Before your first session
- You do not need a referral. You can book directly by calling (07) 3831 4452 or through our enquiry form.
- If you would like a Medicare rebate, ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. You can book your first session before or after your GP appointment, and our reception team can help you work out the timing.
- If you have private health insurance, check with your fund whether psychology or counselling is covered under your extras.
- Have a think about what you would like help with. You do not need to have it all worked out. A few notes on what has been happening and what you would like to be different can help.
See fees and rebates for current information on services provided.
Many people often feel anxious when they first attend counselling. Your psychologist or counsellor is very aware of this and will help you to feel comfortable by being warm, friendly and understanding.
Being prepared for your first session will depend upon whether your session is in-person with the therapist or the session is with a practitioner on-line via Zoom or over the telephone.
If you’ve seen a GP and received a referral, be sure to bring that along to your first session. If you have not done this, that’s okay too! You don’t require a referral to come to Brisbane Counselling Centre. We can, however, help you to organise an appointment with your GP after your first session, which may entitle you to some financial assistance under a mental health care plan if you are eligible.
If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate. All private health funds offer different levels of cover, so you may feel the need to check your level of cover with them before your first session with us. Find more information about rebates from Medicare and private health funds here.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist (AHPRA reg. PSY0000953827), Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: October 2026
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Your Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP referral, if you have one
- Your private health insurance card, if you plan to claim
- Any relevant reports or letters, such as from your GP, a specialist or a previous psychologist
- A list of any medications you take
Arriving at the Centre
Brisbane Counselling Centre is at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill. Take the lift to Level 7, where our reception team will welcome you and let your practitioner know you have arrived. Please arrive a few minutes early for your first appointment.
By train: the Centre is behind Central Station. Take the back stairs or lift from the station up to Wickham Terrace and cross the road to number 87. It is about five minutes’ walk.
By car: there is no public parking in the building. Multi-level car parks are accessible from Astor Terrace, and the Brisbane City Council car park is accessible from Turbot Street or Wickham Terrace. Metered street parking on Wickham Terrace is limited. Turbot Street is a tow-away zone after 4pm. Ask our reception team about discounted parking when you book.
What happens in the first session?
Your first session is mainly about getting to know you. Your psychologist or counsellor will:
- explain confidentiality and its limits
- ask what has brought you in and how it is affecting your daily life, work and relationships
- ask some background questions about your health, history and current support
- talk with you about what you would like to be different
- discuss a plan for treatment, including the approach they suggest and how often to meet
You stay in control of what you share and when. If something feels too difficult to talk about yet, you can say so. Most people leave their first session feeling relieved to have started.
How long is a session?
A standard session runs for about 60 minutes. Longer sessions can be arranged when you book, which can be useful for couples or for some types of therapy such as EMDR.
Having your session online
Online and telephone sessions work in much the same way as sessions in person and attract the same Medicare rebate when you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan.
- Our reception team will email you a secure video link before your appointment.
- Find a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted and can speak confidentially.
- Make sure your device is charged and your internet connection is working.
- Click the link a few minutes before your appointment time, and your practitioner will join you.
After your first session
Your treatment plan is tailored to you and agreed between you and your practitioner. Sessions are often weekly or fortnightly to begin with, then spaced out as things improve. Your practitioner will review your progress with you along the way.
If you are using a Mental Health Treatment Plan, your psychologist will send a progress report to your GP after your first block of sessions so you can be referred for further sessions if needed.
Psychologist or counsellor: who will I see?
Both psychologists and counsellors attend the Centre. Psychologists are registered with Ahpra and their sessions can attract a Medicare rebate. Counsellors hold tertiary qualifications in counselling, are a member of ACA or PACFA and their sessions cost less to reflect a similar out of pocket expense but are not covered by Medicare. The relationship with the practitioner matters more than their title. Our reception team can help you decide who may feel like the right fit for you. Meet the psychologists and counsellors.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel or change an appointment, please let our reception team know as early as possible so the time can be offered to someone else. Each practitioner has their own policy regarding cancellation fees. Check with our reception team to clarify if a fee will be charged. Generally, a minimum of 24 hours is required to cancel or change an appointment.
