FAQ Page
Are you an NDIS Registered Provider?
No, we are not an NDIS registered provider. This means that if you wish to use NDIS funds for services with us, you need to agree to our following terms:
- Pay for the psychology session before or on the day of the appointment. Payment must be made at the time of the service.
- If you are NDIS Self Managed, payment is required at the time of your appointment. You will then need to arrange for reimbursement with the NDIA or your plan manager after your session.
Depending on your NDIS Plan, there may be out of pocket costs. Brilliant Minds Psychology is a Private Clinic.
Depending on your NDIS Plan, there may be out of pocket costs. Brilliant Minds Psychology is a Private Clinic.
What is the waitlist estimate for therapy services and assessment?
Assessment: We don't have a waiting list for assessment services. If you are interested in booking in an assessment package, contact us and we can book you in for the next available spot.
Therapy: We strive to make the process as efficient as possible for you. To expedite your journey, we invite you to complete our screener form. Kindly provide the client's full name and date of birth, and we'll promptly send over the necessary form to be completed. The quicker you complete this form, the sooner we can connect with you to schedule an initial appointment. Please be aware that we won't provide a wait time, as it depends on the information received in the form. We want to ensure that we book you in with the most suitable Psychologist/Occupational Therapist on the team for you! If we are unable to book you in immediately, we will place you on the contact list and call you as soon as spots become available.
It's worth noting that, on occasion, we can schedule appointments sooner than expected. Your prompt completion of the form greatly assists us in this process.
We appreciate your understanding & we look forward to connecting soon!
It's worth noting that, on occasion, we can schedule appointments sooner than expected. Your prompt completion of the form greatly assists us in this process.
We appreciate your understanding & we look forward to connecting soon!
Do you offer bulk billing or payment plans for your psychology and occupational therapy services?
We appreciate your inquiry regarding our payment options. While we do not offer bulk billing, we want to assure you that our priority is to provide high-quality psychological and occupational therapy services. At this time, we do not provide payment plans. We understand that cost can be a concern, and we are committed to being transparent about our fee structure. If you have specific financial considerations, we encourage you to reach out to discuss potential alternatives or resources that may be available to support your access to care. Our team is here to assist you in any way we can.
All payments must be paid in full at the time of your appointment.
Afterpay is available for assessment sessions only.
Do you do assessments for adults?
Yes, we do offer assessments for adults for both psychology and occupational therapy. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive evaluation services to address various psychological and occupational therapy needs. Whether you are seeking an assessment for diagnostic purposes, treatment planning, or other reasons, we are here to support you through the assessment process. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific requirements and to schedule an assessment appointment.
What is the benefit of getting an assessment done?
Getting an assessment done can offer several benefits, depending on the context and purpose of the evaluation. Here are some key advantages of undergoing an assessment:
1. Diagnostic Clarity: Assessments can help provide a clear understanding of a person's psychological or occupational functioning. This clarity is essential for accurately diagnosing mental health conditions or identifying specific challenges in the case of occupational assessments.
2. Treatment Planning: Assessments lay the foundation for effective treatment planning. The information gathered during an assessment can guide the development of personalised treatment strategies tailored to an individual's unique needs and circumstances.
3. Goal Setting: For assessments, understanding a person's strengths and challenges can aid in setting realistic and achievable goals. This is crucial for developing intervention plans that enhance daily functioning and overall well-being.
4. Self-Understanding: Assessments can provide individuals with valuable insights into their own strengths and areas for growth. This self-awareness can be empowering and contribute to personal development and improvement.
5. Educational Support: Assessments may be required for educational purposes. For example, in educational settings they can be essential to determine appropriate accommodations or support services in the classroom (school or tertiary level).
6. Employment and Career Planning: Assessments can help individuals explore and understand their strengths, preferences, and aptitudes, facilitating informed decisions about career choices and development.
7. Early Intervention: Identifying challenges early through assessments allows for timely intervention and support. This can prevent the escalation of issues and contribute to better long-term outcomes.
8. Objective Information: Assessments often provide objective data, which can be particularly helpful when subjective experiences or self-reporting may not fully capture a person's situation. This objectivity enhances the reliability of the information gathered.
9. Communication and Collaboration: Assessments foster communication and collaboration between individuals, families, and professionals involved in the care and support of the individual being assessed. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective and holistic interventions.
It's important to note that the benefits of assessments can vary depending on the specific type of assessment and the goals set for the evaluation. It's recommended to discuss the potential benefits with the professionals conducting the assessment to ensure a clear understanding of what can be gained from the process.
1. Diagnostic Clarity: Assessments can help provide a clear understanding of a person's psychological or occupational functioning. This clarity is essential for accurately diagnosing mental health conditions or identifying specific challenges in the case of occupational assessments.
2. Treatment Planning: Assessments lay the foundation for effective treatment planning. The information gathered during an assessment can guide the development of personalised treatment strategies tailored to an individual's unique needs and circumstances.
3. Goal Setting: For assessments, understanding a person's strengths and challenges can aid in setting realistic and achievable goals. This is crucial for developing intervention plans that enhance daily functioning and overall well-being.
4. Self-Understanding: Assessments can provide individuals with valuable insights into their own strengths and areas for growth. This self-awareness can be empowering and contribute to personal development and improvement.
5. Educational Support: Assessments may be required for educational purposes. For example, in educational settings they can be essential to determine appropriate accommodations or support services in the classroom (school or tertiary level).
6. Employment and Career Planning: Assessments can help individuals explore and understand their strengths, preferences, and aptitudes, facilitating informed decisions about career choices and development.
7. Early Intervention: Identifying challenges early through assessments allows for timely intervention and support. This can prevent the escalation of issues and contribute to better long-term outcomes.
8. Objective Information: Assessments often provide objective data, which can be particularly helpful when subjective experiences or self-reporting may not fully capture a person's situation. This objectivity enhances the reliability of the information gathered.
9. Communication and Collaboration: Assessments foster communication and collaboration between individuals, families, and professionals involved in the care and support of the individual being assessed. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective and holistic interventions.
It's important to note that the benefits of assessments can vary depending on the specific type of assessment and the goals set for the evaluation. It's recommended to discuss the potential benefits with the professionals conducting the assessment to ensure a clear understanding of what can be gained from the process.
Do I need a referral to attend services for psychology appointments?
No, individuals can self-refer to access our services. While a referral is not mandatory, we recommend obtaining a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your general practitioner (GP) to assist with costs for psychological services. The MHCP may make you eligible for rebates, facilitating more affordable access to our services. To learn more about the available methods of rebates, please visit the 'Fees and Rebates' tab under the 'About Us' section on our website. This section provides detailed information on the financial aspects of our services and how you can make the most of available rebates.
Can I have my sessions via telehealth?
Yes, absolutely. We offer the option of telehealth sessions to provide you with flexibility and convenience. Telehealth allows you to attend your sessions from the comfort of your own space, eliminating the need for travel. This option ensures that you can receive the support you need, whether you're in the same city or located remotely. If you have any questions about the telehealth process or would like to schedule a telehealth appointment, please feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to make your experience as accessible and accommodating as possible.
I am unsure what assessment to pick. Where do I start?
We understand that choosing the right assessment can be a complex decision. To guide you in selecting the most suitable assessment for your needs, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our Psychologists or Occupational Therapists. During this consultation, our professionals will take the time to understand your specific concerns, goals, and circumstances. They will then provide personalized recommendations for assessments based on your unique situation. This ensures that the chosen assessment aligns with your objectives and helps gather the information necessary for effective support and interventions. To schedule a consultation or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We look forward to assisting you in the decision-making process.
Note: Consultations are separate to assessment cost.
What will happen in my first session?
Your first psychology and occupational therapy (OT) appointment is a crucial step in establishing a collaborative relationship and addressing your unique needs. Here's a general overview of what might happen during your initial appointment:
1. Introductions and Setting the Tone: - You'll be warmly welcomed, and introductions will be made between you and the psychologist or OT. - The therapist will aim to create a comfortable and safe environment, encouraging open communication.
2. Confidentiality and Informed Consent: - The therapist will discuss the importance of confidentiality and provide you with information about the limits of confidentiality. - Informed consent will be obtained, explaining the nature of the therapeutic process, the goals, and any potential risks or benefits.
3. Background Information: - You'll likely be asked to provide some background information, such as your personal history, current concerns, and any relevant medical or mental health history.
4. Assessment and Goal Setting: - The psychologist and OT may conduct an initial assessment to better understand your strengths, challenges, and goals. - Discussions will revolve around your current symptoms, concerns, and the factors influencing your well-being. - Together, you and the therapists will establish therapeutic goals and discuss the potential approaches to achieve them.
5. Collaborative Planning: - The therapists will explain their therapeutic approach and how they can support you in reaching your goals. - A collaborative treatment plan may be developed, outlining the frequency and duration of sessions, as well as specific interventions.
6. Answering Questions: - You'll have the opportunity to ask questions about the therapeutic process, techniques used, and any other concerns you may have.
7. Next Steps: - The therapists will discuss what to expect in subsequent sessions and how progress will be monitored. - Any homework assignments or recommended activities may be introduced, depending on the therapeutic approach.
8. Building a Therapeutic Relationship: - The initial session is also an opportunity to build rapport and establish a trusting relationship between you and the therapist.
Remember that the specifics of your first appointment may vary based on the therapists' preferences, the therapeutic model used, and your unique situation. It's perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions during the initial session, and your therapists are there to support you throughout the process.
1. Introductions and Setting the Tone: - You'll be warmly welcomed, and introductions will be made between you and the psychologist or OT. - The therapist will aim to create a comfortable and safe environment, encouraging open communication.
2. Confidentiality and Informed Consent: - The therapist will discuss the importance of confidentiality and provide you with information about the limits of confidentiality. - Informed consent will be obtained, explaining the nature of the therapeutic process, the goals, and any potential risks or benefits.
3. Background Information: - You'll likely be asked to provide some background information, such as your personal history, current concerns, and any relevant medical or mental health history.
4. Assessment and Goal Setting: - The psychologist and OT may conduct an initial assessment to better understand your strengths, challenges, and goals. - Discussions will revolve around your current symptoms, concerns, and the factors influencing your well-being. - Together, you and the therapists will establish therapeutic goals and discuss the potential approaches to achieve them.
5. Collaborative Planning: - The therapists will explain their therapeutic approach and how they can support you in reaching your goals. - A collaborative treatment plan may be developed, outlining the frequency and duration of sessions, as well as specific interventions.
6. Answering Questions: - You'll have the opportunity to ask questions about the therapeutic process, techniques used, and any other concerns you may have.
7. Next Steps: - The therapists will discuss what to expect in subsequent sessions and how progress will be monitored. - Any homework assignments or recommended activities may be introduced, depending on the therapeutic approach.
8. Building a Therapeutic Relationship: - The initial session is also an opportunity to build rapport and establish a trusting relationship between you and the therapist.
Remember that the specifics of your first appointment may vary based on the therapists' preferences, the therapeutic model used, and your unique situation. It's perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions during the initial session, and your therapists are there to support you throughout the process.
What is perinatal?
"Perinatal" refers to the period before, during, and after childbirth. It encompasses the time from conception through the postpartum period, typically extending to the first few weeks or months after the baby is born. The perinatal period involves the physical, emotional, and social changes and challenges that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Here's a breakdown of the perinatal period:
1. Antenatal (Before Birth): This phase covers the time during pregnancy, from conception to labor and delivery. It focuses on the health and well-being of the pregnant person and the developing fetus.
2. Intrapartum (During Birth): This refers to the time of labor and delivery, including the actual birthing process.
3. Postpartum (After Birth): This phase spans the weeks or months following childbirth. It involves the recovery of the birthing person, the adaptation to new parenthood, and the care of the newborn.
The term "perinatal" is often used in the context of healthcare and mental health services to address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals and families during this transformative period. Perinatal care includes medical and psychological support for pregnant individuals and their partners, as well as interventions to promote healthy development and adjustment during the postpartum period. Perinatal mental health, in particular, focuses on addressing mental health issues that may arise during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Here's a breakdown of the perinatal period:
1. Antenatal (Before Birth): This phase covers the time during pregnancy, from conception to labor and delivery. It focuses on the health and well-being of the pregnant person and the developing fetus.
2. Intrapartum (During Birth): This refers to the time of labor and delivery, including the actual birthing process.
3. Postpartum (After Birth): This phase spans the weeks or months following childbirth. It involves the recovery of the birthing person, the adaptation to new parenthood, and the care of the newborn.
The term "perinatal" is often used in the context of healthcare and mental health services to address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals and families during this transformative period. Perinatal care includes medical and psychological support for pregnant individuals and their partners, as well as interventions to promote healthy development and adjustment during the postpartum period. Perinatal mental health, in particular, focuses on addressing mental health issues that may arise during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Do you offer court services?
No, we do not offer court services, and we do not provide court reports. Our focus is on providing therapeutic support and assessments tailored to the well-being of individuals and families. If you require services specifically related to legal matters, we recommend seeking assistance from professionals who specialise in forensic psychology or court-related services. Our team is here to support your mental health and well-being through therapeutic interventions, assessments, and other services within our expertise. We do not provide mediation between families.
My child is feeling anxious about attending services? What can I do to help relieve their anxiety and worries?
It's not uncommon for children to feel anxious about attending new services, especially in a therapeutic setting. Here are some strategies to help relieve your child's anxiety and worries:
1. Open Communication: - Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns. Create an open and non-judgmental space for them to share their thoughts about attending services.
2. Provide Information: - Offer age-appropriate information about what to expect during the sessions. Explain the purpose of the services and reassure them that it is a safe and supportive environment with great games and resources! Let them know about our cool sensory gym!
3. Visit the Clinic: - If possible, arrange a visit or drive by to the clinic before the first session. Familiarising your child with the surroundings and meeting the front desk team can be helpful!
4. Routine and Predictability: - Establish a routine around the sessions. Knowing what to expect and having a predictable schedule can provide a sense of security for your child.
5. Positive Reinforcement: - Highlight the positive aspects of attending services, such as the opportunity to learn new skills & receive support. Offer positive reinforcement and praise for their courage.
6. Validate Feelings: - Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings. Let them know that it's okay to feel nervous, and reassure them that their emotions are understood.
7. Bring Comfort Items: - Allow your child to bring a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to provide a sense of familiarity and security.
8. Be Present: - Accompany your child to the initial sessions if it's allowed. Your presence can provide additional comfort and support.
9. Celebrate Small Wins: - Celebrate each successful session, and acknowledge any progress your child makes. This positive reinforcement can build their confidence over time.
Remember that every child is unique, and the effectiveness of these strategies may vary. It's important to collaborate with the therapist to develop an individualised approach that addresses your child's specific concerns and needs. Additionally, maintain ongoing communication with the therapist to ensure a supportive and collaborative environment for your child.
1. Open Communication: - Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns. Create an open and non-judgmental space for them to share their thoughts about attending services.
2. Provide Information: - Offer age-appropriate information about what to expect during the sessions. Explain the purpose of the services and reassure them that it is a safe and supportive environment with great games and resources! Let them know about our cool sensory gym!
3. Visit the Clinic: - If possible, arrange a visit or drive by to the clinic before the first session. Familiarising your child with the surroundings and meeting the front desk team can be helpful!
4. Routine and Predictability: - Establish a routine around the sessions. Knowing what to expect and having a predictable schedule can provide a sense of security for your child.
5. Positive Reinforcement: - Highlight the positive aspects of attending services, such as the opportunity to learn new skills & receive support. Offer positive reinforcement and praise for their courage.
6. Validate Feelings: - Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings. Let them know that it's okay to feel nervous, and reassure them that their emotions are understood.
7. Bring Comfort Items: - Allow your child to bring a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to provide a sense of familiarity and security.
8. Be Present: - Accompany your child to the initial sessions if it's allowed. Your presence can provide additional comfort and support.
9. Celebrate Small Wins: - Celebrate each successful session, and acknowledge any progress your child makes. This positive reinforcement can build their confidence over time.
Remember that every child is unique, and the effectiveness of these strategies may vary. It's important to collaborate with the therapist to develop an individualised approach that addresses your child's specific concerns and needs. Additionally, maintain ongoing communication with the therapist to ensure a supportive and collaborative environment for your child.
Do you offer OT Occupational Therapy School Visits?
Yes, we provide occupational therapy (OT) school visits to schools in local areas. Our occupational therapists are available to work collaboratively with educators and school staff to support the well-being and development of students. If you are interested in arranging OT services within a school setting, please contact us to discuss the specific needs of your school and students. We are committed to providing comprehensive and tailored support to enhance the educational experience of students in the local community."
Do you accept Afterpay as a payment method?
Yes. We accept Afterpay for our assessment services only (In Store Only).
Please see Afterpay for questions: https://help.afterpay.com/hc/en-au
Can I use NDIS for my upcoming assessment?
Unfortunately, the NDIS will not cover the cost of diagnostic assessments. For any questions relating to your NDIS funding, we recommend you speak directly with the NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact