Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not need a referral to see a Counsellor at Central Counselling Services.

Currently, Medicare covers counselling with a psychologist with a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) and a mental health plan. Please see your GP for a referral to a psychologist or to receive a mental health plan.

Central Counselling Services cannot provide rebates for private health insurance funds at this time.

Yes. We offer various discounts to those who hold a Centrelink Healthcare card or DVA card.

Payment on completion of your session is required unless other arrangements have been made with us before your appointment. Payment may be made by EFTPOS, SQUARE, or by cash.

Prepayment is required to secure a Telehealth appointment. You will receive a receipt by email once your payment is processed.

It breaks our hearts to realise that people who want to emerge out of the dark phase of their lives are unable to do so because they cannot afford the fees that are usually charged. However, at Central Counselling Services, we aim to erase the boundaries created by monetary limitations. Central Counselling Services is not in the “business” of counselling; we are in service. For us, money always comes second; you come first. Always! We are affordable. If fees concern you, we will consider your situation and devise a suitable payment plan that you can afford. When you call us, we happily disclose our charges and never impose any hidden or additional fees. Our costs are all transparent, clean, and clear, just as we like them, and we are sure you do too. By resolving the monetary issues right at the beginning of our relationship with you, we can spend the rest of the time concentrating on coming up with solutions. At Central Counselling Services, we always aim to minimise your recovery time so that you can begin living a whole life as soon as possible. Our counselling services are never long drawn unless your situation demands it. We like to keep sessions open-ended and offer maximum benefits during the therapeutic process because we are as eager as you are to get you back on the right track in life.

Yes, after-hours appointments are available. However, if a requested time is unavailable, we encourage you to contact us from 10 am - 6 pm to request an after-hours appointment. 

Please note that whilst we endeavour to be available as often as possible, after-hours face-to-face appointments are limited and may only be available via telehealth. 

 Central Counselling Services operates within a rigorous client confidentially policy underwritten by a strict code of ethics. We maintain the privacy and confidentiality of your counselling session. The ethical standards dictate the limited situations in which we may release your information. Some of these situations may include:

• A court-mandated subpoena instructs Central Counselling Services to provide your client information. 
• To protect your physical safety 
• To protect the safety of someone else, or
• To protect children

If you would prefer to have a session in the privacy of your home, then yes, we can arrange to meet you at home or at a location of your choice. Travel of more than 20 minutes in either direction will incur additional charges.

Central Counselling Services provides inclusive counselling and mental health support for adults, at-risk individuals, the LGBTQIA+ community, and young people across Canberra and the Capital Region,  including Braidwood and surrounding areas or online.

Most counselling sessions typically last 50 minutes. Online eTherapy sessions are 40 minutes.

In your first session, you may feel a bit nervous, which is completely normal. We'll typically start with some casual conversation to help you feel comfortable. Then, we'll discuss what brings you to counselling and what you hope to achieve. Don't worry if you're not sure how to express everything - we're here to help you articulate your needs and goals.