Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Service
Strong Minds Policies

Services & Bookings 

What psychology supports do you offer? 

Areas for support or intervention are varied, & include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, emotional regulation, grief & loss, social communication, positive behaviour support, gender & sexuality,  stress. We focus on improving functional engagement in day to day life, with goals focused around the client &/or their family or system (e.g. school, workplace). 

Intervention can be provided in a 1:1 manner, but we also have options for group intervention, which is an excellent way to help generalise skills & move towards goals effectively. 

Parent/carer support is also available, either as part of the time working with a young person, or working only with the team who are around the young person. 

Family & individual support related to identity &/or functional impacts following the identification of a developmental delay, or a diverse neurotype, such as Autism or ADHD.

Assessments & modifications support can be provided for learning difficulties & school engagement, & attendance at Student Support Group meetings is available. Assessment packages are available from pre-school age through to adulthood & include: 

  • Cognitive assessment (IQ testing)
  • Academic assessment
  • Vocational assessment
  • Adaptive functioning
  • Autism assessment
  • ADHD assessment

Positive Behaviour Support Plans are completed for participants requiring this support under NDIS. We complete these plans with a focus on quality of life & meaning for the participant & offer training following completion of the collaborative plan. 

How long does an intervention / counselling booking go for? 

Psychology intervention bookings are for 50 minutes, plus at least 10 minutes for case notes, emails, or follow up tasks to support your needs. Upon request, longer sessions can be arranged, or shorter telephone consults are available. 

What age groups do you work with? 

The team at Strong Minds Psychology provide support across the lifespan – from age 2 years, throughout childhood, adolescence, & adults. We are ready & happy to assist you at any life stage.  

Where do you work? 

Bookings are provided within the Yarra Valley & West Gippsland areas. 

Clinic rooms are located in Yarra Junction & Warragul for regular bookings.

Mobile / outreach visits are available if preferred with some clinicians, on certain days in each location. These bookings can be held in a family home, kindergarten, school, workplace, supported living environment, or in the community. 

What days and times are you open?

Standard booking hours for assessments & intervention are currently Monday to Friday in both our Yarra Junction & Warragul clinics between 9:00am & 5:00pm. 

How can I book an appointment?

Call, email, or go to the “Contact Us” page to send us your details. A member of the team will make contact to discuss your needs and determine the options moving forward.

Referrals & Rebates


What types of funding subsidies are you registered for? 

  • NDIS – Registered Provider for Improved Daily Living & Improved Relationships
  • Medicare
  • Private Health – depending on level of cover, contact your provider
  • TAC
  • WorkCover
  • Victims of Crime (VOCAT)

Do I need a referral?

Psychology services can be booked without a referral. To access funding subsidies towards session fees, all referral &/or funding documentation is required prior to the booking. This includes Medicare referrals or re-referrals, NDIS plans, TAC claim details, etc. 

What referral do I need? 

Medicare: The most common referral process is a referral letter written with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, from your GP or paediatrician. This will then entitle you to up to 10 session rebates during a calendar year. 

Other GP referrals used include Enhanced Care Plan. 

Children with a diagnosis may be entitled to Better Start or Helping Children With Autism Therapy plans, which are written by your paediatrician. 

Do you have a cancellation policy?

If a booking needs to be modified, you should call or email the team with as much notice as possible.

Bookings at SMP can be modified without fees being charged when 2 or more full business days’ notice is provided.

*** Business days do not include Saturdays, Sundays or Public Holidays ***

  • 1-2 Business days’ notice = 50% fee charged
  • Less than 1 business days’ notice or non-attendance = 100% of fee charged

If you cancel within the cancellation period & the booking time can be filled, you will not be charged a fee. Filling a cancellation is at the discretion of SMP.

If you cannot attend your booking as originally scheduled, clinicians will provide a telephone or video session, letter, or non face to face work during the time of your scheduled booking, all of which contribute to your therapy goals.

Cancellations are not eligible for Medicare or insurance rebates; however, are eligible to be paid by NDIS funding.  

How are payments made? 

Payments are due on or before the day of your appointment. If off-site, text or email the office your bank transfer receipt to confirm payment. 

Medicare claims will be processed by the administration team. 

A late payment fee applies to payments not made on the day. Late payment fees are not eligible for rebates. 

Payment can be made by:

  • Secure link via your invoice
  • Credit Card/EFTPOS
  • Electronic bank transfer (internet banking) or cash bank deposit
    • Acct Name – Strong Minds Psychology
    • BSB – 633000 (Bendigo Bank)
    • Acct Number – 157 600 495
    • Use client name and invoice number as reference & send the team a receipt 
  • Cheque – payable to Strong Minds Psychology
  • Securely stored credit card in our system