How does it work?
If what you’ve read about me feels like a good fit, feel free to reach out using the button below. In the meantime, if you have questions about the therapy process, that is the next steps, or need further information please see below. You can also email me on dianne@dcasottipsychology.com if you need further information.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step — especially if you're unsure what to expect. That’s completely OK.
Take your time to explore this website and get a sense of who I am and how I work. If something here feels like it speaks to you, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
If it looks like we could be a good match, I’ll reply with more details about my practice, along with a few suggested times for our initial session.
Your initial session is 51 minutes, and it’s about us starting to get to know each other.
Before we meet, I’ll send you an intake form and a few questionnaires. Collectively, these begin to give me a sense of you. Then when we meet, we can make the most of our time together.
At the start of our session, I’ll go over confidentiality and some processes, especially if there’s a referring GP involved. From there, the focus is on you — what’s been going on for you lately, what’s brought you to therapy, and how things have been over time. This helps me understand what is going on for you, and from the beginning, I want you to feel safe, heard, and seen.
Toward the end of the session, we’ll talk about what next steps could look like. I’ll share how I think we might work together and ask about what you’d like to get out of therapy. Your goals are important; they help shape how we move forward.
In our follow-up sessions, we’ll continue to explore what matters most to you.
Some weeks might feel focused and practical, while others are more about making sense of deeper patterns or emotional layers. There’s no one-size-fits-all — we move at a pace that feels right for you. My role is to be alongside you as we untangle what’s been getting in the way and build more clarity, steadiness, and self-understanding over time.
A bit more about how it all works
Everyone's needs are different, so how often we meet will depend on what you're wanting support with and what feels manageable for you. Some people start with weekly sessions to build momentum. While others meet fortnightly. We will talk about what feels right for you and adjust as we go.
There's no “one-size-fits-all" timeline when it comes to therapy. Some people come for a short series of sessions to work through a specific issue, while others stay longer to explore deeper patterns or ongoing challenges. We'll regularly check in on how things are going and make sure our work continues to feel useful and aligned with your goals.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) National Schedule of Recommended Fees for 2025–2026 suggests a rate of $318 for a standard 46 to 60-minute consultation. However, psychologists set their own fees based on their practice and context. My fee is $230 per 51-minute session. Sessions after hours or on Saturdays incur a 10% surcharge.
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you're eligible for a rebate from Medicare for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You'll need to send a copy of your referral and plan to me before your initial session. I process Medicare claims online after each session, so your rebate is paid directly into your nominated bank account. The two other options for payment are full fee private paying, or private health insurance.
Some private health insurance policies offer rebates for psychological services. These vary between providers and levels of cover, so it's best to check with your insurer directly. Please note that you can't claim a private health rebate and a Medicare rebate for the same session.
Payment is made on the day of your session. I accept debit or credit cards and process payment securely using a secure system that stores your details safely for future appointments. Payments are processed automatically on the day of your session via the card on file.
Life happens, and sometimes things come up - I completely understand. If you need to cancel or reschedule, I ask for at least 48 hours notice so I can offer the appointment time to someone else. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice, or missed appointments, may incur the full session fee. Medicare does not cover cancellation fees.
Your privacy is important to me. I follow all confidentiality and privacy guidelines set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Psychology Board of Australia. Your information is stored securely, and what you share in session is kept confidential, with a few exceptions: if there is a risk of harm to you or someone else, if your records are subpoenaed by a court, or if required by law. If you've been referred by a GP, I'll provide them with a summary of your progress as required under Medicare, but you're welcome to discuss what's shared in those updates with your GP.