Question 1

Is telehealth right for me if I'm having a mental health crisis?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth works well for mild to moderate mental health concerns. It is not designed for a mental health crisis or an acute episode. Some examples are:

• Psychosis (losing touch with reality, or having thoughts and beliefs that are not based in reality)
• A manic episode (racing thoughts, little need for sleep, and taking big risks)
• A severe eating disorder that needs medical care
• A serious risk of harming yourself or someone else

Because we are a telehealth service, we cannot manage these situations safely. If you are in crisis, please get help in person.

If you are having thoughts of suicide and need urgent support, see your GP. They can assess you and refer you to the right in-person service.

If you feel at risk of acting on these thoughts, or you cannot keep yourself safe, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call Lifeline any time on 13 11 14.

Once you are safe and you have the support you need in person, we welcome you to book with us for ongoing care.

Question 2

How do I contact Mums Matter?

Accepted Answer

Mums Matter Psychology is committed to providing high-quality support at a low cost.
To keep our services affordable, we aim to minimise administrative and overhead expenses, such as maintaining a staffed phone line. Our voicemail service is no longer operational.

If you need support or have questions, please email us at support@mumsmatterpsychology.com.
This includes things like:
- "I'm running late for my appointment - please tell my clinician"
- "I can't find my email confirmation"
- "I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment"
- "Am I on the waitlist?"
- "I need to contact my clinician"
- "How many sessions have I used this year?"
- "How long is the wait time at the moment?"

Question 3

Why should I consider seeing a perinatal psychologist or mental health professional?

Accepted Answer

Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression are common during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first year after birth) but very treatable. A perinatal psychologist brings specialised knowledge in maternal and infant mental health, using evidence-based therapies to support parents and improve parent-child relationships—addressing concerns such as sleep deprivation, relationship changes, and adapting to new roles.

Question 4

What is telehealth and how could it help me?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth means seeing your psychologist by secure video call instead of in person. For new parents it means support from home, with no childcare or travel to arrange. We'll send you a link before your session. Eligible bulk-billed sessions require a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and a valid referral.

Question 5

Is telehealth as effective as in-person therapy?

Accepted Answer

Research comparing video therapy with in-person therapy has found similar outcomes for many common mental health concerns. It may not suit everyone. Your clinician will help you decide what is appropriate for your needs, privacy and access to technology. See the research at https://doi.org/10.2196/89177.

Question 6

Who can use Mums Matter?

Accepted Answer

We support people through pregnancy, pregnancy loss and parenthood with mild to moderate mental health concerns. All genders, sexualities and parents are welcome, and there is no upper age limit for your child. Your GP and our team can help you decide whether our service suits your needs.

Question 7

Do I need a plan and referral?

Accepted Answer

To access eligible bulk-billed sessions, you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP and a valid referral. A plan and a referral are separate documents. Ask your GP for both and upload them before your first appointment. If you already have a plan, ask your GP whether you need a new referral. If a psychiatrist or paediatrician refers you, you don't need a GP plan: upload their referral letter.

Question 8

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

All appointments are scheduled for 50 minutes. Your psychologist will start on time, or let you into the video call when your telehealth session begins.

Question 9

How often will I come to appointments?

Accepted Answer

Each person's needs differ. Your clinician offers a safe, trusting relationship, a treatment plan created with your input, and a non-judgemental approach. You'll agree the frequency together after an assessment phase—at most, weekly.

Question 10

How long will my treatment be for?

Accepted Answer

As each person's needs differ, you'll agree the number of sessions with your clinician after an assessment phase, and adjust as necessary during treatment.

Question 11

Will I see the same clinician every appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes—once you have been paired with a clinician, you will continue to see them exclusively.

Question 12

Will I have to wait a long time for my second appointment or between appointments?

Accepted Answer

No. Once you are paired with a clinician, you will see them regularly, with frequency determined in collaboration.

Question 13

How long is the wait time for a first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Availability changes. Find a psychologist to see live appointment times and choose one that suits you. Contact us if you need help finding a time or arranging an in-person appointment.

Question 14

Do you have interpreters for sessions?

Accepted Answer

We can help arrange a professional interpreter through TIS National for eligible appointments. Contact us before booking with your preferred language so we can check eligibility and arrange support.

Question 15

What will we talk about?

Accepted Answer

In your first session the clinician asks questions to understand your situation—what's bothering you (mood, sleep, thoughts, relationships), your medical and mental health history, current medications, substance use, your family and living situation. You may also complete some psychological scales. Together you'll develop a treatment plan.

Question 16

Are there any circumstances in which this wouldn't be the right place for me to receive treatment?

Accepted Answer

As a private practice we are conscious of our scope of practice. We recommend alternative services if you have a current or enduring psychotic illness; long-standing suicidal or homicidal ideation without a current psychiatrist; current child protection involvement without case management; or current excessive alcohol/drug use without Drug & Alcohol support.

Question 17

Can I bring my baby or children?

Accepted Answer

For in-person appointments, you are welcome to bring your baby. Contact us about bringing older children and the facilities at your appointment location. For telehealth, your baby can be with you at home. Consider privacy if older children might overhear sensitive topics, and talk with your clinician about what will work for you.

Question 18

How much do appointments cost?

Accepted Answer

Eligible standard sessions are bulk-billed with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and a valid referral. Medicare funds up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year, including sessions used elsewhere. After-hours, private and cancellation fees may apply. See our fees page before booking.

Question 19

What do clients say about Mums Matter Psychology?

Accepted Answer

"I feel very blessed to have these bulk billed sessions. Thank you for all the work you do!" · "I wouldn't have been able to access any support without bulk-billing." · "I cannot speak highly enough of the service that Mums Matter Psychology provides." · "Thank you for providing such attentive, responsive and clear communication to mums at such a vulnerable time."

Question 20

How do you look after my personal information?

Accepted Answer

We keep your information private and only use it to provide your care. You can read our full privacy policy from the link at the bottom of every page.

Bulk-billed perinatal psychology for eligible sessions, with a GP plan and referral

Feeling stressed, anxious, unhappy or finding it hard to cope?

At Mums Matter™, we believe every parent deserves the chance to prioritise their mental health without financial stress. That’s why we provide accessible, bulk-billed mental health care services for parents across Australia.

Appointments in person or by telehealth

Support for all parents

Individual therapy

Group therapy

Relationship counselling

Family forming support

Support for dads

Expert care for a wide range of mental health concerns

Awards

Partners

Frances Bilbao

Ariane Beeston

Recent articles

Understanding Infant Mental Health: The Foundation for Lifelong Well-Being

Understanding Family Violence: Impact on Pregnancy and Parenting

Premature Births: Challenges and Impacts on Families

Motherhood with Complex Trauma or BPD: Challenges, Strengths, and Support

Frequently asked questions