FAQ

We value genuine, human connection and bring authenticity to the way we work alongside you. Our approach is grounded in real-world understanding, informed by both professional knowledge and lived experience.

As allies, we are also people who stand with marginalised, underrepresented, and minority communities in ways that amplify their voices rather than overshadow them. We recognise the systemic barriers that affect access, identity, wellbeing, and belonging, and work to dismantle them in ways that centre the needs and perspectives of those most impacted. We are committed to understanding, affirming, and advocating for diverse experiences, and creating safety in a place where people are valued and accepted.

At this stage, Authentic Allies is an entirely online, telehealth service. Telehealth is a flexible and accessible option designed to meet you where you’re at and provide support with lower demands – no worrying about parking, awkward waiting rooms, or overhead lighting (unless that's your thing)! Your sessions with be via video but please let your psychologist know if you need different access options during sessions - we try our best to accommodate your needs.

We know that life happens, time can slip away, and unexpected things come up. That’s why we’ll wait online for 20 minutes and send you a little nudge via email or text if you're not there. To help us continue providing our services, we have a non-attendance and cancellation policy that includes some fees.

Our cancellation policy is:

• 48+ hours notice: No fee

• 24–48 hours notice: 50% of the session fee applies

• Less than 24 hours notice or non-attendance: 100% of the session fee applies

Please also check your service agreement for all the details.

You do not need a referral to start sessions, but we are happy to accept them if you have one. If you would like to access Medicare rebates via the Better Access Initiative, you need to visit your GP for a mental health treatment plan referral before your first session. See below for more info.

In Australia, a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is developed by your GP to address your mental health needs. A MHTP enables you to access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. When you see our psychologists, your Medicare rebate will be $96.65 per session.

It is really important that you feel comfortable and safe with your psychologist. We are neurodiversity, disability and gender affirming, and work from a compassion-focused and trauma-informed framework. We draw from a range of different therapies in our sessions and also understand that the systems and environments you are in play a big role in your wellbeing. 

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If you find that your psychologist is not the right fit for you, we are happy to discuss alternative options with you. Similarly, if your psychologist feels that their services are not the best fit for your needs, they will be open and honest about this and can recommend other professionals who may be better suited to support you. Our number one goal is to ensure that you receive the care and support that works best for you, whether through our services or another trusted professional.

Yes. Bookings are open to self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Providing services to NDIS participants is important to us because supporting this community is a huge part of what Authentic Allies is here for. Please note, we are not a registered NDIS provider.

While we are very passionate about this area and have lots of experience with Autism and ADHD assessments, we are not offering these services at the moment.

Your psychologist will be happy to chat about whether an assessment might be right for you and help you prepare for what to expect. We also have some wonderful psychologists we can recommend who specialise in these assessments.