Important note: This article provides general information only. Clinic processes, fees, Medicare rules and government policies can change at any time. This guide is for educational purposes and is not individual medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Always speak with your GP about your personal healthcare needs, and confirm details directly with your chosen practitioner before your appointment.
Booking a first appointment with a psychologist is a big step. It is completely normal to feel nervous or unsure about what will happen. This guide explains what a first session often looks like, so you can walk in feeling a little more prepared.
Before your appointment
Many clinics will send you some forms to complete before your first session. These usually ask for your contact details, your GP, and a short description of what brings you in. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan or a referral from your GP, the clinic may ask you to bring it or send it ahead of time.
It can help to confirm a few practical details when you book, such as the session fee, any rebate you may be eligible for, the cancellation policy, and whether the session is in person or by telehealth.
What happens in the first session
A first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your psychologist will usually explain confidentiality and its limits, then ask about what is happening for you, how long it has been going on, and how it affects your daily life. They may also ask about your background, relationships, work or study, sleep and general health.
You do not have to share everything at once. You are welcome to go at a pace that feels comfortable, and it is okay to say you would rather not talk about something yet.
Towards the end, many psychologists will talk with you about goals and a possible plan for future sessions.
Questions you might like to ask
What approaches do you usually use? How many sessions do people often have? What can I do between sessions? How do fees and rebates work at this clinic?
After your appointment
It is common to feel tired, relieved or even a little unsettled after a first session. Give yourself some time to rest. If you feel the fit is not quite right, that is okay too. Finding a psychologist you feel comfortable with matters, and it is fine to try someone else.
Need support right now?
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24 hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.