What to Expect When You See a Psychologist

Often the thought of seeing a psychologist for the first time can be a daunting prospect. For most people, however, the first session is an opportunity to share concerns that have been on their minds for a while. Gaining support and clarity in a supportive, non-judgmental environment can help you feel comfortable and respected.

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What Happens in a First Session with a Psychologist?

The first session with a psychologist typically takes 50 minutes to an hour, involving a comprehensive assessment where your goals for therapy are discussed.

During your first appointment, you can expect some or all of the following steps:

Psychological Assessment

Over the first few sessions, a psychologist would like to get to know you and understand what has led up to you making an appointment. You and your psychologist spend some time discussing current life circumstances and past history. The initial session helps clarify the current problems and consider how you would like your life to be different due to therapy.
Psychologist Check-in

Like many other people, you might be functioning and look “okay” on the outside to people around you, but on the inside are feeling a sense of stuckness or lack of vitality. Or you might be experiencing more severe symptoms that can seem overwhelming and significantly impact your quality of life. The first session represents an opportunity to discuss what is important to you (which can be different for everyone) and determine the extent of symptoms and whether they may meet a clinical diagnosis.
How you and your psychologist will work together

Clinical psychologists work from several different therapeutic approaches drawn from best practice guidelines. They tailor sessions carefully to match their clients based on their personalities, goals and strengths. You and your psychologist discuss strategies you can put into practice straight away, as well as treatment approaches and timeframes. The first session is also an important opportunity for you to ensure that you feel comfortable with your psychologist, as a good therapeutic relationship is critical to the best outcomes.

How a Psychologist Can Help You

Clinical Psychologists work from therapeutic approaches that are considered best-practice based on mental health research. Some of the most common reasons clients seek help from a psychologist include:

Depression/Mood symptoms interfering with your ability to lead the life you want.
Anxiety struggles, including generalised anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety.
Stress and burnout, including stress-related to work, family or other issues.
Relationship issues often taking the form of a repeating pattern of interaction which is distressing to both partners and prevents emotional closeness and security in the relationship.
Grief and loss affecting your emotions, thoughts, behaviour, relationships, and physical wellbeing.
Assessment, treatment and management of adult ADHD or ASD
Life direction and clarity, among others.

A psychologist’s goal is to empower you to live the best and healthiest life possible by helping you to understand past and current struggles that may be blocking you and to learn practical ways to feel more confident at creating and living the life that is right for you.

Finding the Right Psychologist For You

When searching for a psychologist, it is worth reading through the practitioner’s profiles on their website to learn about their training, experience and areas of interest. Psychologists often develop a keen interest in particular areas of psychology and offer services such as:

When calling a psychology practice, a customer service assistant may ask you some questions to understand better who the best psychologist may be to help you.

Psychology Session Fees and Rebates

The fee at which a service is set is at the discretion of the individual psychologist, so it is important to discuss this with your psychologist or their receptionist or intake officer.

In Australia, several options are available to citizens, permanent residents, and overseas students to receive funding or partial reimbursement of psychologist session fees.

Psychologist Fees, Funding and Rebates