A Clinical Psychologist provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. This may include concerns such as anxiety, depression and adjustment issues. The initial aim is to assist with understanding what might be going on for you and around you. For example patterns of emotional distress, behavioural concerns and unhelpful coping mechanisms learned during younger years. A clinical psychologist will then assist you to build up more healthy ways of coping, create meaning in your life, improve communication skills and build more stability.

Often people wait until they are in crisis to seek help. However waiting can mean that patterns become more intrenched and difficult to change. Madeline recommends early intervention, where possible, so you are not suffering longer than you need to. Reaching out for help is difficult, but therapy can often be a helpful step towards recovery.

Once Madeline receives your enquiry, she will make a time to have a short 10-15 minute phone consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your needs and explore if Madeline is a good fit. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If you decide to book in an initial session, you will be asked to complete a consent form and a questionnaire, which looks at levels of distress. After you supply further information (such as Medicare Number and contact information), provide your Mental Health Care Plan (if you have one), you are all set up.

First sessions can be anxiety provoking. Madeline understands this and will be her best to make this as comfortable as possible. You will be asked a variety of questions to explore why you are seeking treatment, what factors impact your distress, your history or background and goals of therapy. If you are not comfortable with certain topics, that is absolutely fine, just let Madeline know. From there Madeline may suggest a therapeutic approach, create a treatment plan or recommend further services if she is unable to assist.

Yes, your sessions with Madeline are confidential, in line with the Code of Ethics of the Australian Psychological Society and the relevant Victorian Government legislation. She will write case notes and may write reports about your treatment and these will be kept in a confidential file only accessible to her. For patients who are accessing services through Medicare, Madeline is required to report to your referring GP regarding your progress. She will discuss with you the information that will be communicated to your doctor and obtain your permission first.

There are some limits to confidentiality. If you are at risk of harming yourself or harming others, Madeline may breach confidentiality to health services, as a duty of care. If she has concerns about the abuse of a child she is obliged to act, and give information to other appropriate statutory authorities. Finally, if a court subpoenas your records, then Madeline is required to give this evidence, in a case in which you are involved. If one of these events occurred, Madeline would attempt to discuss it with you before taking further action.

In order to maintain registration, Psychologists are required to participate in peer and consultation and clinical supervision. This involves discussion using de-identified information. During treatment, there may be other professionals identified as part of your previous or current care team. Madeline may discuss with you, the option of sharing information with an identified professional. This can occur during a transition period of care, for example, from your previous psychologist to Madeline’s care. If you are agreeable, Madeline may require a consent form to collect this information. This is completely voluntary and you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions, if relevant.

Standard 50 minute sessions before 5pm costs are $240, and after 5pm fees are $260. Madeline offers a small number of concession places for students or low income. Please contact her if you are unsure.

The full fee is to be paid at the end of each session, via Halaxy (healthcare administration platform) and a receipt will be provided to you via email. Madeline will request your credit card details at the first session and this data is stored securely on Halaxy. It is the responsibility of the client, to have sufficient funds available. You are required to have your previous session paid, before commencing the next. If you have any difficulties paying, please let Madeline know.

Please note Madeline does not offer bulk billing services. Fees are subject to review and may change. You will always be notified in advance of any changes.

Madeline’s fees incorporate time allocated for work outside of the session. This includes tasks such as note writing, GP reports, academic research, ongoing professional development, treatment planning and administration. Her fees are well below the recommended rate of $318, which is set by the Australian Psychological Society for 2025-2026 (see https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs). Madeline prefers to keep her fees at an accessible rate, which is in line with her ethical principles.

Yes, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, and provide this before your session. As of 1st of July 2026, the rebate amount is $149.05. The figure is reviewed annually. Thus if you have a Mental Health Care Plan:

Standard session cost is $240 ($90.95 out of pocket)

After Hours session cost is $260 ($110.95 out of pocket)

Madeline takes on a small number of NDIS clients. Please get in touch if your funding is under the NDIS. Unfortunately Madeline is not currently offering psychological services to Workcover or TAC. Madeline may re-open to these third party payers in 2027. If you would prefer to go through private health, you will be required to pay the full fee, then seek the refund portion through your private health insurer.

Your appointment is specially reserved for you. We require 48 hours notice of your cancellation so that we can offer other patients an appointment. If you cancel under 48 hours, you will receive a fee of $100 regardless of the reason, whether at fault or under unforeseen circumstances (eg. sickness). If you do not attend your appointment (ie, non-attendance with no cancelation, a "no show"), you will be charged the full fee.

Please note cancellation fees are not subject to Medicare rebates. There is no fee for appointments cancelled more than 48 hours in advance.

Telehealth is psychology sessions conducted over phone or video conferencing. Your rights to confidentiality with Telehealth Services are exactly the same as your rights for in-person therapy services listed in this informed consent form. Telehealth appointments need to be conducted in a private and confidential space. Madeline uses a secure platform called Coviu. More information can be found here: https://help.coviu.com/knowledge/for-patients-how-to-prepare-for-a-telehealth-call-1

The length and frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors. More complex and urgent difficulties may need weekly sessions, while situational or maintenance sessions may only require sessions every 4-6 weeks. Treatment for complex or entrenched disorders may need long term treatment (over 2-3 years), while others will only need one block of short term intervention (6-10 sessions). In addition, emotional capacity, finances and avaliablity will factor into treatment length. Madeline will discuss this with you and you can decide together what works.

Appointments can be booked via email. At the end of each session, Madeline will check in to see if there is an additional session in place. If you need to reschedule please email on madelinescottpsychology@gmail.com

A good therapeutic relationship is important. If you don’t feel comfortable, please discuss this with Madeline. It is okay to talk about this openly, and you will be supported to consider alternatives if it is not a good fit.