Helping you untangle the hard stuff one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have never attended therapy, you might not be sure what to expect. That’s okay. Below are some common questions you might find helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
General
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Please contact our friendly administrative team on [PHONE], email us directly at info@crystalsmithpsychology.com.au or, use our contact us form.
There is currently immediate availability to start your appointments.
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Therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes long. Extended session times are available.
Assessment sessions vary in length and will be tailored to suit your individual needs.
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Crystal is flexible in her approach to therapy according to your unique needs. Sessions are usually closer together initially (usually fortnightly), but can be less regular as you progress.
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Feeling a little nervous about your fist session is completely normal. Most people feel a range of emotions before, during, and after their first session.
The first session will focus on understanding what is happening for you, who you are, what you would like help with, and what your therapy goals are. It’s also an opportunity for you to get to know Crystal and how she works.
It can take a couple of sessions to understand your needs and collaborate on a meaningful treatment plan.
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You can see Crystal in-clinic at Burnett Cottage, Buderim or via Telehealth (Australia wide).
If you are seeing Crystal via telehealth you can access your session via a secure link sent prior to therapy. Telephone sessions are also available.
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After hours appointments on weekends or after 5pm are available occasionally and with a surcharge of $20 per 50 minutes.
Contact us here to enquire about after hours sessions.
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The first assessment session will focus on gathering information about why you are seeking assessment, your developmental history, and other relevant information about you.
After this, further assessment sessions will be scheduled to complete relevant clinical interviews, psychometrics and standardised tests.
You are welcome to bring someone with you to your assessment sessions for support or to provide information about you but it is not a necessity.
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Just bring yourself!
You are welcome to bring any notes you might have made prior to session, or copies of any prior reports or assessments.
If your GP gave you a copy of your referral, bring that along to the session if you have not already provided a copy.
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Crystal is experienced in neurodevelopmental assessments (assessing ADHD and Autism) in teens and adults. Each assessment process is unique because she will tailor the assessment to your personal needs.
She is also experienced in cognitive assessments to assess intelligence (i.e., giftedness and intellectual disabilities) and learning (e.g., learning disabilities and academic strengths and weaknesses).
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Crystal does not provide court reports.
Fees & Rebates
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We aim to provide high-quality evidence-based psychological services at fair and accessible rates. Our fees are below the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended fee for clinical psychologists, which is currently $318 per session (as at August 2025).
Crystal’s fees are significantly less and a 50 minute consultations will cost you $250.
After hours appointments will be charged a $20 surcharge (for appointments after 5pm or on weekends).
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You can see Crystal without a referral.
However, you may be eligible to access a Medicare rebate of $145.25 for 10 sessions per calendar year through a valid GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
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If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you are eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $145.25 per session (for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a clinical psychologist).
This means your out-of-pocket cost will be $104.75 for a 50 minute session or $124.75 for an after hours session (after 5pm or on weekends).
We can process your Medicare rebate for you after each session, making the process simple and stress-free.
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Unfortunately, most aspects of assessment do not qualify for Medicare rebates.
You may be able to claim a rebate under your private health care fund.
If you are under 25 years of age, you may be eligible for assessment funding under the Complex Neurodevelopmental Conditions Initiative (with Medicare). To access this, you will need a referral from a paediatrician or a psychiatrist.
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If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate on psychological services. Please check with your private health fund for details, as rebates vary by provider and level of cover.
Please note: You cannot claim from both Medicare and private health for the same session.
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Crystal sees clients who are supported by Workcover.
Crystal is not currently accepting NDIS clients, Please contact us here for further enquiry.
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We understand that life happens and unexpected things come up, and sometimes you may need to change or cancel an appointment.
Your time is important and so is ours. When sessions are cancelled without enough notice, it's often not possible to offer that time to someone else who may be waiting.
To help us manage appointments fairly and effectively, we kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice for any changes or cancellations. Late cancellation fees apply as follows:
Less than 24 hours' notice - Full session fee
24 to 48 hours' notice - 50% of the session fee
For Monday appointments - Notice must be given by 4 PM Friday, as weekends are considered out-of-office hours
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us offer timely care to all clients.
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Yes, there are additional fees for services such as letters and reports if they require substantial time to complete.
Still got questions?
Feel free to reach out to our friendly admin team below.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”
— Anaïs Nin