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  4. WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
CAN I CONTACT MERIDIAN WELLBEING SERVICES IN A CRISIS OR EMERGENCY? HOW CAN I MAKE AN ENQUIRY OR BOOK IN AN APPOINTMENT? AM I ELIGIBLE FOR YOUR SERVICES? WHAT’S THE COST? HOW MANY SESSIONS CAN I ACCESS? IS THERE A WAITLIST? DO YOU ONLY SEE PEOPLE FACE-TO-FACE? DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OR A DOCTOR? DO I NEED A MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PLAN? WHAT AM I ABLE TO TALK ABOUT? WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT? WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT? ARE THE APPOINTMENTS CONFIDENTIAL? WHAT IF I NEED TO CHANGE OR CANCEL OR MISS AN APPOINTMENT? WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CLIENT OF YOUR SERVICE? WHAT ARE CARERS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CLIENT'S CARER OF YOUR SERVICE? WHAT ARE YOUR COVID PRECAUTIONS? WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE THE CLINICIAN OR THE THERAPY? CAN I GET A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE? WHEN DO I PAY AND HOW DO I PAY? HOW DO I FIND MERIDIAN WELLBEING SERVICES?

WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

Answer

We understand that, for a lot of people, taking the first step of attending a counselling or psychology appointment can be stressful or intimidating. Your first appointment with a Counsellor or a Psychologist is called a Care Planning Session. In this session we will:

  • Get to know each other and ensure you feel safe and supported
  • Talk about the session, including confidentiality and safety
  • Begin a conversation about what has brought you to the service and how we can help support you
  • Listen to understand your unique circumstances and lived experience
  • Discuss your goals to guide the planning of your Segment of Care

In circumstances where there are other support needs, our Clinical Care Coordinator may reach out to discuss how we can best supoprt you.