Resources · FAQ
A few things you might be wondering.
You do not need to know the right words or have everything figured out before getting in touch.

Common questions
Practical answers, in plain language.
Getting started
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. You are welcome whether you have a formal diagnosis, are self-identifying, are questioning your neurotype, or are simply drawn to a neuroaffirming, compassion-focused approach.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed to enquire or attend as a private client. You will need a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate.
What happens in the first appointment?
The first appointment is 1 hour and 15 minutes. The extra time gives us space to understand what has brought you to Befriend Your Brain, what has or has not helped before, and what you are hoping for, even if that is still unclear. We can then begin shaping a plan together without needing to rush the conversation.
What’s the difference between therapy and assessment?
Therapy is ongoing support focused on your goals, wellbeing, patterns, relationships, and practical ways forward. Assessment is a structured process that brings together interviews, questionnaires, observations, and sometimes cognitive or academic testing to answer specific questions about how you or your child thinks, processes, learns, and experiences the world. If you are unsure which fits, you can start with a conversation.
Who we work with
Do you work with people who aren’t neurodivergent?
Yes. Much of the practice’s work is with autistic and ADHD clients, PDAers, gifted or twice-exceptional people, and those still exploring their neurotype, but you do not need to be neurodivergent to attend. Anyone who feels that a warm, collaborative, compassion-focused approach may suit them is welcome to enquire.
Are there people or concerns you don’t work with?
Befriend Your Brain is not an emergency or crisis service and does not offer family therapy. Every enquiry is considered individually because some concerns are better supported by a specialist, a multidisciplinary team, or a higher-intensity service. If the practice is not the right fit, we will be transparent about that and suggest a more suitable next step where possible.
Fees and funding
How much do sessions cost?
The initial 1 hour and 15 minute appointment is $390. Ongoing 50-minute therapy sessions are $260. Assessment fees vary because each assessment plan is built around the questions being explored; you will receive a personalised plan and clear costs before deciding whether to proceed. Fees can change, so current arrangements will always be confirmed before your first appointment.
Can I claim Medicare, and what’s the gap?
With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral, eligible clients can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 therapy sessions per calendar year. From 1 July 2026, the Clinical Psychologist rebate is $149.05, leaving a gap of $110.95 for a standard 50-minute session or $240.95 for the longer first appointment. Medicare rebates and eligibility rules can change, so please confirm current details with your referrer or Medicare.
Do you work with NDIS?
Yes, for self-managed NDIS participants whose goals align with the support offered. The practice is not able to accept plan-managed or NDIA-managed funding at this time.
Do you work with private health insurance?
Yes. Some private health insurers may provide a rebate for psychology sessions, but this varies between providers and policies. Please check your cover directly with your insurer.
What is your cancellation policy?
The cancellation policy and any applicable fees will be explained before your first appointment. If you need to change a session, please contact the practice as early as you can so the time may be offered to someone else.
Telehealth and in person
Is telehealth right for me or my child?
Telehealth can work well when you value being in a familiar environment, need flexibility, or live outside Sydney. It can be adapted with movement breaks, visuals, written summaries, and other supports. It is not the best fit for every person or every stage of care, particularly for some younger children, so we can think about this together when you enquire.
What do I need for a telehealth session?
You will need a private-enough space, a charged device with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Headphones, water, a notepad, a fidget, or other comfort items can also help. The telehealth guide has a fuller preparation checklist.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Yes, in-person appointments are offered on Gadigal Land in Sydney. In-person sessions are generally suggested for younger children. Availability is limited during 2026 and is expected to grow from early 2027.
Assessment
What can an assessment tell us?
An assessment can build a clearer picture of strengths, support needs, patterns, and how you or your child thinks, processes, learns, communicates, and experiences the world. Depending on the questions being explored, it may consider autism, ADHD, giftedness, learning difficulties, intellectual disability, mental health, and other neurodevelopmental differences. The aim is useful understanding, recommendations, accommodations, and self-advocacy, not simply a label.
How long does an assessment take?
It depends on the questions being explored. Every assessment begins with a 1 hour and 15 minute appointment, followed by a personalised plan. A focused assessment may involve structured interviews, analysis, and a feedback session. A comprehensive assessment can involve several appointments, questionnaires from relevant people, testing, report writing, and feedback. The expected timeline will be explained before you choose to proceed.
Can you prescribe ADHD medication?
No. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. If you want to explore ADHD medication, you will also need to speak with a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. They may have their own assessment requirements, so it is worth checking with them before beginning a psychology-led ADHD assessment.
Will a school or the NDIS accept the report?
No clinician can guarantee how a school, the NDIS, or another organisation will use a report or whether an application will be approved. Comprehensive assessments are thorough and planned with relevant NDIS or education evidence requirements in mind. Where the assessment findings suggest that you or your child may be eligible for support, the process is designed to gather the detailed evidence typically required for an application.
Children, teens, and parents
Will you share information with my child’s school or doctor?
Only with consent, except where disclosure is required by law or needed to respond to a serious safety concern. When collaboration may be helpful, we will discuss what could be shared, with whom, and why before making contact.
What do you share with parents about a teenager’s sessions?
Teenagers need a private space to speak openly, while parents and caregivers may still need enough information to support them. We discuss confidentiality and its limits at the beginning, including what the young person is comfortable sharing. With consent, updates may focus on broad themes, goals, and useful strategies rather than the details of conversations. Information may need to be shared without consent if there is a serious safety concern or another legal requirement.
Do parents attend sessions?
It depends on the young person’s age, preferences, needs, and goals. Parents and caregivers are usually involved at intake and through agreed check-ins, and may join parts of sessions or strategy discussions where helpful. We plan this together, with the young person’s consent and developing independence in mind.
What if I need urgent help?
Befriend Your Brain is not a crisis service, and the website and enquiry form are not monitored for urgent support. If there is immediate concern for safety, call 000 or present to the nearest emergency department. For urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
When you’re ready
Reading is a good start. A conversation can be too.
Share a little about what you’re looking for, and we’ll be in touch about fit and availability.
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