Counsellor:
A counsellor typically works with clients to address specific issues or life challenges, such as stress, relationship problems, or grief. They focus on providing support and strategies for coping. Counsellors usually work on a short- to medium-term basis, with sessions ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the client's needs.

Psychotherapist:
A psychotherapist works with clients to explore deeper emotional and psychological issues, often related to past experiences or underlying mental health conditions. Psychotherapy tends to be more long-term, with sessions spanning several months to years, depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed.

Psychologist:
A psychologist is trained in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions. They use various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and may also conduct psychological testing. Sessions with a psychologist can vary widely, from short-term interventions to long-term therapy, depending on the client's diagnosis and treatment plan. Please note at The Hope Centre Perth we are NOT psychologists.

Psychiatrist:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists often work with clients who have more severe or complex mental health conditions. Sessions with a psychiatrist may be shorter and less frequent, focusing on medication management and brief check-ins, though they may collaborate with other therapists for more comprehensive care. Please note at The Hope Centre Perth we are NOT psychiatrists.

The number of sessions varies based on the type of therapy, the severity of the issue, and your individual goals. Here’s a general guide:

Counsellor: 6-12+ sessions (no MHCP needed)
Psychotherapist: 20+ sessions (no MHCP needed)
Psychologist: 5-12+ sessions (you will need to renew a MHCP for further session, in Western Australia the current amount of sessions is 6 sessions)
Psychiatrist: Ongoing, with sessions as needed (often less frequent after initial stabilisation)

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. However, we reserve time specifically for you, and last-minute cancellations can prevent us from offering that time to another client in need. To ensure our therapists’ time is respected and to maintain the availability of our services, we charge a cancellation fee if notice is not provided within 24 hours. This policy helps us continue to provide consistent and high-quality care to all our clients.

No, we do not offer Medicare rebates or Private Health rebates. This is because counselling is not a regulated profession in Australia, which means it is not eligible for these rebates. However, counsellors and psychotherapists at The Hope Centre Perth a university trained and registered with a governing board. We strive to keep our fees in line with the out-of-pocket expenses that would be incurred with other types of therapy, ensuring our services remain accessible.