Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the questions we are commonly asked about appointments, therapy, assessments and visiting Sisu & Sage Psychology.
Getting Started
Do I need a referral?
No. You are welcome to attend Sisu & Sage Psychology as a private client without a referral.
If you wish to claim a Medicare rebate, you will generally need an appropriate referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or another eligible medical practitioner.
How do I make an appointment?
You can submit an enquiry through our website here. We may ask for some brief information about what you are looking for so we can determine whether we are the right service for you.
Am I guaranteed an appointment?
No. Submitting an enquiry, referral or intake form does not guarantee an appointment.
We consider each enquiry based on your needs, the services we provide, practitioner suitability and current availability. If we are unable to assist, we may suggest that you seek another practitioner or service.
A therapeutic relationship is not established until your enquiry has been accepted and an appointment has been confirmed.
Will I need to complete any forms?
Yes. Before your first appointment, you will be asked to complete intake and consent forms. These provide us with important information about you and explain matters such as consent, confidentiality, privacy, fees and cancellations.
Depending on the service you are accessing, we may also ask you to complete questionnaires or provide additional information.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further information about how Sisu & Sage Psychology collects, stores, uses and protects your personal and health information.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment gives us an opportunity to get to know you, understand what has brought you to therapy and discuss what you would like support with.
You don't need to prepare anything or know exactly what you want to talk about. We'll work it out together.
Appointments & Fees
How long is an appointment?
Standard psychology appointments are generally approximately 50 minutes. Assessment appointments may be longer depending on the assessment being completed.
How much does an appointment cost?
Our standard psychology consultation fee is $220. For more information please visit this link.
Additional or different fees may apply to assessments, reports, letters and other services. Any applicable fees will be discussed with you before proceeding.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
Eligible clients may be able to claim a Medicare rebate when attending with a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Medicare eligibility and referral requirements are determined by Medicare and your referring practitioner.
Do you bulk bill?
No. Sisu & Sage Psychology is a private psychology practice and does not routinely offer bulk billing.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Cancellations or changes made with less than 48 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee, including up to the full appointment fee.
Do you offer telehealth?
Telehealth may be available for some appointments where clinically appropriate. Please contact us to discuss whether this is suitable for you.
Children & Young People
Do you work with children and teenagers?
Yes. Sisu & Sage works with children, adolescents and adults.
Therapy with children and young people may include conversation, play, games, creative activities, movement and animals depending on their age, needs and preferences.
Does a parent or carer stay in the room?
Sometimes. Parents and carers may be involved for some or all of an appointment, particularly with younger children.
Older children and adolescents may benefit from having some private time with their psychologist. This will be considered according to the young person's age, developmental needs, circumstances and preferences.
Will you tell me everything my child says?
Not necessarily. Children and young people need an appropriate level of privacy for therapy to be effective.
We will discuss confidentiality and its limits with both the young person and their parent or carer. Wherever appropriate, young people are involved in decisions about what information is shared.
Can I have a parent appointment without my child?
Yes. Parent or carer consultations can be helpful for discussing developmental history, family circumstances, concerns or strategies without the child being present. Please note; fees will be associated with these appointments.
Psychological Assessments
Do you provide Autism and ADHD assessments?
Yes. We offer psychological assessments, including Autism and ADHD assessments.
Assessment is individualised and may include interviews, questionnaires, developmental information, cognitive assessment, information from other people and other standardised psychological measures.
How much does an assessment cost?
Assessment fees vary according to the type and complexity of the assessment and the measures required. Comprehensive assessments will generally fall within the range of $2,000–$4,500
You will be informed of the anticipated process and fees before deciding whether to proceed.
Does an assessment guarantee a diagnosis?
No. Assessment is intended to develop the most accurate understanding possible of a person's presentation.
The information gathered may support a diagnosis, identify another explanation, or indicate that further assessment is required. A particular diagnostic outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Does a report guarantee NDIS funding, medication or school support?
No. We can provide independent psychological assessment and recommendations within our professional scope; however, decisions regarding funding, medication, educational supports or access to other services are made by the relevant organisation or professional.
How do I make an appointment for an Assessment?
Please visit this link for more information.
Workshops & Groups
What workshops do you offer?
We offer workshops and small-group programs for parents and carers, children and young people, workplaces, professionals and community groups. Topics and programs vary throughout the year.
Do I need to be a Sisu & Sage client?
No. Most workshops are open to the wider community and do not require a referral or an existing relationship with Sisu & Sage.
Are workshops therapy?
No. Workshops are educational and skills-based and are not a substitute for individual psychological assessment or therapy. Attending a workshop does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
Do I have to share personal information?
No. Participation is encouraged, but you will never be expected to share personal experiences or information you would prefer to keep private.
Who are the parent workshops for?
Our parent and carer workshops provide practical, psychologically informed information about supporting children and young people. Each workshop will specify its particular focus and recommended age group.
What are the children's workshops like?
Our children's workshops are relaxed, engaging and age-appropriate, using activities, games, discussion and creative experiences to build skills and confidence.
Does my child need a diagnosis to attend?
Usually, no. Unless otherwise specified, our children's workshops are based on particular skills or experiences rather than diagnosis.
What if my child needs additional support?
Please let us know when registering about any additional needs that may affect participation. This helps us determine whether the group is suitable and what adjustments may be possible.
Do you offer workshops for businesses and workplaces?
Yes. We offer workshops for businesses, workplaces and professional groups, including people who may encounter sensitive or personal disclosures through their work but are not mental health professionals.
These workshops focus on responding appropriately, maintaining boundaries, recognising when additional support may be needed, and knowing what to do next.
Can you run a private workshop for our organisation?
Yes. Private workshops may be available for businesses, workplaces, schools and community organisations, with content tailored to the group where appropriate.
Will animals be present?
Probably! Animals are part of the Sisu & Sage environment and may be present during some workshops. Interaction is always optional.
Where are workshops held?
Most workshops are held at Sisu & Sage Psychology in Geelong CBD. Some may also be offered online or at external workplaces and organisations.
What if I can't attend after booking?
Cancellation and refund conditions vary between programs and will be provided when you register.
How do I find upcoming workshops?
Upcoming workshops, dates, costs and registration details will be published on our website. Places may be limited, so some workshops will close once fully booked. To find out more information and to register your interest, please follow this link.
Animals at Sisu & Sage
Will there be animals at my appointment?
Most likely! Animals are part of life at Sisu & Sage, so you may see one of our animals during your visit.
An animal may be involved in therapy, quietly share the space, pop in to say hello, or not be involved at all. There is never any expectation that you interact with an animal.
Can I request an animal to be part of my session?
Absolutely. You are welcome to let us know if you would enjoy having an animal involved.
We cannot guarantee that a particular animal will be available. Their involvement depends on what is appropriate for your session as well as the animal's health, temperament and willingness to participate on the day. Our animals have choices too.
What if I don't like animals, am frightened of them or have allergies?
Please let us know before attending. You do not need to interact with animals to attend Sisu & Sage, and we will make reasonable arrangements where possible.
As animals regularly spend time within the practice, however, we cannot guarantee an entirely animal-allergen-free environment.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is what I tell my psychologist confidential?
Generally, yes. Psychologists have professional and legal obligations regarding the privacy and confidentiality of client information.
There are circumstances in which information may need to be disclosed, including where you consent to disclosure, where disclosure is required or authorised by law, or in certain circumstances involving safety.
Your psychologist will explain confidentiality and its limits as part of the consent process.
How is my information stored and protected?
We take the privacy and security of your personal and health information seriously. Client information and clinical records are stored securely and access is limited to authorised persons as appropriate.
Our Privacy Policy provides more detailed information about the personal and health information we collect, why we collect it, how it may be used or disclosed, how it is stored and protected, and how you can request access to or correction of your information.
Visiting Sisu & Sage
Where are you located?
Sisu & Sage Psychology is located at 87 Yarra Street in Geelong CBD.
Is the clinic accessible?
Accessibility varies across different areas of our building. If you have mobility, sensory or other accessibility requirements, please contact us before your appointment so we can discuss your needs and available options.
Can I bring someone with me?
Usually, yes. You are welcome to discuss bringing a parent, partner, carer, support person or another trusted person. Whether they remain for all or part of your appointment can be discussed with your psychologist.
Urgent Support
Can I contact my psychologist between appointments?
You can contact Sisu & Sage regarding appointments and administrative matters. Email and website enquiries should not be relied upon for urgent psychological support and may not be monitored outside business hours.
What is the best email address for my to contact my psychologist?
You can send correspondence to: admin@sisuandsage.com.au
What if I need urgent help?
Sisu & Sage Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
For 24-hour crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Children and young people can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
For more information about our services, privacy, fees, consent and other practice policies, please refer to the relevant information provided on our website and during the intake process.