For new clients
Accessing support for yourself
Structured, evidence-based support for older adolescents and adults. Below is an overview of how to get started, what to expect from your first appointment, and the types of concerns commonly addressed in therapy.
How to get started
Accessing support with Medicare
If you would like to access support through Medicare, the first step is to book an appointment with your GP. If appropriate, your GP can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and referral.
- Book an appointment with your GP
- Discuss your concerns and request a Mental Health Care Plan
- Ask your GP to send the referral to admin@elliotmcbridepsych.com
- Referrals can be sent via Medical Objects or email
Once received, you will be contacted to arrange your initial appointment.
Accessing support through the NDIS
If you are NDIS funded, the first step is to confirm that you have appropriate funding available for psychology. This is typically within Capacity Building supports.
- Confirm funding availability within your plan
- Discuss with your Support Coordinator if applicable
- Reach out via email or website enquiry form
- An initial session can then be scheduled to clarify goals and suitability
This ensures the referral pathway and focus of therapy are clear from the outset.
What to expect
Initial appointment (60 minutes)
The first session focuses on developing a clear understanding of your concerns, relevant history, and the areas you would like support with. This is a collaborative process where we begin to clarify goals and identify priorities for therapy.
Where appropriate, we may also discuss whether any structured questionnaires or assessment measures would be helpful in building a more detailed understanding of your presentation.
Assessment (where relevant)
In some cases, further assessment may be beneficial. This might include mental health assessment, or assessment related to concerns such as ADHD, autism, or executive functioning difficulties.
Any assessment is discussed collaboratively, with a focus on whether it is likely to meaningfully inform treatment planning or provide clarity around your experiences.
Ongoing therapy and progress
From there, therapy focuses on working towards your identified goals through structured, evidence-based approaches. Sessions are typically held on a recurring basis, with ongoing review of progress and adjustment of the approach as needed.
The focus remains on building practical skills, improving insight, and supporting meaningful change in day-to-day life.
Common reasons clients seek support
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Life, work and relationships
Neurodivergence and cognitive concerns
Approach to therapy
How therapy is structured
Therapy is collaborative, goal-directed, and tailored to your individual needs. The focus is on developing practical skills, improving understanding of patterns in thoughts and behaviour, and supporting meaningful change over time.
Frameworks commonly used
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- DBT-informed emotional regulation strategies
Progress is monitored throughout therapy, with regular review to ensure sessions remain aligned with your goals.