Information
Information for New Clients
What to expect when you arrive at Lismore Mental Health Collective
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When you come to Lismore Mental Health Collective session you can expect a warm, inviting and professional environment.
If it is your first visit you will come to our wait room and be asked to complete some initial paperwork by one of our receptionists if you haven’t already completed everything online. It is good to arrive about 20 minutes early for your first appointment so you have plenty of time to find a park and to complete this paperwork. If you have any concerns or questions please email us.​
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Therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes. If you require a longer consultation you will need to notify us when booking an appointment. The frequency of visits will vary between people and we can negotiate what is most suitable for you. Please do not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please refer to our Telehealth page for more information should you be requiring a Telehealth session. Please do not attend in person if you are experiencing any flu like symptoms or are required to self isolate.​
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What is covered in my first session
In your first session with your therapist they will help guide you through obtaining information about your background and the reason for your seeking therapy. This process is very different for each person and each therapist will have their own preferred way of helping you work through the initial session. In preparing for your first session it can be helpful to think about what your goals for therapy are as well as the reasons that brought you therapy to help you explain this.
Therapy is a collaborative approach between you and your therapist. Together with your therapist, you can start a treatment plan to help you work towards agreed goals and plan the frequency of your visits. Our therapists use a range of tools and techniques which can support you to reach your goals and achieve greater wellbeing. ​
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Contact Hours
Our service is available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with limited services available outside of these hours. Enquire with your preferred therapist about days and times they are available.
Mental Health Emergencies
Should you need urgent mental health support please call the Mental Health Access line on: 1800 011 511 or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
Confidentiality & Privacy
When it is time for your appointment, your therapist will come and meet you in the wait room and walk you to the room for your consultation. All our rooms are professional and soundproofed and all psychologists and psychiatrists are required to follow a strict code of ethics which includes keeping your confidential information exactly that – confidential.
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Your privacy is ensured, information you share with our therapists in your sessions will be confidential and not shared with anyone without your explicit permission or in the event of a court order or unless there is a danger to yourself or others. In this case the therapist will inform you and work with you to create a plan.
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All enquiries and counselling sessions are essentially private and confidential. You will be provided with a Client Intake Form at your first appointment with your therapist. Please read and sign the Client Intake Form to allow a professional report to be provided to your Doctor or other important parties. Reports will be of a factual nature concerning your assessment and will enable a coordinated approach to your care.
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Information about Adolescents & Children
Adolescents and Young Adults
Our practitioners have many years expertise working with young people and the particular issues they face. Most have worked in specialist services for young people at risk, such as Headspace and the Whole Family Team. Thus they are highly attuned to the risks and vulnerabilities that young people face during their transition in adulthood.
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Parental Involvement
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Adolescents and young people under 18 years of age will need consent from parent to see a mental health practitioner, as it is a legal requirement. We like to work in a collaborative family focused way, so sessions are conducted with the young person and concerns and issues will be discussed with a parent as necessary. Instances that your therapist may discuss the content of sessions with a parent are when there is a significant risk, unsafe behaviours as well as serious difficulties impacting on their wellbeing (for example. bullying). The therapist will discuss with the young person how to approach these conversations and involve them as much as possible.
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Confidentiality & Sharing Information
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Although there are limits to confidentiality for young people we aim to provide a safe and private space for them to talk about their difficulties. If there are any concerns we talk together with parents and the young person to work out a plan together.
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Limits to confidentiality are: if your child is at risk of harm to self or others; if there is a court order ; or consent is given to share information with a third party (eg another service or other professional).
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Information for Parents​ of Children Under 14 years old
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Lismore Mental Health Collective are specialists in child, adolescent and family counselling - so you can be assured your child is receiving the best care possible. We have a dedicated child-focussed practice space in the clinic to ensure the therapeutic experience is safe and enjoyable for your child.
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Parental Involvement
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For Children and Young people under 18 years of age consent from parent as it is a legal requirement. Our therapists will have different approaches to how often a parent is involved in sessions with a child. However all our practitioners work collaboratively and will keep the parent informed through out the therapeutic process.​​ If necessary you may be required to attend a family session where she can up date you with your child's progress and needs or you may be invited into a shared session.
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Confidentiality & Sharing Information
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Although there are limits to confidentiality for young people I aim to provide a safe and private space for them to talk about their difficulties. If there are any concerns we talk together with you to work out a plan together.
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Limits to confidentiality are: if your child is at risk of harm to self or others; if there is a court order ; or consent is given to share information with a third party (eg another service or other professional).
Telehealth
To support your mental health and wellbeing during the COVID Pandemic you are able to access therapeutic services via telehealth. The Australian Government has announced that eligible people will be able to access Medicare rebates for psychiatric and psychological services delivered via telehealth.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to a videoconference consultation involving communication between you and your psychologist using both a video and audio connection. This is similar to connecting with family, friends or business contacts using programs such as FaceTime or Zoom. Some providers will require you to download special software.
Cancellation Policy
Your appointment is reserved especially for you. We understand that sometimes the unexpected happens and you will need to change or cancel your booking. We ask that you provide as much notice as possible, so that the appointment can be offered to someone else in need.​
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If you provide less than 48 hours notice, we reserve the right to charge you a late cancellation fee.
Late cancellation fees:
Cancellations less than 48 hours prior to a scheduled appointment will incur a fee of 50% of the consultation cost.
The full consultation fee will be charged for cancellations less than 24 hours prior to a scheduled appointment.
Medicare rebates are only available for face-to-face services provided and so no portion of a cancellation fee is claimable.
