The LifeConnect Experience
LifeConnect provides highly trained and accredited clinical psychologists, general psychologists and psychotherapists.
Sessions for individuals are for 50 minutes.
Relationship counselling and family therapy are usually 80 minutes.
Phone or Skype counselling sessions, now called etherapy sessions, are also available for clients located in remote places or when travelling.
If you have been referred by your General Medical Practitioner, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician, you just need to phone or email to book your first 50 minute session. If you do not have a medical referral we allow 1 hour 20 minutes for the initial session, the first 30 minutes is without charge.
Sometimes people are unsure of what approach they need. The first half an hour discussion at LifeConnect is an opportunity to address this question.
We aim to find the best approach and practitioner to suit the individual’s needs.
There is no charge for this initial 30 minute discussion if you do not have a Medicare referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. The difference between a psychologist and psychotherapist?
A. A psychotherapist may be a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, doctor, nurse or other health professional who has undertaken further specialist training in psychotherapy.
Q. What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
A. Counselling is often a short term treatment to problem solve specific issues, symptoms or specific situation, Psychotherapy is a more in depth treatment approach to bring about greater awareness with long term relief and potential for growth and transformation for both clients and relationship suffering.
Q. How do I book my first appointment?
A. Please call (02) 9922 6699 to make a time to come and see a clinical psychologist or psychotherapist. You can also email us at enquiries@lifeconnect.com.au or use our online booking system.
Q. How do I find you?
A. The LifeConnect practice is located on 243 Miller Street, North Sydney. This is opposite the North Sydney Council Building and it is just 10 minutes’ walk from the North Sydney train station. A map is located on the Contact us page.
Q. Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A. No. You can just call us or walk in and make an appointment. If you have a medical referral from your general practitioner, you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate for a limited number of sessions. If you are interested in making a claim under Medicare, you will need to ask your doctor about the Mental Health Care Plan.
Q. Can I claim Medicare at LifeConnect?
A. Yes. If you have a referral from your doctor, we can process your Medicare rebate at the time of payment at LifeConnect. Medicare does not cover some types of therapy such as relationship counselling, coaching or family therapy. For more information about Medicare rebates for psychological services please visit the Australian Psychological Society's Medicare rebate information page.
Q. Are LifeConnect practitioners registered with insurance agencies?
A. Yes. LifeConnect therapists are registered with several insurance agencies but please check with your health insurance company first.
Q. What are your fees?
A. Our fees are based on the Australian Psychological Society recommended fee which is currently set at $254 for a 46-60 minute consultation. There is a CPI annual increase on the 1st July of each year. Individual fees depend on the practitioner and the service you require. Currently the directors’ fees are $380. The fees of our clinical psychologist and registered psychologists vary between $200 - $250. Concessions are available in circumstances of hardship such as unemployment. All fees are disclosed and discussed before consultations commence.
Q. What is your cancellation Policy?
A. Any appointment cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will incur a fee.