Information for New Clients

Your first step toward feeling better starts here

Seeing a psychologist or mental health clinician for the first time can feel daunting. At Outlook Psychology, we make it easy, comfortable, and accessible — wherever you are in Australia.

Before You Begin

You don't have to have it all figured out.

Many people come to therapy feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. That's completely normal. Our clinicians are trained to meet you exactly where you are — with warmth, patience, and no judgement.

Whether you're seeking support for a specific concern or simply feeling like something isn't quite right, your first appointment is a safe space to explore what's going on and what kind of support might help.

"You don't need to be in crisis to seek support. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness."

What You Can Expect From Us

  • A warm, non-judgemental welcome from the very first contact
  • A clinician matched to your needs, background, and goals
  • Culturally responsive and trauma-informed care
  • Evidence-based therapies tailored to your individual situation
  • Flexible scheduling with no long waitlists
  • Secure, confidential telehealth from anywhere in Australia
  • Clear written reports and practical recommendations where relevant

Your Journey

How it works — step by step

01

Get a Referral or Self-Refer

You don't always need a referral to see us — you can self-refer directly. However, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 10 sessions per calendar year. We also accept NDIS participants and EAP referrals.

  • GP Mental Health Care Plan (Medicare rebates available)
  • Self-referral — no GP required
  • NDIS plan-managed or self-managed
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • WorkCover and return-to-work referrals
02

Book Your Initial Appointment

Booking is simple. Use our online booking system, call us on 1300 00R UOK, or send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you promptly. We offer appointments Monday to Sunday, 8am–7pm, so you can find a time that works around your life.

  • Book online 24/7 at your convenience
  • Phone bookings: 1300 00R UOK
  • Monday to Sunday, 8am–7pm
  • Flexible appointment lengths available
  • No long waitlists — prompt access to care
03

Prepare for Your First Session

Before your appointment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your secure telehealth link. Log in 5–10 minutes early to test your audio and video. Your clinician will begin by explaining confidentiality and answering any questions you have before you start.

  • Check your internet connection and device camera/microphone
  • Find a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable
  • Have a glass of water nearby — sessions can be emotionally engaging
  • Jot down key concerns or goals you'd like to discuss
  • No preparation is required — just show up as you are
04

Your First Appointment (50 minutes)

Your first session is an initial assessment — a chance for your clinician to understand you, your background, and what's brought you to therapy. There's no pressure to share everything at once. You set the pace.

  • Discuss your concerns, symptoms, and what brought you to therapy
  • Share relevant personal history, lifestyle, and context
  • Explore your goals for treatment and what you hope to achieve
  • Receive feedback and initial recommendations from your clinician
  • Ask any questions about the therapy process or what comes next
05

Ongoing Therapy

After your initial session, your clinician will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan. Sessions are collaborative, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique needs. Most clients begin with weekly or fortnightly appointments, adjusting frequency as they progress.

  • Personalised treatment plan developed with your input
  • Weekly or fortnightly sessions to start — adjusted as you progress
  • Evidence-based therapies: CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and more
  • Regular review of your goals and progress
  • Flexible scheduling — telehealth from anywhere in Australia

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Telehealth sessions with our psychologists, occupational therapists, or accredited mental health social workers can help you:
  • Reduce confusion and gain clarity about your symptoms
  • Express thoughts and feelings, feel heard and understood
  • Improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and communication
  • Reduce isolation and develop healthier relationships
  • Change unhelpful habits and thought patterns
  • Increase life satisfaction and coping skills
To get started, book online or call us on 1300 007 865. No referral is required to self-refer, though a GP Mental Health Care Plan will give you access to Medicare rebates.
Yes. Your GP or psychiatrist can update the referral to Outlook Psychology Practice and send it to us at opreferrals@opgove.com.au. Medicare rebates require a referral; care plans are typically reviewed after 6 sessions and can be renewed every 12 months. Contact us if you need clarification.
Yes. All sessions are private and confidential unless you provide consent or there is a legal or safety obligation to breach confidentiality. Your clinician will explain this at your first session.
They are trained in human behaviour, assessment, and evidence-based therapies to support mental wellbeing. Psychologists and senior clinicians are AHPRA-registered, follow ethical standards, and may specialise in areas like trauma, anxiety, depression, or workplace mental health.
Please provide 24 hours' notice. Late cancellations will incur the full session fee. SMS reminders are sent 24 hours before your appointment — please respond to confirm.
This depends on your goals, motivation, and presenting concerns. Many clients notice improvements within 6 sessions. Your clinician can provide a personalised plan.
If progress is slow, it may be due to the client-clinician relationship needing strengthening, ambivalence about change, or the therapy approach not being fully suited to your needs. Discuss any concerns openly with your clinician — if needed, a referral to another clinician can be arranged.
Outlook Psychology Practice was founded in Nhulunbuy, NT in 2016, providing telehealth appointments across Australia. All consultations are delivered via secure telehealth — there is no physical clinic to visit.