Frequently Asked Questions

To request an appointment: fill out the brief enquiry form or fax your referral to (02) 8360 9903

To ask a question that is not answered below: fill in the contact form, send us an email: admin@straightuppsych.com.au or send an SMS to 0402 190 031

As a neurodivergent psychologist, written communication (rather than phone calls) is the preferred form of contact.  Therefore, if you leave a voicemail message requesting a return call, you are likely to receive an SMS inviting you to use one of the communication options above. Why? I'm glad you asked.

Telephone calls can be experienced by neurodivergent individuals as overwhelming because, among other things:

• they lack non-verbal cues (e.g. facial expressions and body language)
• without those non-verbal cues, we have to put more effort into masking by concentrating intensely on such things as pauses in the conversation that indicate it is our turn to speak, or monitoring our direct communication so it doesn't come across as blunt or rude
• the sudden sound of a ringing telephone can trigger sensory sensitivities
• the unexpected ringing of the telephone requires a rapid transition between tasks, interrupting focus
• knowing how and when to end the conversation doesn't come easily which can mean that a question that could be answered by SMS or email in just 5 minutes can turn into a 20+ minute telephone call, which detracts from time spent providing direct support to my clients.

Therapy focuses on understanding and supporting the challenges you are experiencing, such as anxiety, grief, stress, or mood difficulties. The first therapy session involves a comprehensive intake where we explore your history, current concerns, and goals.

Psychological assessment is a structured process used when someone is seeking clarification about a specific diagnosis (for example ADHD or autism). Assessment typically involves multiple appointments and formal testing.

Most people seeking support for anxiety, grief, depression, or life difficulties begin with therapy rather than psychological assessment.

Straight Up Psychological Services currently offers structured assessment for:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Cognitive functioning (WAIS or WISC)

Some assessments may be completed together (for example combined ADHD and autism assessment).

Other types of assessment, such as medico-legal reports or court reports, are not provided by this service.

Further information is available here.

The first session is a comprehensive intake appointment.
We explore your current concerns, relevant background history, and what you would like to change or improve.

You are not expected to explain everything perfectly. The goal is simply to begin understanding your situation and deciding together what support may be helpful.

A GP referral is not required to access therapy.

However, if you wish to claim Medicare rebates, you will need a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.

Clients are also welcome to attend privately without a referral.

Straight Up Psychological Services does not provide bulk billing. However, clients with an eligible referral from their GP may* be able to access a rebate from Medicare. The rebate is currently $98.95, due to increase slightly on 1 July 2026.

Information about fees can be found here: Fees & Policies

*Clients referred by their GP under the Medicare Better Access scheme may claim rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. 

Generally Medicare does not cover assessment services.

However, young people (under 25) referred by their paediatrician for assessment of a "Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder" (such as autism) may be eligible for rebates from Medicare for the young person's psychological assessment. Gap fees will apply. Furhter information can be provided prior to scheduling the assessment.

This service does not provide crisis or emergency care.

If you are in immediate distress or experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 000, attend your nearest Emergency Department, or contact a crisis support service.

Therapy and assessments at Straight Up Psychological Services are provided by a registered psychologist.

Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (via AHPRA) requires completion of accredited postgraduate training and supervised practice, and registration must be maintained through ongoing professional development and adherence to professional standards.

The service draws on evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other structured psychological strategies where appropriate.

The service also provides structured psychological assessment using standardised assessment tools. 

After submitting the enquiry form, the information is reviewed to determine whether the service is a suitable fit.

If appropriate, you will receive an email inviting you to register in the client portal and request an appointment.

I may also send you a follow-up email requesting further information. 

If you have not received a response to your enquiry within 48 hours, please check your spam/junk folder or reach out again to admin@straightuppsych.com.au 

Straight Up Psychological Services works with children, adolescents and adults.

Children over the age of 7 are offered an initial appointment, to determine whether talk-based therapy is suitable for them. 

Straight Up Psychological Services does not provide play therapy, so some younger children may be better supported by services that specialise in play-based approaches. If this is the case, your GP may be able to recommend appropriate local services.

Standard therapy appointments are typically 50 minutes.

Psychological assessments involve multiple appointments and longer testing sessions depending on the type of assessment being completed.

Straight Up Psychological Services accepts self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

NDIS-funded services are provided as capacity-building supports and must be aligned with the participant’s stated NDIS goals and related to their primary disability.

Straight Up Psychological Services is not currently a registered NDIS provider, so services cannot be billed to NDIA-managed plans.

If you are unsure whether your plan management type allows you to access private psychology services, your plan manager or support coordinator may be able to assist.

Yes. Registered psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose ADHD.

ADHD assessment involves a structured process that may include clinical interviews, standardised questionnaires, developmental history, and cognitive assessment where appropriate.

For adults, a diagnosis made by a psychologist is generally sufficient for therapy, documentation, and personal understanding.

However, if someone is considering medication, a psychiatrist or other medical specialist will usually need to be involved in treatment decisions.

Assessments are completed over several appointments.

The process usually includes a detailed clinical interview, review of developmental history, and completion of questionnaires.

Because the process is comprehensive, assessment may take several weeks from the first appointment to the completion of the final report.

In some cases, combined ADHD and autism assessment can be completed.

This will depend on the referral question and whether a combined assessment is clinically appropriate.

If you are unsure which assessment may be suitable, this can be discussed during the initial consultation.