Understanding your options, Medicare, and how therapy works
Deciding to see a psychologist is a meaningful step — one often taken with a mix of uncertainty and hope. If you’re looking for a psychologist in Melbourne, you’re not alone, and there’s support available to help you navigate the process.
At Cova Psychology, we work with many people at the beginning of their therapeutic journey. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or just want to understand yourself better, knowing your options can help ease that first step.
This guide outlines what to expect, how to access Medicare rebates, and how to get the most out of your experience with a psychologist in Melbourne.
When to see a psychologist
There’s no right or wrong time to seek support. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people begin working with a psychologist when they feel emotionally stuck, exhausted, or disconnected.
Common reasons include:
Constant stress or difficulty coping
Relationship challenges or communication issues
Mood changes, including low motivation or sadness
Anxiety or intrusive thoughts
Sleep disturbances or appetite changes
Wanting to understand yourself or improve your wellbeing
Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of self-awareness and strength. Recognising that you may need support is often the first, and bravest, step.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Working with a psychologist can have a positive impact on your mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therapy gives you space to reflect, process, and find better ways to manage life’s challenges.
At Cova Psychology, our clients tell us they value:
A non-judgemental, confidential space
Better understanding of emotions, thoughts, and behaviours
Skills for coping with stress, anxiety, or low mood
Support with grief, identity, trauma, or major life changes
It’s not about quick fixes. Therapy is a collaborative process, grounded in evidence-based approaches, to help you feel more like yourself again.
Accessing Medicare rebates for psychology
Mental health support is more accessible than many people realise. In Australia, Medicare provides rebates for psychology sessions when you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) prepared by your GP.
With a MHCP, you can access:
Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year
Up to 10 group sessions, if recommended
To get started, speak with your GP or psychiatrist. Your GP will assess your needs, and if appropriate, prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a psychologist. Some GPs may require a longer appointment to allow time for this.
If your referral comes from a psychiatrist instead of a GP, a referral letter alone is usually sufficient.
Keep in mind:
The 10 sessions reset each calendar year (not 12 months from your first session)
You can’t carry unused sessions into the next year
Some conditions, such as eating disorders, may allow additional sessions
It’s also a good idea to check with your GP clinic ahead of time so they can allocate a double appointment if needed. This helps ensure you receive the right paperwork and support from the outset.
If you’re after a more detailed overview of how Medicare works for psychology services in Melbourne, we’ve created a guide that may be helpful.
Therapy options in Melbourne
At Cova Psychology, we offer a wide range of therapies tailored to individual needs. Each psychologist brings experience in different treatment approaches, and part of our role is helping you find what fits best.
Evidence-based therapies offered may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – encourages mindfulness and values-based living
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – supports emotion regulation and distress tolerance
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – often used for trauma and PTSD
Schema Therapy – focuses on long-standing emotional patterns and early life experiences
These approaches are grounded in scientific research and adapted to suit each person’s goals and background.
Trauma-informed care and PTSD
Many people seek support for past trauma or current experiences that feel overwhelming. Our psychologists in Melbourne are trained to work gently and respectfully with trauma, whether it stems from childhood, relationships, accidents, or medical experiences.
Therapies such as EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are particularly effective for processing trauma and reducing symptoms of PTSD.
It’s important to know you won’t be rushed into difficult conversations. Trauma-informed care means we go at your pace, build trust first, and help you develop tools to feel safe and in control before addressing more painful material.
The therapy environment matters
The therapeutic relationship — the connection between you and your psychologist — is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy.
That’s why we prioritise a warm, respectful, and inclusive environment at Cova Psychology. From our consulting rooms in Melbourne’s CBD to our online sessions, we aim to create spaces where you can speak freely and feel heard.
A supportive environment helps:
Build trust between you and your psychologist
Encourage openness and reflection
Create consistency and safety, especially when exploring challenging topics
Your first session: what to expect
Your first session is an opportunity to share what’s brought you to therapy and what you’d like to get out of it. There’s no pressure to share everything straight away — we’ll take the time to understand your needs and answer any questions you have.
During this session, your psychologist may ask about your current concerns, life history, support systems, and goals. You might also discuss the frequency of sessions and how therapy will be structured.
It’s completely normal to feel unsure or nervous before your first appointment. That feeling tends to ease as the therapeutic relationship develops.
What if my psychologist isn’t the right fit?
Not every psychologist is the right match for every person — and that’s okay. A good fit is essential for therapy to be helpful.
If something doesn’t feel right, we encourage open communication. Sometimes small adjustments can improve the experience. But if you feel a different approach or personality might suit you better, it’s okay to switch.
At Cova Psychology, we’re happy to support that process and connect you with another psychologist within our team if needed.
You can also explore our Psychologist Melbourne FAQs for more guidance on finding the right therapist for you.
How to make therapy work for you
Therapy is a collaborative process. You bring your experiences, questions, and insights. Your psychologist brings knowledge, tools, and support. Together, you work towards meaningful change.
To get the most from therapy:
Be as open and honest as you feel comfortable
Give feedback if something isn’t working
Reflect between sessions and notice patterns in your day-to-day life
Be patient with yourself — growth isn’t always linear, and setbacks are part of the process
Tracking progress can help. This might mean reviewing goals every few sessions or simply checking in with how you’re feeling. Therapy isn’t about perfection — it’s about movement, understanding, and learning new ways of being.
We’ve written some practical tips for making therapy work if you’d like extra guidance on staying engaged and making the most of the process.
The value of feedback in therapy
Giving feedback helps shape your therapy experience. Letting your psychologist know what feels helpful (or unhelpful) allows them to adapt their approach to better meet your needs.
This might include:
Adjusting how structured or exploratory sessions are
Trying a different technique or approach
Changing session frequency
Clarifying goals
Feedback strengthens the therapeutic relationship, builds trust, and makes sure therapy is aligned with what you need most.
Monitoring progress and staying on track
Progress in therapy looks different for everyone. It could be fewer panic attacks, better sleep, more stable moods, or simply feeling more present in daily life.
Some days it’ll feel like things are really shifting. Other days, not so much. That’s normal — and often, progress is happening even when it doesn’t feel obvious.
Remember, therapy is a process. And just like any process, it’s not always smooth sailing. There may be the odd sesion where it feels like you’ve gone backwards — and that’s okay too.
Your psychologist can help you recognise change, reflect on what’s working, and adjust the plan when needed.
Conclusion: Getting started
Starting therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also a powerful act of care towards yourself. Finding the right psychologist in Melbourne, understanding Medicare options, and engaging with the process can make a meaningful difference to your mental health and quality of life.
If you’re considering therapy, trust that it’s okay to ask for support — and that the right help is out there.
How Cova Psychology can support you
At Cova Psychology, we offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy in Melbourne CBD and online. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship issues or simply want to feel more like yourself, we’re here to help.
To find out more or book an appointment, please get in touch. We’ll work with you to find the right psychologist for your needs — and support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
No you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist in Victoria but you will need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP (or a referral from a psychiatrist) if you want to get Medicare rebates for mental health services. This plan can be obtained by talking to your doctor about any mental health issues or needs that require the support of a psychologist. Once approved it allows you to access subsidised sessions.
No, you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with a psychologist. However, if you’d like to claim Medicare rebates, you’ll need a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, or a referral letter from a psychiatrist. This allows you to access subsidised sessions under Medicare.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you can access up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year through Medicare. These sessions reset every January and don’t roll over, so it’s important to plan your appointments around what works best for your needs.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues and would like psychological support our team at Cova Psychology in the Melbourne CBD (or via telehealth) may be able to assist. Our team offer assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health issues and improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.
Yes. At Cova Psychology, we offer both in-person appointments at our Melbourne CBD clinic and secure online telehealth sessions. This flexibility makes it easier to access support in a way that suits your lifestyle, especially if you’re managing a busy schedule or prefer therapy from home.