Why do people consult a psychologist?
People come to psychology for many different reasons. Some are managing distressing symptoms that are affecting their daily life — low mood, anxiety, difficult thoughts, problems with sleep, or struggles with substances. Others are working through something specific: a relationship breakdown, workplace stress, grief, or a significant life change.
Some people arrive after years of carrying something difficult and finally feel ready to address it. Others feel relatively okay but want more from life — greater clarity, stronger relationships, better understanding of themselves.
There is no right or wrong reason to seek support. At HGC Psychology, the starting point is always understanding what matters to you and what you are hoping to achieve.
What should I expect from a psychology appointment?
It is completely normal to feel nervous before a first appointment — you are sharing personal things with someone you have never met. Dr Granger’s approach is to make that as comfortable as possible from the moment you arrive.
In the first session, Dr Granger will explain her approach, discuss what to expect from the process, and take the time to understand your situation, your life and experiences, and what has brought you to therapy. Together you will begin to identify your goals and map out a way forward. You will always have the opportunity to ask questions, and you will leave with a clearer sense of the treatment plan and what the process ahead might look like.
Subsequent sessions build from there — exploring, developing insight, building skills, and working toward the changes you want to make.
How often do I need to see a psychologist and for how long?
This varies from person to person and depends on what you are working through and your individual goals. As a general guide, sessions typically begin weekly or fortnightly — more frequently in the early stages when the focus is on assessment and establishing the therapeutic relationship. As progress is made, sessions gradually reduce in frequency, moving to fortnightly, then monthly, as you move through the working and maintenance phases of treatment.
Dr Granger will discuss a recommended plan with you in your first appointment and will review it with you throughout the process. The goal is always to work toward you needing therapy less, not more.
Sessions are 50 minutes in duration.
Is there a waiting list?
HGC Psychology is a busy practice and there is often a waiting list. Waiting periods can vary, so the best approach is to contact the practice directly to enquire about current availability. If you are on the waiting list, the Crisis Support & Resources page has helpful services available in the meantime.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
A referral is not required to make an appointment at HGC Psychology — you are welcome to contact the practice directly to book.
However, if you would like to access a Medicare rebate, you will need a GP referral and a valid Mental Health Care Plan. It is worth speaking with your GP about this before your first appointment. Once you have your referral, please send a copy to HGC Psychology prior to your first session to ensure your rebate can be processed.
Can I access Medicare or private health insurance rebates?
Yes — Medicare rebates and private health insurance rebates may both apply, though they cannot be used at the same time for the same session.
As a clinical psychologist, Dr Kara Granger attracts the higher Medicare rebate of $145.25 per session. Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a valid GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan. HGC Psychology is not a bulk billing practice, so an out-of-pocket gap will apply after the rebate.
For private health insurance, please check your extras cover with your insurer prior to your appointment to confirm your entitlements.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Book an appointment with your GP and ask whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan. If you are, your GP will prepare the plan and refer you to a psychologist of your choice. You can specifically request a referral to HGC Psychology and Dr Kara Granger. Once you have your Mental Health Care Plan, please send a copy to HGC Psychology before your first appointment so your Medicare rebate can be processed from the outset.
What is the difference between a psychologist, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, and life coach?
There are meaningful differences between these professions and it is worth understanding them.
A life coach works with individuals on goals and motivation. There are no minimum qualifications, regulatory standards, or professional oversight required — anyone can call themselves a life coach.
A counsellor typically uses talking therapy to help people work through issues. While many counsellors are skilled practitioners, training requirements and standards vary and there are no laws governing who can use the title. Counselling approaches may or may not be evidence-based.
A psychologist is required by law in Australia to hold a minimum four-year university degree followed by significant supervised practical experience. Psychologists are trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave, and learn, and are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based approaches. All psychologists must be registered with AHPRA and adhere to strict ethical and professional guidelines, including ongoing supervision and professional development.
A clinical psychologist has completed additional postgraduate training and has been endorsed by AHPRA as a specialist in clinical psychology. This specialised expertise is recognised by Medicare, which provides a higher rebate for sessions with a clinical psychologist.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication to treat severe mental health conditions. Psychologists and psychiatrists often work collaboratively alongside GPs to provide comprehensive care.
You have every right to ask any health professional about their qualifications, registration, professional memberships, and experience before engaging their services.
Once I’ve decided to see a psychologist, how do I find the right one?
The therapeutic relationship is one of the most significant factors in successful psychological treatment — research consistently supports this. Finding the right fit matters.
A good psychologist will make you feel safe, heard, and supported while also respectfully challenging you to grow. You should feel confident that your wellbeing is their priority and that they have the skills and experience to help with what you are dealing with.
It is completely reasonable to have an initial conversation with a psychologist before committing to an appointment — most are happy to answer questions about their approach and experience. Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, it is okay to look elsewhere.
Does Dr Granger offer couples therapy?
Dr Granger does not provide couples therapy. However, she does work with individuals who want to explore and improve their relationships — including communication, conflict, boundaries, and patterns that may be affecting their connections with others. If you are looking for couples therapy specifically, your GP may be able to provide a referral to an appropriate practitioner.
Does Dr Granger see adolescents?
Yes. Dr Granger works with adolescents aged 15 and older, as well as adults. If you are enquiring on behalf of a young person, please contact the practice directly to discuss their needs and ensure HGC Psychology is the right fit.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are related but distinct. Counselling tends to be shorter term and focuses on helping people manage specific concerns or life challenges — stress, grief, relationship difficulties, adjusting to change. Psychotherapy usually takes place over a longer period and addresses more complex or longstanding mental health concerns, such as anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and personality difficulties.
In practice, Dr Granger draws on both counselling and psychotherapeutic approaches depending on what each individual client needs. The distinction matters less than ensuring the support is the right fit for the person and the presentation.
What is confidentiality and what are its limits?
Confidentiality is taken seriously at HGC Psychology. What you share in sessions is private and will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent. If Dr Granger needs to share information with another professional — such as your GP — she will discuss this with you and ask for your written consent first.
There are legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. Information may need to be disclosed without consent in situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, or where records are subpoenaed by a court. These limits will be explained clearly in your first session so you understand them from the outset.
How do I know if therapy is working?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask — and it is worth asking throughout the process, not just at the end.
Progress in therapy does not always feel linear. There are sessions that feel like significant breakthroughs and others that feel slow or even uncomfortable — and both can be part of meaningful progress. Some signs that therapy is working include feeling greater clarity about your thoughts and emotions, noticing shifts in how you respond to situations that used to feel unmanageable, developing a stronger sense of self, or simply feeling more equipped to handle what life brings.
Dr Granger will regularly check in with you about how you feel the process is going. If something is not feeling right — if you feel stuck, unheard, or unsure about the direction — it is always okay to say so. Therapy works best as a collaboration, and that includes being honest about the experience of it.
If you have concerns about your progress at any point, raise them. A good therapist welcomes that conversation.
Does HGC Psychology provide reports?
HGC Psychology provides psychological treatment summary reports rather than expert opinion reports. A report will only be considered after a minimum of four to six sessions have been attended. Report writing is charged at $330 per hour and payment is required before the report is released. If you have a specific report requirement, please discuss this with Dr Granger early in the process so expectations can be clarified.
How do I book an appointment?
Contact HGC Psychology by phone, email, or via the enquiry form on the website. If you have a preference for particular appointment times, it is worth booking several sessions in advance as availability fills quickly.
If you have a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan, please send a copy through before your first appointment.
Who do I contact if I need urgent support?
HGC Psychology is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
For urgent mental health support outside of business hours, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14. A full list of crisis support services is available on the Crisis Support & Resources page.