In your first psychology session, your psychologist gets to know you, asks what's brought you in, and works with you to agree on goals. It's mostly a conversation, and you choose how much you share.
Prepared by Trevor Keen Founder and Physiotherapist · Reviewed 25 October 2026 |
A psychologist is a university-trained health professional, registered with AHPRA, who helps people understand and manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Here's what to expect at your first appointment and how to prepare.
At a glance
| ✓ | A first session runs for about 50 minutes (up to 90 minutes for NDIS clients). |
| ✓ | It's a conversation: no right or wrong answers. |
| ✓ | Your psychologist explains confidentiality and its limits. |
| ✓ | You'll talk about goals and a plan for future sessions. |
| ✓ | Bring your mental health care plan or NDIS details if you have them. |
In this guide
Psychologists use evidence-based talking therapies to help with concerns such as anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, relationships and big life changes. Some also do assessments, for example for ADHD, autism or learning differences.
Psychologists don't prescribe medication. If medication may help, your psychologist can work alongside your GP or a psychiatrist.
| 1 | The basics Your psychologist explains confidentiality, including its limits, and how sessions work. |
| 2 | What's brought you in What's happening now, how long it's been going on, and how it affects daily life. |
| 3 | Some background Health, relationships, work or study, and past experiences that feel relevant. |
| 4 | Your goals What you'd like to be different. |
| 5 | A plan How future sessions might look and how often to meet. |
You may also fill in a short questionnaire, which helps track how you're going. You don't have to share anything you're not ready to talk about, and it's fine to say so.
Ready to book a first session?
Our psychologists see adults, young people and children at our Salisbury and Seacliff clinics.
Book or referCall 08 8166 4700Often, yes. The first appointment may start with parents or carers, so the psychologist can hear your concerns and background. Later sessions involve your child, often using play, drawing or activities to help them feel comfortable. At CHSA, a parent or carer usually comes to the first session, and for private and Medicare clients it runs for 50 minutes. NDIS first sessions can run up to 90 minutes because we go through the plan and goals. After that, it depends on your child's age and how they're going, and you're welcome to wait in the waiting room.
Most people attend a series of sessions. How many depends on your goals, and your psychologist will review this with you along the way.
Feeling comfortable with your psychologist matters. If the fit doesn't feel right, say so, and we can help you find another clinician on our team. See our psychology services, or read how much a psychologist costs in Adelaide before you book.
No, you can book directly. You need a mental health care plan and referral from your usual GP only if you want to claim Medicare rebates, for up to 10 individual sessions a year. NDIS participants may be able to use plan funding instead.
Yes, with some legal limits, such as when someone's safety is at serious risk or the law requires information to be shared. Your psychologist explains these limits in your first session.
It depends on what you'd like help with. Your psychologist will talk with you about a plan in the first session and check in on progress as you go.
Yes. We offer psychology therapy by telehealth anywhere in Australia. Ask our team how your mental health care plan and rebate apply.
Book your first session
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Our team can help you find the right psychologist.
Book or referSee our feesPrepared by
Trevor Keen Founder, Conscious Healthcare SA · Physiotherapist (AHPRA PHY0002063374) · Master of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Psychological Studies, Flinders University |
Trevor is a physiotherapist whose lived experience of disability led him to found CHSA, bringing psychology, assessments, occupational therapy, behaviour support and dietetics under one roof in Adelaide. He has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Flinders University, is now studying psychology at honours level, and helps write our guides alongside the clinicians who deliver each service.
Sources
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
This guide is general information, not advice about your situation. Speak with your GP or one of our team about what's right for you.