No, you do not need a referral to book with us. Many people contact us directly and arrange an appointment without seeing anyone else first. If you do have a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on a set number of sessions each year. Eligibility varies between individuals, so it is worth discussing your situation with your GP.

Yes. Every psychologist at Esteem Psychology is registered with AHPRA and holds an area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology.

Yes. All of our clinical psychologists offer appointments by secure video or telephone, as well as in person at our Hunter Street rooms in Newcastle.

There is no single sign that means you should see a psychologist. People usually reach out when something is affecting them, whether that is a specific difficulty like anxiety or grief, or a more general sense that things have become harder to manage. If something has been weighing on you, or daily life feels more difficult than usual, talking with a clinical psychologist can help you make sense of what is happening and work out what support may help. If you are not sure whether therapy is the right step, you are welcome to contact us and we can talk through your situation first.

Yes. Our clinical psychologists work with children, adolescents and adults, and several have particular experience supporting younger clients and their families. Therapy for children and teenagers is adapted to their age and stage, and parents or carers are often involved in the process where appropriate. If you are unsure whether therapy suits your child, you are welcome to call and talk it through before making a decision.

Your first session is mostly about getting to know you. Your psychologist will ask what has brought you in, a little about your background, and what you are hoping for from therapy. There is no pressure to share more than you feel ready to. Together you will begin to shape a plan for how to move forward. Many people find that even the first conversation brings a sense of clarity and relief.

Yes. What you discuss with your psychologist is private and kept confidential, in line with professional and legal standards. There are a small number of situations where a psychologist may need to share information, such as where there is a serious risk to safety, and these limits are explained to you early on. Protecting your privacy is central to how we work, and we are always happy to answer questions about it.

Fees depend on the type and length of your appointment. Our standard consultation fee is listed on our Fees page, and we will confirm the exact cost of your appointment when you book, so there are no surprises. If you have a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible sessions. Some private health funds also offer rebates for psychology, depending on your level of cover. A Medicare rebate and a private health rebate cannot both be claimed for the same session. Eligibility varies, so we recommend checking with Medicare or your fund directly.

Our psychologists support people with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment difficulties, stress and burnout, trauma, and relationship challenges. Because every person is different, we focus on understanding your individual situation rather than fitting you into a category. If you are not sure whether we can help with what you are experiencing, please get in touch and we can guide you towards the right next step.