Mental health is health
It's now widely understood that mental and physical health are closely linked. Chronic pain often coexists with anxiety or low mood; sleep issues can affect both physical recovery and mental wellbeing; and a long workplace injury can be as much about coping as it is about tissues healing. Psychology, when paired with physiotherapy and other care, is one piece of a bigger picture.
What our psychology team works with
- Anxiety, including generalised anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and burnout
- Adjustment issues — life changes, grief, relationship transitions
- Sleep difficulties
- Chronic pain and the psychological impact of long-term injury
- ADHD assessment and post-diagnostic support
- Workplace and motor accident-related psychological injury
What a first session looks like
The first session is an opportunity to talk through what's been going on, how it's affecting you, and what you'd like to be different. Your psychologist will ask about background, current circumstances, and what kind of support you're looking for. The goal of the first session is usually to get a shared understanding of the picture, not necessarily to start formal treatment.
Therapy approaches
Our psychologists draw on evidence-informed approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), schema-informed work, and skills-based approaches like mindfulness. Which approach is most appropriate depends on what you bring — there's no one-size-fits-all. Your psychologist will explain their thinking and the rationale for what they're proposing.
How many sessions?
Outcomes and timeframes vary between individuals. Some people work through a focused issue in 4–6 sessions; others use longer-term support. A Medicare Better Access plan (with a GP referral and a mental health treatment plan) provides rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year for eligible patients.
Funding pathways
- Medicare: with a GP-prepared mental health treatment plan
- Private health insurance: some extras cover includes psychology
- NDIS: for participants with relevant goals
- WorkCover and TAC: for work-related or transport accident psychological injury
- Self-funded: no GP referral required
Confidentiality and what to expect
What you discuss with your psychologist is confidential, within the limits set by Australian law (which include duty-of-care exceptions in situations involving risk of serious harm). Your psychologist will explain these limits at your first session.
Psychology at 101 Physio & Psychology
Our psychology team works at our Melton West and Sunbury clinics, and coordinates with our physiotherapy and podiatry teams when there's overlap (such as chronic pain). Appointments may be available, and the best first step is usually a phone enquiry so we can talk through whether our service is the right fit for you.
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