Frequently Asked Questions

We support adults, adolescents and couples with a range of mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety, panic and overwhelm
• Trauma, PTSD and complex trauma
• Depression and low mood
• Relationship challenges
• Parenting support
• Stress, burnout and life transitions
• Emotional regulation and self-esteem

If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for what you’re experiencing, you’re welcome to reach out and ask.

Your first session is about creating space to slow things down and feel heard.

We’ll:

• Talk about what’s been bringing you in 
• Explore your current challenges and goals
• Get a sense of what support might be helpful
• Answer any questions you have

There’s no expectation to share everything at once — you’re always in control of the pace.

A counseling session with Deep Speak typically lasts for 50 minutes, although session length may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences.

No referral is required to book a session. 

If you would like to access Medicare rebates, you’ll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. You can still book your first appointment while organising this.

That’s very common.

Many people feel anxious before their first appointment, especially if therapy is new or past experiences have been difficult. We work gently, respectfully and at your pace, with a strong focus on safety and trust.

An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) is a highly trained mental health professional who provides evidence-based therapy for a range of mental health concerns.

At Deep Speak, our clinicians are Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW's) — a Medicare-recognised qualification regulated by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Training & Expertise:

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker's complete:

• A four-year Bachelor university degree in social work OR a two-year Master's degree
• Extensive supervised clinical practice
• Ongoing specialist mental health training
• Regular professional supervision and development
   

To be Medicare-eligible, AMHSWs must demonstrate advanced mental health competence.

Why Choose a Mental Health Social Worker?

Clients often choose Mental Health Social Workers because they:

• Are highly skilled in trauma and complex presentations
• Focus on the whole person, not just symptoms
• Work collaboratively and at your pace
• Prioritise safety, trust and therapeutic relationship
   

Medicare Rebates:

With a Mental Health Care Plan, you can access Medicare rebates for sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker — the same as with a psychologist.

The Most Important Factor:

Research consistently shows the strongest predictor of therapy outcomes is the quality of the therapeutic relationship, not the clinician’s title.

At Deep Speak, we focus on matching you with the right clinician for you.

 Yes. Trauma-informed care underpins how we work at Deep Speak.

This means:

• You have choice and control throughout the process
• Safety and consent are prioritised
• Therapy is paced carefully
• We focus on what’s happening beneath the surface, not just symptoms
  

Some clinicians also offer EMDR therapy where appropriate.

 EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy used to help process distressing or traumatic experiences.

It may be helpful for:

• Trauma and PTSD
• Anxiety and panic
• Phobias
• Distressing memories
• Negative beliefs about yourself
   

Your clinician will discuss whether EMDR is suitable for you and explain the process clearly before starting.

Yes. We offer secure telehealth and phone appointments for many of our services.

Telehealth and phone formats can be just as effective as in-person therapy and may suit you if:

• You prefer attending from home
• You live rurally or travel
• You feel more comfortable in your own space
• You are unwell but still able to attend a session remotely
   

Your clinician can help you decide what works best for you.

This is different for everyone.

Some people come for short-term support, while others prefer ongoing therapy. We regularly review progress and goals together and adjust the approach as needed.

We work with:

• Adolescents
• Adults 
• Couples
   

If you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit for your situation, please contact us.

 Fees vary depending on the service and clinician.

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. Private health rebates may also apply depending on your insurer. You may not have to pay if you are accessing us via Workcover or Victims Assist.

You can see our current fees on the 'fees' section of our website or by contacting our team. 

We have a 48-hour cancellation policy.

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Appointments cancelled within 48 hours, or missed appointments, will incur the full session fee.

Why this policy exists:

• Therapy sessions are reserved especially for you
• Late cancellations often mean the time cannot be offered to another client who may be waiting for support
• Our clinicians set aside dedicated time to prepare for each session
   

We understand that unexpected things happen, and we aim to apply this policy with fairness and care.

Yes. Your privacy is very important to us.

All sessions and records are confidential, except in rare circumstances where clinicians are legally required to act to ensure safety. This will always be discussed with you transparently.

You can book online at any time via our booking system.

If you’re unsure which service to choose, you’re welcome to contact us and we can help guide you.

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

If you’re feeling unsure, reach out and let us know. We’ll help you take the next step in a way that feels manageable.