A few things you might be wondering.

No. You can book directly with a Cerenova psychologist without a referral. If you want to claim a Medicare rebate, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP, which can be organised before or after your first session.

Yes, for individual therapy sessions with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. The session fee is $198; Medicare currently rebates $101.55 per session for up to 10 sessions each calendar year, leaving $96.45 out of pocket where the rebate applies. Rebates depend on eligibility and a valid referral. Where you are eligible, the practice can submit your Medicare claim after your appointment, and Medicare pays the rebate into your nominated bank account. Assessment packages, testing and report preparation are not covered by this rebate.

Appointments run for 50+ minutes by secure video. You book a time through Halaxy, receive a confirmation with your video link, and join from a phone, tablet or computer. All you need is a reasonable internet connection and somewhere reasonably private.

The first session is mostly a conversation. Liam will ask about what has brought you here, what is going on in your life, and what you would like to be different. Together you will agree on a direction for the work. There is nothing to prepare, though it can help to think about what you want to get out of it.

Cerenova is a small practice and all appointments are currently with Liam Farrelly, a registered psychologist and Board-approved supervisor with more than 25 years in mental health. His profile explains how he works and who he is best suited to. If after a session or two it doesn’t feel like the right fit, say so and he will help you find someone who suits you better.

Yes. Bookings and intake run through Halaxy, an Australian practice-management platform used widely by health practitioners, and sessions take place over a secure video link sent with your confirmation. Liam attends from a private space and asks that you do the same. The usual limits to confidentiality, such as risk of serious harm, are explained at your first session.

Telehealth works well for most people seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationships and life changes. It is not the right setting for everyone or for every situation, and if your psychologist believes you would be better served by in-person or more intensive care, they will tell you and help you find it.

$198 for a therapy session lasting 50 minutes or more. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare rebates $101.55, so the out-of-pocket cost is $96.45. The fee is also shown in Halaxy before you confirm.

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or not attended, are charged the full session fee, which Medicare does not rebate. You can reschedule or cancel through the link in your confirmation email.

Cerenova currently works with adults. If you are seeking support for a child or young person, your GP can help you find an appropriate service.

Yes. GPs can send referrals and Mental Health Treatment Plans to info@cerenova.com.au. We confirm receipt and contact the client to arrange their first appointment.

Cerenova is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.