FAQ
1. Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No referral is required to book a counselling appointment. You are welcome to contact me directly to arrange a session.
If you would like to access a Medicare rebate, you will need a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP.
2. Where are sessions held?
I offer in-person counselling sessions at 5/95 Canning Highway South Perth on Friday’s and (fortnightly) Saturdays. Additionally you can schedule a telehealth appointment which are available most days, including evening sessions Monday, Wednesday and Thursday to suit busy people.
Telehealth sessions are conducted via secure video platform (or telephone if you prefer), allowing you to access support from the comfort of your own space.
3. What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is provided by your GP and allows eligible clients to access Medicare rebates for a set number of counselling sessions per calendar year. Your GP will assess your eligibility and provide a referral if appropriate.
4. What issues do you support clients with?
I provide trauma-informed counselling for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, life transitions and related challenges.
I offer evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness-based strategies, tailored to your needs and goals.
5. What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process traumatic or distressing experiences. It supports the brain in integrating memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and ongoing impact.
EMDR can be effective for both single-incident trauma and more complex or long-standing experiences.
6. Are Medicare Rebates Available?
Yes. If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. The rebate amount is set by Medicare.
7. Can I use NDIS funding?
Yes; if you are plan or self managed we are able to provide assessment, Therapy or training with a social worker and specialist support coordination.
We have submitted an application to NDIA to relinquish our NDIS registration as of 1/8/2026. This decision was made as a relatively small proportion of our clients are NDIS and the costs of registration are very high. Removing this registration only impacts taking on NDIA managed participants. Care and quality standards remain the same and I continue to maintain my professional registration with the Australia Association of Social Workers.
8. Do you offer concession rates?
Reduced fees are available even for private clients without a care plan, with prior approval. I charge on a sliding scale and will make my concession rate available or give up to 25% of a standard session depending on the circumstances.
If you have a valid health care card and mental health care plan or DVA referral, there will be no gap fee as I will bulk bill.
9. How long are sessions?
Standard individual counselling sessions run for 50 minutes talk time and about 10 minutes for administrative tasks like notes, rebooking and payment. Initial appointments often run over and always require treatment planning after you have left which is why my initial consult is priced higher than the standard, ongoing sessions.
First sessions with couples are typically 75 minutes, so plan accordingly, as there is a lot to get to know about you both.
10. What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide 48 hours’ notice. Simply responding No or N to your appointment reminder automatically deletes the booking.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice may incur the full session fee.
You can reschedule with ease on the booking portal or contact for assistance even up to a few hours before the session.
11. Is everything I share confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of therapy. What you share in sessions is kept private, with some legal and ethical exceptions. These include situations where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or where disclosure is required by law. These limits will be explained clearly at your first appointment.
Navigate away to read our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy Document
12. What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what has brought you to counselling. We will discuss your current concerns, relevant background information, and what you hope to gain from therapy.
You are welcome to share at a pace that feels comfortable. There is no pressure to go into detail about difficult experiences until you feel ready. Together, we will begin identifying goals and consider which therapeutic approaches may best support you.
What if I am in crisis or need urgent support?
If you are in immediate danger or require urgent assistance, please call 000.
If you need immediate mental health support, you can contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
As a private practice, I am unable to provide crisis or emergency services outside of scheduled appointments. If you are experiencing acute distress, please access one of the services above or attend your nearest hospital emergency department. See our Resources page for additional services.
13. What can I expect from an Assessment?
Assessments are thorough, respectful and focused on clearly outlining functional impact, support needs and clinical recommendations. Reports are written in a way that is accessible, professional and aligned with current NDIS and clinical standards.
This service is suitable for individuals, families, GPs and support coordinators seeking clear, evidence-based documentation of psychosocial functional impacts to support NDIS planning or other legal and administrative contexts.
14. What Can I expect from Couples Therapy?
Sessions focus on improving communication, strengthening emotional safety, navigating conflict constructively and clarifying shared goals. Each partner is supported to feel heard while working toward practical and meaningful improvements in the relationship.
Couples therapy is suitable for partners seeking early intervention as well as those navigating more complex challenges.
16. What is Specialist Support Coordination?
This service may involve coordinating multiple providers, navigating mental health and psychosocial challenges, managing crises, preparing detailed documentation for plan reviews, and ensuring services work together effectively toward your goals. The focus is not only on implementing your plan, but on strengthening independence, safety and sustainable supports.
Delivered by a Social Worker, Specialist Support Coordination brings advanced training in mental health, trauma-informed care, systems navigation and advocacy. Social workers are uniquely positioned to understand the intersection of clinical needs, functional impact and service systems, allowing for comprehensive, person-centred coordination that remains grounded in your rights, wellbeing and long-term outcomes.
17. Do GP's need to fill out your online referral form?
GPs are welcome to complete the referral form or alternatively email referrals and Mental Health Care Plans directly to info@createchangecounselling.com.
Please include the client’s referral, Mental Health Care Plan and relevant clinical information to support continuity of care. If further information is required, I am happy to liaise as needed.
I value collaborative working relationships and welcome communication to support shared clients.
Do you bulk bill?
Yes- my years of working in the public sector, struggling to find bulk billing services has informed my decision to allocate 25% of my services to bulk billing clients. While health care card and other concessions are prioritized for these slots, I have always disclosed that I charge on a sliding scale, so if you are struggling please feel free to discuss bulk billing with me.
New location: 5/95 Canning Highway, South Perth
postal: PO box 58, Victoria Park 6979
Phone:
08 6119 3724
Email:
info@createchangecounselling.com
chloe@createchangecounselling.com
billing@createchangecounselling.com
Business Hours:
Monday 9am to 8pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 8pm
Thursday 9am- 8pm
Friday 9am- 5pm
fortnightly Saturdays 9am – 3pm
Closed public holidays
Evening and weekend sessions currently available for telehealth or fortnightly at South Perth.
