Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I go about making an appointment?
    The easiest way is to telephone during office hours on (07) 3831 4452. If you call after-hours then you can leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we open.
  • Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
    No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a psychologist.  If however, you are eligible to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation then you do need to see a doctor so that the appropriate Medicare paperwork (a ‘Mental Health Treatment Plan’ and referral) can be completed.
  • Can I get a rebate?
    If you have coverage for psychology services, private Health Insurers will give (generally) around half the fee back, but you need to contact your particular Insurer to confirm their rebate as the figure varies widely from fund to fund and is contingent upon your particular level of cover. When enquiring you may quote item numbers 100 (assessment/initial consultation) and 200 (subsequent consultation). Medicare- if you are eligible to obtain a "Mental Health Treatment Plan" and referral from a doctor and provide it to us before or on the day of your appointment, Medicare will rebate a proportion of the fee (on-the-spot using Medicare Easyclaim) for up to ten claims per calendar year (more if Covid-affected).
  • Are you open on weekends or evenings?
    Yes, some of the psychologists are available for evening and weekend appointments.
  • Is there parking available?
    Whilst our building has no public parking, there is a Council car park located just up Wickham Terrace on the opposite side of the road from us.  Public parking stations are also available on Astor Terrace and metered parking can be found on the surrounding streets. Brisbane Counselling Centre has a parking voucher arrangement with First Parking located at 67 Astor Terrace (entrance via Cousins St) - please ask a receptionist for a discount voucher.
  • Is it easy to get there using public transport?
    Yes it is. We are situated just one street above Central Station (follow the signs to Wickham Terrace). We are also easily accessible by bus. If you are using taxis, there is a taxi rank just a short walk up Wickham Terrace. For more information please visit our location page
  • How soon can I get an appointment?
    Depending on your needs and preferences, we aim to find a suitable appointment within 24-72 hours, however we do experience busy periods. Please call us for real-time appointment availability.
  • How long does a session last?
    Each session is approximately one hour in duration. You are welcome to request shorter (eg half an hour) or longer (eg 'a double') when booking.
  • How often will I need to come?
    During the assessment phase, the psychologists can recommend a treatment plan which includes estimated duration. On average you can expect to see positive outcomes within 3-6 sessions, with appointments generally 2 weeks apart on average at first, then tapering in frequency depending on needs/progress. We advise booking 1-2 follow-up appointments in advance to ensure optimal treatment is accessible should you choose to utilise it.
  • Do people often feel nervous about coming to see somebody like a psychologist?
    Yes, it is common for people to experience some initial nervousness. Our staff and the psychologists are aware of this and will always endeavour to provide a warm and understanding environment in which to help people feel more comfortable.
  • Can I choose between a male or female psychologist?
    Yes, you can specify this when you ring to make an appointment. You can familiarise yourself with the psychologists here.
  • Can I bring a friend or family member along for support?
    Yes. Your support person is free to come into the session with you or to sit in our waiting room where our staff will look after them and can make them tea or coffee.
  • What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
    Psychiatrists are medical practitioners who often specialise in the treatment of psychoses and mental illness. As doctors they are able to prescribe medications to their patients. Psychologists have undergone extensive university training in the area of human behaviour.  They are qualified to help people to understand and manage the emotions, behaviours and issues that are causing them difficulties in their lives.
  • What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?

    Utilising the same evidence-based therapeutic approaches, psychologists and counsellors have taken different educational pathways and thus have achieved different levels of recognition as providers of government (Medicare) subsidised mental health care services. For this reason, counsellors’ fees are lower, assuring an equitable out-of-pocket expense regardless of which type of practitioner you may choose.

    All psychologists attending BCC are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), are registered Medicare Providers (thus enabling rebates), and must be members of a peak professional body (either the Australian Psychological Society (APS) or the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)) which set and monitor professional standards of practice and professional development.

    Often a psychologist will work with clients in a clinical setting to assist with complex mental health conditions. If you are someone with a ‘formal’ mental health disorder diagnosis, a psychologist might be a good choice for you.

    Counsellors attending BCC must be registered with the Australian Association of Counsellors (ACA) and have Bachelor’s (graduate) Degree and appropriate post-graduate qualifications. They adhere to strict guidelines regarding supervision and on-going professional development including certified training in evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches. If you require more information regarding these differences when choosing a practitioner, please do not hesitate to phone one of our friendly receptionists on 07 3831 4452.
  • What kind of treatment strategies do psychologists use?
    Psychologists use a wide range of highly effective and evidence-based treatments.  Some of these include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Transactional Analysis (TA), Schema Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment-based Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
  • What if I can’t wait for an appointment?
    The following are crisis care resources you can utilise immediately (if you fear an immanent risk of harm to yourself or others, please dial emergency services 000): Lifeline
    • 13 11 14
    Kid's Helpline
    • 1800 551 800
    Suicide Callback Service
    • 1300 659 467
    Beyond Blue- anxiety & depression Abuse & Assault  

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