FAQs

Sigma Therapies is a psychology & occupational therapy practice based in Australia, offering a range of counselling and mental health services. Our team is committed to providing holistic, personalised, and innovative mental health solutions.

Our team of therapists specialise in NDIS psychology and occupational therapy services, with therapy delivered both in the clinic, and at home.

We provide Individual Counselling, Couple/Relationship Counselling, Child and Adolescent Counselling, Family Counselling, Group Therapies, and Corporate Services. We also specialise in Crisis Intervention, Grief Counselling, Life Transition Counselling, Substance Use Counselling, Trauma Counselling, and Psychoeducational Assessments.

Our services can benefit individuals of all ages facing mental health challenges, from children and adolescents to adults. We also offer relationship counselling for couples and family counselling. Businesses can also avail of our corporate services for their teams.

Yes, Sigma Therapies does accept insurance. However, claims must be made by the individual through their own private health fund. To support this process, we can provide a receipt of payment for our services. Please note that if you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you can choose to use either the Medicare rebate associated with your MHCP or your private health insurance to cover costs, but not both for the same session. It's essential to check the specifics with your private health insurance provider and understand the benefits and limitations of your coverage.

Therapy can benefit anyone experiencing challenges in their life or anyone looking to understand themselves better. However, the decision to seek therapy is a personal one. We offer an initial consultation where you can discuss your concerns and decide whether therapy is the right path for you.

Typically, each therapy session at Sigma Therapies lasts for approximately 45-55 minutes. This can vary slightly depending on the nature of the session and the needs of the client. For some specific interventions or assessments, sessions may be longer. Your psychologist will discuss the expected session length with you during your initial consultation or when planning for such interventions or assessments.

 A provisional psychologist is a practitioner who has successfully completed their academic studies in psychology and is now undergoing the necessary period of supervised practice. At Sigma Therapies, you can choose to see any of our provisional psychologists without the need for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). However, it's important to note that sessions with a provisional psychologist are not eligible for a Medicare rebate. To account for this, we ensure the out-of-pocket cost remains the same whether you see a registered psychologist or a provisional psychologist. We're dedicated to providing high-quality care from all our practitioners, and our provisional psychologists offer valuable services as part of our comprehensive mental health support.

 The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government initiative designed to assist Australians with disabilities by providing them with the support they need. At Sigma Therapies, we have experience working within the parameters of the NDIS, offering personalised, holistic care to individuals with disabilities. For individuals who self-manage their NDIS plans, we are fully equipped and pleased to provide our range of therapeutic services. We are committed to facilitating positive outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for all our clients within the NDIS framework.

 Psychologists and psychiatrists both play vital roles in mental health care, but there are key differences. Psychologists are professionals trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave, and learn, using therapeutic methods to address mental health issues. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors specialising in mental health, including substance use disorders. They can prescribe medications in addition to providing psychotherapy.

While it is not necessary to have a referral to see a psychologist, possessing a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP can be advantageous. A MHCP is part of an initiative by the Australian government to help people with mental health issues access professional support. If you have a MHCP and a GP letter of referral, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year. Having a referral from your GP can also facilitate more effective communication between your healthcare providers, ensuring everyone involved in your care is working together. To obtain a MHCP, you need to discuss this with your GP, who will assess whether such a plan would be beneficial for you. The plan would include your GP's assessment, the proposed treatment, and the healthcare services you may need. Remember, each person’s journey is unique, and the number of sessions you may need can vary based on individual circumstances and therapeutic goals.

 Yes, if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or psychiatrist, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. This can cover a portion of the cost for a set number of sessions per year. For exact figures and to see if you're eligible, it's best to check the Medicare Benefits Schedule or speak with your GP.

 Booking an appointment with Sigma Therapies is simple. You can either request an appointment via our online portal or contact us directly. Our friendly team is ready to assist you in scheduling your initial consultation.

During your first appointment, you can expect a welcoming and respectful environment. Your psychologist will likely ask you about your current concerns, your history, and your goals for therapy. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the therapy process. Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous during your first session.

For younger children, it is often helpful for a parent to attend the initial session, or at least part of it. For adolescents, it may depend on the preference of your teenager and the nature of the issues to be addressed. Parental consent is required for children under 16. Your psychologist will discuss the most suitable approach with you.