Your first session

Before you go

• Ask about the fee, any Medicare rebate, and how long the session is.
• Ask if they can speak your language, or if you can bring an interpreter.
• If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, bring the referral or ask your GP to send it.
• Think about what you would like help with. A few notes on your phone are fine.

What happens

Your professional will ask what brings you in, a little about your life, your family, your health and what you hope will change. You do not have to share everything at once. You can say “I am not ready to talk about that yet.”

Questions you can ask

• How do you usually work with people like me?
• Do you understand my culture or my faith? How would you include them?
• What happens to what I tell you? Who else will know?
• How will we know if this is helping?

After the session

Notice how you felt. Did you feel heard and respected? It can take a couple of sessions to feel settled. If it does not feel right, it is okay to try someone else. That is a normal part of finding help.

Find a professional