FAQs

  • We are a private psychology practice established in 2022, currently taking enquiries for both Telehealth (online) and face-to-face consultations. Established and managed by Luke Lawrence (MAPS), our practice aims to support individuals using an evidence-based framework, ethical standards and culturally sensitive means.

    Whatever your concerns, the approach we take to support you will always consider your individual needs and preferences, and ensure strict privacy and confidentiality of our service. Before your first appointment with your psychologist, please refer closely to the Informed Consent policy document that you’ll receive along with your appointment confirmation.

    Explore Psychology’s practitioners are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA), and adhere to the standards of the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics.

  • Luke has experience supporting young and older adults, and couples with a wide range of mental health concerns. He can see private, Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover and TAC clients.

  • You can call us on 0433 778 929, email luke@explorepsychology.com.au, or submit an enquiry via the ‘Contact us’ page.

  • We are based in Belmont, Victoria and also offer telehealth (online) appointments to clients Australia-wide.

  • Current clients are able to book online for an appointment at any time.

    New clients are encouraged to call or email us, or click the ‘Enquire now’ button on our homepage.

  • No. Explore Psychology is a private practice and will claim the current Medicare rebate for you in accordance with your GP’s referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan.

  • Explore Psychology’s initial consultation fee is $220, and subsequent appointments are $200 (per 50 minute session). A Medicare rebate of $93.35 is applicable with a valid mental health treatment plan.

    If you are a student or hold a concession card, the consultation fee is $180 for all appointments.

  • Explore Psychology’s payment agreement is the full session fee via direct debit, 24 hours prior to our appointment (current clients, please refer to our Payment Agreement for more information).

    All payments are processed using the secure payment provider, Stripe. More information about this provider can be found here: https://stripe.com/docs/security/stripe

    Note, failure to pay the full consultation fee in accordance with our terms may result in the cancellation of your appointment (please also see our appointment cancellation and ‘no-show’ policy).

  • Please call us on 0413 926 274, or email luke@explorepsychology.com.au to discuss NDIS referrals.

  • The number, and frequency of appointments you will have with your psychologist depends on your presenting concerns and what you discuss with your psychologist. Generally, our clients will see their psychologist fortnightly for a period of time, and eventually the period between sessions lengthens.

  • While we absolutely despise charging a fee when a consultation is cancelled (and we know you’d hate to have to pay it), it is our time you’re paying for which is limited and can’t be ‘made up’ like other businesses can. A good psychologist usually spends time between appointments working on their client’s case formulation and treatment plan. Further, a reservation has been made for your consultation which may have been able to be given to another client on our waiting list.

    Our cancellation fee (for appointments cancelled within 24 hours) is $50, and our “no-show” fee is the full cost of the consultation to you.

  • Psychologists have a minimum of 6 years training which includes a Masters degree and at least a one year internship; they must be accredited annually by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA); and they operate in a highly regulated industry. They can assess and treat a wide range of often complex and serious mental health conditions based on the scientist-practitioner model which uses evidence-based approaches to psychological interventions. Psychologists also work across a number of industries including research, human resources, medical and education.

    On the other hand, counselling in Australia is unregulated and qualifications vary considerably (i.e., some may have attended a 2-day course while others have a Masters degree). The issues treated by counsellors tend to be short-term and practical, for example relationship and communications issues, or grief and loss.

  • In Australia, psychology consultations are recognised by Medicare and as such, a rebate can be claimed against fees payable. Currently the rebate is $93.35. To be eligible for the rebate, you must have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) which is agreed between you and your GP. A MHCP generally summarises the presenting problem as discussed with your GP, incudes scores from a brief mental health questionnaire, and suggests an appropriate treatment - all of which can be discussed with your psychologist further. Providing this to your psychologist upon booking your first appointment will entitle you to a rebate against the consultation fee.

    The initial MHCP is valid for the first 6 appointments with your psychologist. An additional 4 can be provided with a MHCP review (which requires an appointment with your GP).

    In summary, each calendar year you are eligible for a total of 10 consultations subject to the rebate.

  • That will depend on your private cover. Please speak with your insurer or check you current level of cover to see whether you can be eligible for a rebate. Please note, the claim for a rebate from your private health insurance will be made by you (the client), and not Explore Psychology.

  • Yes. The beauty of being able to provide telehealth consultations via the internet is that we can offer our service to everyone in Australia.

  • No. Explore Psychology is only taking enquiries for clients 16 years and over.

    1. Make sure you test your webcam and microphone settings before your appointment, and make sure you have a reliable internet connection.

    2. Create a space that is free from distractions, and in which you feel comfortable.

    3. Relax. Sessions with your psychologist will progress at a pace that you’re comfortable with. At times, we know that therapeutic conversation can get uncomfortable but it is the goal of your psychologist to make you feel comfortable and supported at this time.

  • Yes. In some circumstances, we may need to speak to another healthcare provider or third party concerning your treatment but will only do so with your consent and explain the reasons for doing so. Confidentiality has its limits, and despite the way in which psychologists can be portrayed on TV and in the movies there is no such thing as Therapist-Patient privilege for full confidentiality in Australia.

    During the initial consultation with your psychologist they will explain in more detail the limitations to confidentiality. Your personal information will never be used for any reason other than in the best interest of your health and safety.

  • Explore Psychology is not an emergency service. If you are currently in crisis, or if you or someone you know is in danger please call 000 immediately. If you are feeling suicidal, we recommend you call LifeLine on 13 11 14 straight away.

  • Our psychologists are trained only in evidence-based approaches to psychotherapy. These approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), family systems approaches, trauma-informed CBT and interpersonal therapy (IPT). The psychologist’s approach with any client is always person-centred, which means they can use a range of approaches depending on the following:

    1. Suitability to your presenting problem.

    2. Their level of competency in delivering that approach.

    3. Your (and your psychologist’s) preferences.

  • Depending on your individual circumstances and the assessment type required, the total price will vary to include administration, interpretation and diagnostic reporting.

    Please contact us to discuss further so we can provide you with a quote.

  • We administer cognitive functioning assessments (commonly known as intelligence tests) using the WISC for children, WAIS for adults, and WIAT for academic evaluation.

    ADHD assessment is undertaken using a battery which might include the Vanderbilt, Conners and other self-report scales (such as the Adult ADHD Self-report scale).

    To assess working memory functioning, the WMS is used for all ages.

    Behavioural assessments are administered using the BASC-3.

    Finally, to assess for personality disorders, the PAI is generally used however this depends on your individual presentation.