPs can currently issue up to 10 sessions subject to Medicare rebates per calendar year. For NDIS funded individuals, the number of sessions will be based on their NDIS goals and allocated NDIS funds/budget. To ensure that we are on track, goals for each session are discussed and we agree to a plan. We offer each person some recommended reflections or exercises to complete between sessions (what we like to call 'me-work'). We are both "doing the work" as part of a collaborative therapeutic partnership.

From January 2024: Mental Health Treatment Plan and Private (including CPS Coaching) Fees The initial appointment is 75-90 minutes and is $281.25 - $337.50. This fee can be pro-rated should it be less than 90 minutes. Ongoing (standard) appointments can be 50 minutes ($187.50) or 60 minutes ($225). For Mental Health Treatment Plans, the Medicare rebate per session is $96.65. NDIS Fees (guided by the NDIA Price Guide 2024-2025*) The initial appointment is 75-90 minutes and is $281.25 - $337.50. This fee can be pro-rated should it be less than 90 minutes. Ongoing (standard) appointments can be 30 minutes ($112.50), 45 minutes ($168.75) or 60 minutes ($225). The NDIS Participant or Nominated Representative of the Participant is responsible for ensuring the allocated NDIS Budget can cover Connectfully's proposed Psychological Therapy Plan for the agreed number of Sessions. NDIS Review Reports if requested are charged at $225/hour. *From 1 July 2024, NDIS covers $222.99 for 60 minutes. Important Message about Hourly Rates Your money and my time are both valuable. My hourly rate covers both: (1) our direct time together AND (2) some of my indirect time. Consultation with other relevant Service Providers and Teachers is charged is charged at $225/hour. Special Report Requests Specific report requests are individually quoted for. Lindy requires a minimum of four weeks notice.

For existing clients, the easiest way to book an appointment is direct through our online booking portal. We encourage enquiries to email connect@connectfully.com.au.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please advise us no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment. Connectfully reserves the right to charge 50% of the full appointment fee should a client not show up to an appointment or does not cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of the appointment. A reminder text message or email is sent to you at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment so you can confirm or cancel your appointment. COVID-19 / cold and flu symptoms: If you have any symptoms of being unwell and/or someone in your household unwell, please cancel your in person appointment (Telehealth or rescheduling are alternative options).

All notes from sessions are entered into our client management system. All data drives and S3 storage are encrypted using secure and industry compliant encryption technology. Your information is confidential. Connectfully is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). All personal information gathered by the Psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential. Limitations to confidentiality apply when: 1) prior consent has been obtained to communicate with another professional, agency, or another third party (including for example relevant Doctors, School staff, funding agencies); 2) de-identified confidential information obtained in the course of the provision of psychological services is disclosed when consulting colleagues, or in the course of supervision or professional training; 3) client records are subpoenaed by a Court; 4) failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of Connectfully, place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety.

Let's get curious! Please check in with your child or teen about their reluctance to attend. Do they think they're in trouble? Are they worried they won't know what to say? Are they worried they'll be judged for what they share? Do they think I'm a Doctor? (I'm not). It's important to find out what's getting in their way and try to solve that. No one wants to be dragged to an appointment and it certainly is confronting to have someone they don't know asking all sorts of personal questions. Share this website with your child - hopefully they see we're in this to help people and really want to understand. We're non-judgemental and care about each person finding their unqiue way forward. If your child or teen is still feeling rather stuck, please reach out to me on email. I'm happy to offer a few more tips.

Such a request is outside of my scope of expertise. I cannot provide an Expert Report as Psychologists who prepare such reports are expected to be highly skilled in assessment and the preparation of reports for Court, typically Forensic Psychologists. I am not a forensically trained Psychologist nor do I conduct family assessments. I can, however, provide support to children for particular goals (such as emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, and collaborative problem-solving) and provide general advice to parents about supporting children with concerning behaviour. It is possible that in working with children of separated parents that the client records could be subpoenaed.