Will I be able to find an appointment time that works for me?
Yes, our hours are built around your life
- Before work or school or Evenings until 9pm, so you can come after work or once the kids are in bed
- Monday 8am to 9pm
- Tuesday 8am to 9pm
- Wednesday 8am to 9pm
- Thursday 8am to 9pm
- Fridays 8am to 5pm
- Saturday appointments 9am-3:30pm with no weekday pressure
- Telehealth (video or phone appointments) from anywhere: on your lunch break, at home while you work, when childcare is tricky, or if getting to us in person is hard
You’ll get the same expert care in person or online. Contact us today and we’ll find a time that suits you.
What should I expect in my first session?
Talking to someone new about what you’re going through can feel daunting, and that’s completely normal. Our therapists will help you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Your first session runs for 2 hours, so there’s plenty of time to listen, get to know you and understand what you’re going through, without rushing. Together we’ll explore:
- what’s happening in your life right now
- what has led you to this point
- what you’d most like to change
Before you leave, we’ll build a treatment plan made just for you. It will focus on your goals and give you a clear path forward.
What to bring
- Your GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan, if you have one
- Your Medicare card and a payment card
- Your WorkCover or CTP claim number and insurer details, if relevant
- Any previous psychology or medical reports
- A list of any current medications
- For children and teens: recent school reports and any previous assessments
Seeing us by telehealth? Find a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection, and have your phone, tablet or computer charged.
Your first appointment is the first step towards feeling more like yourself again. Book today and let’s start creating change together.
How much does a session cost, and how much will I get back from Medicare?
Session fees range from $190 – $360, depending on your clinician’s qualifications and experience. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorders Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare refunds $101.55 per session with a psychologist and $149.05 with a clinical psychologist, for up to 10 sessions a year, in person or by telehealth.
Paying is simple. You pay on the day and we lodge your Medicare claim for you, so the rebate lands back in your bank account, usually within a day or two.
Other ways to cover your sessions
- Private health insurance: many extras policies cover psychology when you don’t use Medicare. Check with your fund.
- WorkCover and CTP: approved sessions are paid for directly, with nothing out of pocket.
- NDIS: available for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
- Medicare Safety Net: once your out-of-pocket costs for the year reach the threshold, your rebates go up.
Looking for a lower fee? Ask us about our clinicians at the lower end of the fee range.
Call us and our team will explain your costs before you book. No surprises.
Is there a waitlist to see a psychologist?
Creating Change has no waitlist, so you can book an appointment straight away. Many practices across Sydney have waits of weeks or even months. Here you can usually see a psychologist within days, often in the same week you call.
When you’re ready to reach out, you shouldn’t have to wait to get support:
- Fast access: appointments available now, in person in Bella Vista or by telehealth
- Flexible times: evenings until 9pm Monday to Thursday, and Saturday appointments
- A 2-hour first session, so we can get to know you properly and start making progress from day one
Call us today and we’ll find you the next available time.
How do I get a Medicare or Private Health Rebate?
The highest Medicare rebate is available when seeing Creating Change Clinical Psychologists with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. Medicare does not cover relationship counselling. You will need to be referred under a treatment plan from your GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist to be able to claim a rebate.
Private health funds do provide cover for psychology and some will provide cover for relationship counselling. It is essential however that you check your level of cover with your individual provider.
How do I make an appointment?
Booking is easy. Call us on 02 8883 3185 or click here to book an appointment online.
If we’re with another client or on the phone, leave us a message. A friendly member of our team will call you back as soon as possible.
Do I need a referral from a GP?
You can call us directly and start therapy, you don’t need a referral to book with our team.
You will need a referral if you want funding to cover part or all of your sessions:
- Medicare rebates: a referral from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician under one of these plans:
- Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Eating Disorder Treatment Plan
- Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Plan (for children and teens)
- Allied Health Services for People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent
- WorkCover or CTP: a referral from your treating doctor, plus your claim number and approval from your insurer. We’ll help you through the paperwork and liaise with your insurer directly.
Not sure which applies to you? When you speak with us we’ll explain your options before you book
Do you offer ADHD and autism assessments?
Yes. Creating Change provides ADHD and autism (ASD) assessments for children, teenagers and adults at our Bella Vista practice. You’ll get a clear answer, a detailed written report and a practical plan for what comes next.
What’s included
- An in-depth first appointment to understand your or your child’s history, strengths and concerns
- Gold-standard assessment tools, such as the WAIS-IV or WISC-V, WIAT, NEPSY, DKEFS, CARS-2 and Vineland, plus questionnaires completed by you, family and teachers where relevant
- A comprehensive written report with results, any diagnosis and tailored recommendations. You can use it to support NDIS, Centrelink or school funding applications, and to share with your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist.
- A one-hour feedback session to talk through the results and your next steps
Why choose Creating Change?
- No waitlist. Many families in Sydney wait months for an assessment. With us, you can get started straight away.
- Assessments for all ages, from early childhood developmental assessments to adult ADHD and autism
- Support after the diagnosis. Our team can provide ongoing therapy, parenting support and strategies for school, work and home.
- Medicare rebates for children and young people: if your child is under 25 and has been referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist for assessment of a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate.
We also offer learning and cognitive assessments, including for dyslexia and other learning difficulties, and intelligence (IQ) testing.
Call 02 8883 3185 to ask about assessment fees and book your appointment. Find out more about our child and teen assessments and adult assessments.
Can I use my NDIS funding for psychology?
Yes. Creating Change supports NDIS participants of all ages with therapy and assessments that build skills for everyday life, such as managing emotions, communication, routines and social participation.
- We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants.
- Our psychologists write clear, detailed reports to support your plan reviews and funding applications.
- Sessions are available in person in Bella Vista or by telehealth, including evenings and Saturdays.
Call 02 8883 3185 to check how your plan can be used and book your first session.
Can I see a psychologist through WorkCover or CTP?
Yes. If you’ve been injured at work or in a motor vehicle accident in NSW, your approved psychology sessions can be paid directly by the insurer, at no cost to you.
Our team has extensive experience working within the SIRA workers compensation and CTP schemes. We take care of the paperwork for you:
- requesting treatment approval from your insurer
- writing progress reports
- liaising with your doctor, case manager and insurer
That leaves you free to focus on your recovery. Have your claim number, insurer details and doctor’s referral ready, then call 02 8883 3185 to get started. There’s no waitlist.
How many sessions will I need?
It’s different for everyone, but research gives a helpful guide. Studies show that around half of clients see real improvement within 8 sessions, and up to two-thirds improve within 13 to 18 sessions. With ongoing support, around 75% improve by 26 sessions.*
Your psychologist will talk with you about what’s realistic for your goals and check your progress regularly, so you always know how you’re going. Some people feel better quickly. Others benefit from more time to make lasting change.
Change takes commitment, but you won’t do it alone, and the results are worth it.
*Howard et al. (1986); Hansen, Lambert & Forman (2002).
How do I choose the right psychologist for me?
Feeling comfortable with your psychologist matters. Research shows that a strong connection between you and your therapist is one of the biggest predictors of good results in therapy.
To get it right from the start:
- We match you carefully. Tell us what you need help with and what’s important to you, and we’ll recommend a psychologist with the right experience.
- We check in regularly. We ask how you’re finding your sessions and whether therapy is helping.
- Changing is easy. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, just tell us. You can move to another psychologist in our team without starting over somewhere new, and no one will take it personally.
Not sure who to see? Call us on 02 8883 3185 and our friendly team will help you find the right match.
Is what I say to my psychologist confidential?
Yes. What you share in your sessions is private and confidential. Your psychologist follows strict professional and legal standards, and your records are stored securely.
We won’t share your information without your consent, except in rare situations where the law requires it:
- someone’s safety is at serious risk
- a child is at risk of harm
- a court orders your records
Your psychologist will explain these limits in your first session, so you know exactly where you stand.
- GP referrals: we send your doctor a brief update on your progress.
- WorkCover, CTP and NDIS: your insurer or the NDIS receives the reports needed to approve and fund your treatment. We’ll always discuss with you what is included.
- EAP: your employer is not told what you discuss.
Feeling safe to speak openly is at the heart of good therapy. Call us to book with confidence.
What should I do if someone is suicidal or I am in need of immediate help in a case of emergency?
Creating Change is not a 24-hour emergency service. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm:
- Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
For support outside your appointment times, help is available 24/7:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800
You don’t have to face this alone. Please reach out.
How will you know what treatment I need?
Your treatment is built around you. That’s why your first session runs for 2 hours. It gives us time to listen, get to know you and understand what you’re going through, without rushing. Treatment sessions are 55 minutes.
Together we’ll look at:
- your current situation and what matters most to you
- anything you’ve tried before and what did or didn’t help
- why you might still be feeling stuck
Before you leave, we’ll explain what we think is impacting you and recommend the approach most likely to help you reach your goals. You’ll know what comes next, you’ll always have a say in the plan, and we’ll adjust it as you make progress.
Will my psychologist understand what I’m going through?
Yes. Our team of psychologists and counsellors in Bella Vista brings together a wide range of experience, from anxiety, depression and trauma to ADHD, autism, relationships, parenting, workplace stress and men’s health.
We’re also locals. We live and work in the Hills District and Sydney, and we understand the pressures of everyday life here: busy jobs, long commutes, raising families, school stress and keeping it all together.
What this means for you:
- The right match from the start. We pair you with a psychologist who has specific experience in what you’re facing.
- Proven approaches. We use evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EMDR and mindfulness, tailored to your situation.
- Every clinician is highly qualified. All our psychologists hold a Masters degree and are registered with AHPRA, and they keep training to stay at the top of their field.
- We check you’re on track. Through Feedback Informed Treatment, we regularly ask how therapy is going, so it keeps working for you.
Meet our therapists to find someone who feels right.
Which treatment would be best: medication or psychological therapy?
This depends on the problems you are experiencing. Many issues can be addressed via therapy alone. Some are most effectively treated using a combination of medication and Psychological Therapy. Very occasionally medication would be suggested in isolation, usually until the individual’s symptoms are stabilised enough to participate in therapy.
Is Online Video Therapy Equally as Beneficial as In Person?
Yes. Research shows that therapy by video (telehealth) works as well as, or nearly as well as, face-to-face therapy for many people.
Clients also feel just as connected to their psychologist online. A review of 23 studies found that people consistently rated their relationship with their therapist as strongly over video as in person.* When people were unhappy with telehealth, it was usually because of technical problems, not the therapy itself.
Telehealth is a great choice if you:
- want a session during your lunch break
- work from home or live further away
- have young children or caring duties
- find it hard to travel because of health, mobility or accessibility needs
- simply feel more relaxed in your own space
All you need is a private space and a phone, tablet or computer with internet. You’ll see the same experienced psychologist and get the same quality of care. We’ll send you a simple link before your session, with no downloads needed.
*Simpson & Reid (2014), Australian Journal of Rural Health.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Therapy gives you a safe space to talk, practical skills to manage what you’re facing, and support from someone trained to help. Everyone’s experience is different, but many people find therapy helps them:
- Feel supported. Talking openly with someone who listens without judgement can ease the weight of carrying everything on your own.
- Make sense of what’s happening. Your psychologist helps you understand your thoughts, feelings and patterns, so you can see a clearer way forward.
- Learn practical tools. Evidence-based strategies, such as mindfulness and techniques from CBT, are skills you can use at home, at work and in everyday life.
- Manage stress and emotions. Feeling more in control and less overwhelmed can make a positive difference to sleep, energy and wellbeing.
- Strengthen relationships. Better communication and coping skills can help at home, with your partner and family, and at work.
- Work towards your goals. Your psychologist will help you set goals and keep checking your progress, so you can see the changes you’re making.
Ready to take the first step? There’s no waitlist, so call 02 8883 3185 to book.
Will I be in the room for my child’s session?
It depends on your child’s age, needs and what helps them feel most comfortable. Parents are always an important part of the process, and we’ll talk with you about what will work best for your family.
- Young children: parents are often in the room for some or all of the session, especially at the start. You may also learn strategies to use at home, because children make the most progress when parents are involved.
- Primary school-aged children: sessions usually include some time with you and some time with your child alone, so they can build trust with their psychologist and speak freely.
- Teenagers: teens usually see their psychologist on their own. Having a private space helps them open up. We’ll keep you involved with regular check-ins, while respecting your teen’s privacy.
You’ll always be kept informed. Your psychologist will share general progress and practical ways you can help. If there’s ever a concern about your child’s safety, we will always tell you.
Your first appointment usually starts with you, either alone or with your child, so we can understand your concerns, your child’s history and your goals.
Our psychologists work with children, teens and families in Bella Vista and by telehealth, with no waitlist and appointments available after school, in the evenings and on Saturdays.
What assessment and mental health issues can you help me with?
Creating Change Psychology & Counselling in Bella Vista helps children, teenagers, adults and families with a wide range of mental health and life challenges. We see clients in person in Sydney’s Hills District and by telehealth across Australia.
Emotional and mental health
- Anxiety, panic attacks and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma
- Grief and loss
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Behaviour, habits and wellbeing
- Alcohol and drug use
- Gaming and internet addiction
- Weight management and body image concerns
Children and teens
- Learning difficulties
- Behavioural difficulties
- Bullying
- School and social challenges
Relationships and families
- Parenting support
- Relationship difficulties
- Family conflict
Not sure if we can help? Call us on 02 8883 3185. We’ll talk you through your options and match you with the right psychologist.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your appointment time is reserved just for you, and your psychologist prepares in advance. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 48 hours’ notice so we can offer the time to someone else who needs support.
- Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice, and missed appointments, are charged the 100% session fee. This policy follows standard practice across Australian psychology and lets us keep appointments available for everyone.
- Medicare and most insurers don’t cover these fees.
- We’ll send you email schedules and a reminder before each appointment.
- Need to change a time? Call 02 8883 3185 or reply to your reminder. We’ll do our best to find you a new time that suits.
When is the right time to see a psychologist?
There’s no “right” time, and you don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable. Many people find it helps to reach out early, when they first notice something isn’t quite right.
You might consider talking to a psychologist if:
- Stress or anxiety is getting in the way of work, sleep or enjoying life
- Things haven’t improved even though you’ve tried to manage on your own
- Your relationships feel strained, or you and your loved ones are finding home life harder than usual
- Your mood is affecting you or the people around you
- You’re facing a big change, such as a new job, a loss, becoming a parent or a health concern
- You’d simply like support to understand yourself better and build skills for the future
Reaching out is a positive step. Therapy gives you a safe, confidential space to talk things through, along with practical tools to help you feel more like yourself.
There’s no waitlist, so you can start whenever you’re ready. Call 02 8883 3185 to book.
