What’s the fee for a Clinical Psychology session with Gabby?

Sessions with Gabby are $300 for 50 minutes.

If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a valid referral from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $149.05 per session, bringing your out-of-pocket cost to $150.95.

Eligible clients can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual mental health treatment sessions per calendar year. Referrals are generally provided for an initial course of up to six sessions, with further sessions available following review by the referring practitioner.

Depending on your level of cover, you may also be able to claim a rebate through your private health insurance. Just keep in mind that Medicare and private health insurance rebates can't both be claimed for the same appointment.

We know that navigating referrals, rebates and appointments can sometimes feel a little confusing, particularly if you're new to therapy.

If you have any questions, or you're not quite sure where to begin, please reach out to our practice team at hello@thesagesociety.co. We're always happy to help you work through the details.

Where are you located?

The Sage Society is based in the beautiful Perth Hills, Western Australia, although you don't need to live nearby to work with me.

Clinical Psychology sessions are offered exclusively via Telehealth, allowing me to work with clients across Australia from the comfort and privacy of their own space.

Sessions take place via a secure Zoom video connection, so you can access psychological support without the need to travel.

For those interested in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, in-person sessions are held at my private property in Mount Helena, nestled in the Perth Hills. These sessions are currently available on Tuesdays.

If you're interested in learning more about either option, or you're unsure which approach might be right for you, please get in touch with our practice team at hello@thesagesociety.co. We're always happy to help.

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

A Clinical Psychologist is a registered psychologist who has completed additional postgraduate training and supervised practice in the assessment, understanding and psychological treatment of mental health difficulties.

Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with a broad range of emotional, behavioural and psychological concerns, including more complex or longstanding difficulties.

Our work goes beyond simply managing symptoms. We also seek to understand the experiences, relationships and patterns that may be contributing to how someone feels, responds and makes sense of themselves and the world around them.

At The Sage Society, my approach draws on this clinical foundation alongside my experience in trauma, attachment, EMDR and Schema Therapy, allowing us to develop a thoughtful, individualised approach to your care.

What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Both Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists work with people experiencing mental health difficulties, but their training and approaches are a little different.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialist training in mental health. They can assess and diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication when appropriate, and provide psychological treatment.

Clinical Psychologists are trained in psychological assessment, formulation and therapy. Rather than prescribing medication, our work focuses on understanding the emotional, behavioural and relational experiences that may be contributing to someone's difficulties, and using evidence-based psychological approaches to support meaningful change.

Sometimes, working with both professionals can be helpful. For example, a psychiatrist may assist with medication or medical management, while a Clinical Psychologist provides ongoing psychological therapy.

Neither approach is necessarily better than the other. What matters most is finding the right combination of support for your individual needs.

If you're unsure where to begin, you're always welcome to reach out to our practice team, and we can help you understand the services we offer and whether a referral elsewhere may be appropriate.

I've never seen a Clinical Psychologist before. What can I expect?

Firstly, you're very welcome here.

Beginning therapy can feel a little daunting, particularly if you're not quite sure what to expect, or you've spent a long time trying to make sense of things on your own.

Our first session is approximately 50 minutes and is really an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another.

I'll ask some questions about what has brought you to therapy, your experiences, and what you might be hoping to gain from our time together. We'll also begin exploring some of the things that may be contributing to how you're feeling, and what support might be most helpful.

And there's no expectation that you need to tell me everything in that first appointment.

You don't need to have your story organised, know exactly what's wrong, or even have the words to explain how you're feeling.

As we get to know one another, we'll develop a shared understanding of your experiences and consider which therapeutic approaches may be most appropriate for you.

And importantly, therapy is something we do together. You'll always have a voice in the process, including what we explore, how we approach it, and the pace at which we work.

What can I expect if I'm booking therapy for my child or teenager?

Seeking support for your child can sometimes feel like a big step, particularly when you're not quite sure what to expect.

When working with children and teenagers, I tailor my approach to their age, developmental stage, individual needs and the reasons they've come to therapy.

Our first appointment is an opportunity for me to develop a better understanding of your child, their experiences, and what's been happening for them. Depending on their age and circumstances, this initial session may involve meeting with a parent or caregiver first, or spending some time together before transitioning into individual sessions.

I recognise that parents and caregivers can play an important role in supporting a young person's wellbeing, and where appropriate, I'll work collaboratively with you throughout the therapeutic process.

At the same time, it's important that children and teenagers have the opportunity to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship and feel that their privacy is respected.

This means that while we may discuss general themes, therapeutic goals and ways you can support your child, I won't automatically share the details of everything they tell me in sessions.

Confidentiality, consent and the circumstances in which information may need to be shared will always be discussed at the beginning of therapy, taking into account your child's age, maturity, safety and relevant legal requirements.

Where parents or caregivers are separated, we'll also clarify any relevant consent and parental responsibility arrangements before commencing therapy.

Above all, my intention is to create a space where your child feels heard, understood and supported, while helping you feel informed and involved in ways that are appropriate for their needs.

Do I need a referral to see Gabby?

Not at all. You're very welcome to book an appointment with me without a referral from your GP.

Some clients choose to attend privately, while others access therapy with the support of a Medicare rebate.

If you'd like to claim a Medicare rebate, you'll generally need a valid referral from your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Eligible referrals may also be provided by a psychiatrist or paediatrician, and different arrangements apply for clients accessing treatment through an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan.

If you're hoping to access a Medicare rebate, please arrange for your referral to be provided to us before your first appointment.

You don't need to have everything organised before getting in touch. If you're unsure whether you need a referral, what documentation is required, or which funding option might be available to you, our practice team is always happy to help you navigate the process.

You can reach us at hello@thesagesociety.co.

Do you offer intensive EMDR sessions?

Yes. Alongside regular psychological therapy, I offer individually tailored EMDR intensives for clients who may benefit from a more focused period of therapeutic work.

Unlike traditional weekly appointments, EMDR intensives involve longer sessions or a concentrated block of treatment, allowing us to spend more time exploring and processing particular experiences, memories or patterns.

For some people, this approach can provide an opportunity to work more consistently with material that might otherwise need to be revisited over several appointments.

However, intensive therapy isn't necessarily the right approach for everyone. We'll carefully consider your history, current circumstances, therapeutic goals and readiness for more concentrated processing before deciding whether it's appropriate.

Depending on your needs, EMDR may also be integrated with Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, offering opportunities to explore emotional, physical and relational experiences in different ways.

If you're curious about whether an EMDR intensive might be suitable for you, please contact our practice team at hello@thesagesociety.co. We'd be happy to discuss the available options.

I still have a question. Can I get in touch?

Of course. Whether you're wondering if therapy might be right for you, have questions about appointments, or simply need a little more information before getting started, you're always welcome to reach out.

Our lovely practice team is here to help you navigate the details and make the process feel a little easier.

You can contact us at hello@thesagesociety.co.