Getting Started
Before you get started, it is highly recommended that you read through the FAQ section and our Privacy Policy.
Getting Started
Starting therapy can be a new and unfamiliar experience for many. According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, one in five Australians struggle with mental illness but less than half seek treatment. However, therapy can be one of the most rewarding experiences to enrich one’s life or to get through difficult times.
Standard appointments are approximately 50 minutes long. Extended consultations of 90-minutes are available upon request or extended on an as-needed basis during the session.
Our face-to-face sessions are offered in a large-size office suite centrally located in North
Ryde. Our beautiful rooms overlooking Lane Cove National park are secure and private,
suitable for any clients who want a peace of mind with high confidentiality. There is visitor
parking on site and easy lift access to the building.
Telehealth appointments are available using Coviu, an Australian Videoconferencing Platform designed for health care practitioners. Please note that telehealth is not recommended if you are in crisis, or if you are suicidal, actively self-harming, dissociative, experiencing psychosis, or have severe eating disorders.
Safe Haven is not a crisis service and will not be able to respond to the needs of clients in cases of emergency. Please see the bottom page ‘Quick Links’ Emergency Contacts for appropriate services.
No referral is required for an appointment.
However, you can get a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year if you obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. (see FAQ page for more information on fees and rebates)
You can also choose to be a Private Paying Client if you do not have or wish to use Medicare. Some Private Health Funds have coverage for psychology services and you may wish to check with your provider whether that is an option available to you.
After-hours appointments from 5 PM onwards will incur a surcharge. Reduced fees are available for full-time students, concession cardholders and pensioners.
Fees can be paid by cash, EFTPOS, or credit card at the end of each appointment. We offer on-site processing of Medicare rebates. We do not provide psychometric assessments or medio-legal reports.
If you are new or visiting our website, Welcome to Safe Haven.
There are 5 simple steps for you to understand how we can arrange a session for you as soon as possible.
For existing clients and for those of you who have completed Step 1 and Step 2,
please proceed to Step 3 – Book a Session before you proceed to Step 4 and Step 5.
Step 1
Complete the contact form
This is for us to understand more about you and if the situation you are in is something that we can help with
Step 2
GP Referral
Get a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan addressed to Safe Haven Psychology and email it to
booking@safehavenpsychology.com.au
Alternatively, you can request for an invoice at the end of the session to submit to your Private Health Fund
Step 3
Book A Session
After completing Step 1 & 2, find an available session that suits you and secure your session booking
Step 4
Confirmation
Please wait for our confirmation email with more details for your first appointment or confirmation email that contains the link to access your Telehealth session.
Please complete the intake form, consent form and card payment details using the Halaxy patient portal sent to your email address at least 1-2 business days prior to attending your first appointment.
Step 5
Get Ready
Allow plenty of time to make to your appointment on time, OR
Make sure you are in a quiet, and secure space with access to Internet prior to your telehealth session starting
