FAQ

The fastest way to get in touch is via the Contact page, accessible via the website menu. Alternatively, please feel free to email hello@maierpsychology.com.au or call 0493 007 993.

New clients can start the booking process by clicking the Book a Consultation button on the website menu above, and completing the new client form. Alternatively, you can email Emily at hello@maierpsychology.com.au

Existing clients can make bookings directly by clicking the Book a Consultation button on the website menu above, and scheduling a session using the online booking system.

No, you are more than welcome to make an appointment privately. The benefit of a referral may be that a rebate is possible (i.e. under a Mental Health Care Plan or Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Treatment and Management Plan). Please discuss options with your GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.

Emily typically suggests booking in 8-10 sessions in advance, to ensure continuity of care and appropriate planning for treatment. The overall duration of your visits varies from person to person and depends on the nature of the concerns. Clients may experience positive change within just a few sessions, whereas others may require longer-term support.

Generally, it is helpful to attend fortnightly for the first 6 sessions, and then in many cases, the frequency can be spread out to three or four weekly. In some cases, more regular appointments will be required for a longer period of time.

You may cancel or reschedule any booking with at least 48 hours notice. If you're unwell or unable to attend in person, telehealth sessions are available as an alternative. Please contact Emily to discuss this option.

If you miss your session, or cancel within 48 hours the following fees apply:

0 - 24 hours notice: 100% of fee

24 - 48 hours notice: 50% of fee

Medicare and private health rebates cannot be applied to cancellation/no show fees. Outstanding fees will need to be paid prior to future appointments.

To be fair to other clients, if you are late for an appointment, your session will still finish at the scheduled time and the full fee will apply. If Emily is running behind, she will make sure you get your complete session time.

Payments are processed by credit card through our practice management software at the time of consultation. Credit card payments will attract a processing fee of 1.90% + $1.00. To avoid processing fees, you can pre-pay for your consultation via PayID email address: hello@maierpsychology.com.au at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.

Before your first session, Emily will ask you to complete the intake paperwork via email. This may include consent forms allowing your child to participate in therapy, privacy information, and questionnaires. You may also receive information about billing, communication, and scheduling policies. These steps help Emily gather essential information and ensure you understand the services before consultation begins.

Please come in and make yourself at home - we have tea and coffee facilities and cold refreshments. Emily may be with another client and will come to meet with you shortly. We have a bathroom on site, which is just down the hall, last door on the right.

The first session will focus on developing a shared understanding of you, or your child and family. Together, we'll discuss your current concerns, explore your history, and begin to understand what's most important to you, and what you hope to get out of therapy. It's a step towards creating a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs and level of support.

For children and young teens, the initial intake session is a parent-only consultation. In the second therapy session, Emily will typically begin working directly with your child or adolescent.

Initial intake appointments are typically 60 minutes in length. Follow up sessions are approximately 50 minutes in length. Diagnostic assessment sessions vary.

The duration of therapy varies greatly among individuals, as it depends on the nature of the difficulties and the level of support needed. Some people see progress within a few sessions, while others benefit from engaging for longer periods. Emily's commitment is to support you throughout your journey, ensuring therapy progresses at a pace that feels right for you.

Emily prefers to conduct appointments face-to-face at her location in Paddington, especially for children and teens to allow for rapport building and full engagement in therapy. However, she offers telehealth sessions for parent or young adult sessions, and initial intake appointments.

Parents will be present at various times, but the extent varies based on the child's age, the challenges addressed, and the therapy goals. Emily will carefully assess what arrangement will best support your child's engagement and progress. Sometimes this is one-on-one with her, sometimes a parent may join, or occasionally siblings or other family members are included. The level of parental involvement is tailored to the individual needs of the child or adolescent and is discussed early in the therapy process.

Every assessment will consider the question of whether a diagnosis is appropriate for the child or adolescent. Whether a diagnosis can be given will depend on the assessment results.

Emily can offer ongoing psychological support following assessments. Services can include individual therapy and parent support, as well as support for schools, teachers and educators who work with your child.

Emily works with children, adolescents, young adults and parents. Many of her clients are families where a child is struggling with anxiety, emotion regulation, social difficulties, behaviour challenges or school-related problems.

Emily understands that there are times when you or a third party (e.g. schools, or other professionals) may request a written report, letter, or form to support your needs.

Preparation of documents requires time outside of your scheduled appointments. As such, these services are charged at the standard hourly rate of $280 + GST, billed on a pro-rata basis (per 60 minutes).

Please note, Emily does not complete court and capacity reports. These services are best provided by a psychologist with specialised training and expertise in this area.

Emily does not provide emergency or crisis care. She is also unable to provide phone or text counselling support. In case of an emergency, please call 000 or visit your local hospital emergency department.

For other crisis support services:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14

Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800

Parent Line - 1300 301 300

Mental Health Access Line - 1300 642 255