Medicare subsidises video sessions with a psychologist anywhere in Australia. Telehealth is now a permanent part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule, which means you can be seen from home under the same Better Access arrangements that apply to face-to-face appointments.
Who Can Access Telehealth Sessions
Any patient eligible for Better Access can have individual sessions by video, no matter where you live in Australia, where it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so. The location rules that once restricted telehealth to regional and remote areas no longer apply to individual therapy. They do still apply to group therapy.
What You Need Before Your First Session
You need a mental health diagnosis and a Mental Health Treatment Plan, together with a valid referral. The plan and the referral must come from a general practitioner or prescribed medical practitioner at the practice where you are registered for MyMedicare, or from your usual doctor. Referrals from a psychiatrist or paediatrician are also accepted.
How Many Sessions Medicare Subsidises
Up to ten individual sessions per calendar year. The limit is the same whether you attend in person or by video. Your first referral covers up to six sessions. After those, you return to your doctor for a review, and they decide whether a further course of treatment is needed. Up to two sessions involving a family member or carer can be included within the same ten.
How the Sessions Work
A telehealth session runs over a video and audio link, on a platform that meets Australian requirements for the privacy and security of health information. You need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted.
Build a resilient workplace by prioritizing mental health through supportive environments, open communication, work-life balance, Employee Assistance Programs, stress management, and ongoing training.
If you have ever sat in a school meeting feeling unsure, googled “why does my child struggle to make friends” at 11pm, or wondered whether what you are seeing in your child is something that needs support from a psychologist, this post is for you. As a Melbourne psychologist working with neurodivergent children and their families, I hear versions of this story every week.
Raising a child who sees, thinks, or experiences the world differently can be beautiful and challenging all at once. At our clinic, we work alongside many families navigating exactly this: children who are bright, creative, and deeply feeling, but who sometimes need extra support to thrive.
What does neurodivergent mean? (And is my child neurodivergent?)
Neurodivergent is an umbrella term for people whose brains develop or function differently from what is considered typical. This includes children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and more.
It is not a diagnosis in itself. It is a way of acknowledging that there is real variation in how human brains work, and that difference is not deficit.
Signs your child may benefit from seeing a psychologist
Parents are often the first to notice something, long before a formal assessment. Some common things families bring to us include:
Difficulty with transitions or unexpected changes to routine
Strong emotional reactions that are hard to recover from
A child who masks at school but falls apart at home
Giftedness alongside significant struggles in specific areas
How a neurodiversity-affirming psychologist in Melbourne can help
A neurodiversity-affirming psychologist does not try to make your child ‘less’ of who they are. Instead, we work to:
Help children understand and accept themselves
Build skills for emotional regulation and flexibility
Support parents with strategies that actually work for their child
Collaborate with schools to create more inclusive environments
Use play, creativity, and connection as core therapeutic tools
What does child psychology and play therapy look like in practice?
For younger children, therapy often looks nothing like the talking-on-a-couch image many adults picture. Play therapy, art, movement, and games are all valid, evidence-based ways for children to process their experiences and build new skills.
For older children and adolescents, therapy becomes more collaborative, building on their growing self-awareness. Sessions might involve exploring identity, navigating school stress, or learning practical tools like mindfulness or cognitive strategies.
When should Melbourne parents seek support from a child psychologist?
You do not need to wait for a crisis. Early support is one of the most powerful things you can do for a neurodivergent child. Consider reaching out if:
Your child’s difficulties are affecting their wellbeing, learning, or relationships
You are exhausted trying to support them alone
School is raising concerns
Your child is expressing distress about being ‘different’
If you are based in Melbourne and looking for a psychologist for your neurodivergent child, you do not have to navigate this alone. Bonnie German is a registered Psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and families across the full range of neurodevelopmental presentations. She uses a blend of play therapy, CBT, and family collaboration to create real, lasting change. To enquire about an appointment, call us on (03) 9802 4654 or book online.
Our Blog Author This post was written by Bonnie German, Psychologist at Talking Heads Psychology. Bonnie holds a Master of Clinical Psychology, especially enjoys working with neurodivergent individuals, and is interested in perinatal mental health, anxiety, and mood concerns. She works with clients of all ages and collaborates closely with families, schools, and support systems. Meet our team.
Many people carrying the weight of trauma feel stuck, as if their past controls every moment. You might have tried different ways to heal but found little relief. EMDR trauma therapy offers a unique path that helps your brain process painful memories differently. In this guide, you’ll learn how EMDR works and what it could mean for your healing process. For more information, visit this link.
Introduction to EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers hope for those feeling trapped by their trauma. It provides a structured approach to healing that many find effective. Let’s explore what makes EMDR unique and how it can help you.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapy that helps your brain process and store traumatic memories differently. This method involves recalling distressing events while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements or tapping. This process can help reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories. It’s like giving your brain a way to work through difficult experiences in a safe environment. You can learn more about this approach in this detailed guide.
How EMDR Helps Trauma and PTSD
EMDR is particularly effective for trauma and PTSD. Many people feel as if they’re reliving their trauma, but EMDR helps change that. By using guided eye movements, the therapy allows your brain to reprocess memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge. This can significantly decrease symptoms like flashbacks and anxiety. Imagine being able to recall painful memories without the overwhelming emotional response. That’s what many people experience after EMDR. Learn more about how it aids PTSD recovery here.
The Origin of EMDR Therapy
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. She discovered that certain eye movements reduced the intensity of disturbing thoughts. What started as an observation has become a widely respected therapeutic method. Since then, EMDR has been researched extensively and is now endorsed by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association.
The EMDR Process
Understanding how EMDR works can make the process less daunting and more accessible. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
EMDR therapy follows eight distinct phases. Each phase is designed to ensure your safety while effectively addressing your trauma. These phases include history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Each step builds on the previous one, allowing for gradual healing. For a complete breakdown of these phases, you can visit this resource.
What to Expect in a Session
An EMDR session typically involves discussing your trauma in brief doses while focusing on external stimuli. The therapist will guide you through recalling distressing memories while engaging in eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. This process is repeated until the memory becomes less distressing. Sessions are usually structured and follow a predictable pattern, which can be comforting.
Safety and Comfort in Therapy
Feeling safe is crucial when addressing trauma. EMDR therapy prioritises your comfort by creating a supportive environment. Your therapist will ensure that you feel secure throughout the process. Techniques such as grounding and relaxation are often used to maintain this sense of safety. Remember, the goal is to empower you, not to overwhelm you.
Benefits of EMDR for Trauma
EMDR’s benefits are numerous, providing both immediate relief and long-lasting change. Let’s delve into why it’s such a powerful tool for healing.
EMDR’s Efficacy in Healing
EMDR is backed by research showing its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. Many people report feeling more at peace with their past after just a few sessions. The therapy’s structured approach helps you process memories without becoming overwhelmed. The statistics support its success, with many clients experiencing significant improvement in just a few sessions. Check out this detailed explanation of its efficacy.
Long-term Effects of EMDR
The effects of EMDR therapy often extend beyond immediate symptom relief. People who undergo EMDR frequently find that their overall anxiety decreases, and they develop healthier coping mechanisms. The therapy doesn’t just address symptoms; it promotes long-term mental well-being, allowing you to lead a more balanced life.
Finding the Right Therapist
Choosing the right therapist is crucial for successful EMDR therapy. Look for someone experienced in EMDR and with whom you feel comfortable. It’s important that you trust your therapist, as this will make the process smoother and more effective. Don’t hesitate to ask potential therapists about their experience with EMDR to ensure a good fit!
At Your Mind Matters, we have two Psychologists trained in EMDR: Blair and Serenah.
Connect with Our Therapists
At Your Mind Matters, we understand the importance of finding the right fit for your mental health journey. We feel extremely lucky that two of our Psychologists, Blair Raatjes and Serenah Alam, are both trained in EMDR.
Give us a call to book in, or head to our website to book online: www.yourmindmatters.net.au
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Build a resilient workplace by prioritizing mental health through supportive environments, open communication, work-life balance, Employee Assistance Programs, stress management, and ongoing training.
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