Challenges we can help with

  • Abstract black and white swirl pattern with flowing curves and loops. Social anxiety disorder. Feeling watched and judged.

    Social Anxiety

    Are you always preoccupied with what other people think about you?

  • Abstract line art drawing with looping curves and spirals. Genderalised anxiety disorder. Thought spirals.

    Generalised Anxiety

    Do you constantly worry about everything?

  • abstract line drawing for perfectionism. perfectionistic tendencies. never good enough. burn out. stress.

    Perfectionism

    Does it feel like nothing you do is ever good enough?

  • Abstract line drawing. low self-esteem. low self-confidence. not good enough. feeling small and belittled.

    Low Self-Esteem

    Do you often doubt and criticise yourself, or compare yourself to others?

  • Abstract line drawing of depression. Feeling trapped. feeling stuck. feeling isolated. black cloud. Spiraling.

    Depression

    Have you been struggling with having the energy or motivation to do the things you normally like to do?

  • Abstract line drawing of sleep issues. Insomnia. can't sleep. Stuck ruminating. Spialing thoughts keeping me awake.

    Sleep Issues

    Do you feel tired all the time, but struggle to get to sleep?

  • abstract line drawing of relationship issues. growing distance. relationship break up. relationship breakdown. growing apart.

    Relationship Issues

    Do you feel disconnected, misunderstood, or unhappy in your relationship? Are you struggling to communicate?

  • Abstract drawing of procrastination. putting things off makes them grow. can't get started on tasks.

    Procrastination

    Are there tasks you keep putting off, even though it’s causing you stress?

  • abstract line drawing of workplace issues. workplace bullying. difficulty with work boundaries. harassment. stress. burnout.

    Workplace Issues

    Do you often feel stressed, unappreciated, or overwhelmed at work, and find it hard to balance your responsibilities or enjoy your job?

  • Abstract line drawing of a figure bowing beside a stylized flame shape. ADHD. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. unable to focus on tasks. life burning behind me.

    ADHD

    Do you have trouble focusing and following through on boring tasks, or act impulsively in ways that impact your life?

  • Abstract illustration of a face with a spiral design representing the head or brain, suggesting concepts of thought, creativity, or psychology.

    Identity Issues

    Do you feel confused about who you are, what you value, or the direction you’re headed in life?

  • Illustration of abstract curly lines resembling spirals and swirls. Autism. ASD. Autism spectrum disorder. feeling different than others. People turning away. Why don't I understand others or fit in?

    Autism

    Do you have to consciously think about how you’re interacting, and feel exhausted after socialising? Or feel overwhelmed by highly stimulating environments?

  • Abstract line drawing of trauma. PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder. flashbacks. nightmares. night terrors.

    Trauma and PTSD

    Have you been through traumatic experiences that you feel stuck in and can’t seem to move past?

  • Abstract line drawing of emotional dysregulation. anger issues. anger management. conflict resolution. out of control. emotion regulation.

    Emotional Dysregulation

    Do you often find it difficult to control your emotions, feeling overwhelmed by anger, sadness, or anxiety, even in situations that others might not react to as strongly?

  • Abstract line drawing of panic. Panic attack. panic disorder. feels like I'm dying. heart racing. shortness of breath. sweaty. nausea. lightheaded.

    Panic

    Do you ever experience sudden, intense feelings like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness, even when there’s no clear reason for it?

  • Abstract line drawing of grief. loss can feel like a hole in your heart. grief counselling.

    Grief and Loss

    Do you need help processing the loss of a significant person or part of your life?

  • Abstract line drawing of OCD. obsessive compulsive disorder. intrusive thoughts. compulsive checking and compulsive reassurance seeking behaviour.

    OCD

    Do you find yourself repeating or checking things over and over to make sure something bad doesn’t happen?

  • Abstract line drawing of health anxiety. rumination. checking with doctors. feels like there is something wrong with me.

    Health Anxiety

    Are you constantly worrying about your health, checking for symptoms, or seeing your doctor all the time?

FAQs

Apricot Mood Clinical psychology practice offering online sessions with clinical psychologist Gemma Mestroni

  • We do more than just listen. Clinical psychologists are trained to provide evidence-based interventions to help you to overcome mental health difficulties and make real positive change.

    Therapy isn’t just for when things are really bad though—it can be a great way to sort through thoughts and feelings and help you figure things out in a safe and validating environment.

    If you’re still not sure, get in touch and we will let you know if we are the right service for you and your needs.

  • Sessions cost $280 for a therapeutic hour, which isapproximately 50 minutes

  • Yes! You get claim up to 10 sessions under Medicare each calendar year.

    You just need to ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan referral to get these rebates. Please send this to us before your first session to receive a Medicare rebate of $141.85 per session.

  • No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment. You only need a referral if you would like to claim the Medicare rebate.

  • Maybe. This will depend on your insurance plan. Check in with your private health provider to see if your policy covers you for psychology sessions.

    Please note that you can only claim with either Medicare or your private health insurer, not both.

  • Before your first session, we will ask you to complete some consent forms and a brief questionnaire about how you have been feeling over the last two weeks.

    Considering what you hope to get from therapy before the first session can also be helpful. Then you and your psychologist can work together to create a plan for helping you achieve your goals.

  • In therapy, your privacy is extremely important. Everything you share with your psychologist is confidential, meaning they will not share anything you say with anyone else without your permission.

    However, there are some important exceptions to confidentiality. There are a few situations where your psychologist might be required by law or ethical guidelines to share information, even without your consent, including:

    • If there’s a serious immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, like if you’re thinking about hurting yourself or someone else.

    • If your psychologist suspects abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult, they are legally required to report it.

    • If we receive a court order to release information

    Outside of those situations, we will never share what we discuss without your permission. We take your privacy seriously and value maintaining your trust

  • We are a fully online telehealth service. Our psychologists do not currently offer in-person sessions.

  • Yes! Our clinical psychologists are able to provide assessments and diagnoses for mental health conditions and we also provide diagnostic assessments for ADHD and Autism

    If you are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD and/or Autism, please contact us for more details and pricing

  • Our therapy sessions and assessment services are only available to adults over 18 years of age.

  • We need at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or changes to your appointment. 50% of the total fee will be charged if you cancel within 24 hours.

    Please note that Medicare and private health insurers can’t provide a rebate for missed sessions.

  • If you are in a crisis, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or somebody else is in danger. This may not be the right service for you.

    Call 000 or use these contacts for immediate crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

    Lifeline 13 11 14 - A crisis support and suicide prevention service for all Australians.

    Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 - The Mental Health Line offers professional help and advice for everyone. Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 - Beyond Blue provide support to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.

    Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 - A free service for people who are suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal, bereaved by suicide or are health professionals supporting people affected by suicide.

    Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 - A counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.

    Parentline 1300 1300 52 - Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW.

    1800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 - the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.