Therapy with Provisional Psychologists

 

At Healthy Mind Centre (HMC) Launceston, we believe quality mental health care should be both affirming and accessible. Our Provisional Psychologists provide therapy under the supervision of senior Clinical Psychologists, Emma Langley and Catherine Bishop. This model allows us to support more people while maintaining high standards of care.

What is a Provisional Psychologist?

A Provisional Psychologist has completed at least five years of full-time university study in psychology and may be completing a university placement or a supervised training program to become generally registered. Each has usually completed two supervised placements before joining our team.

At HMC, Provisional Psychologists receive intensive support through:

  • Direct supervision from experienced Clinical Psychologists.

  • Regular review of assessment plans, therapeutic approaches, and reports.

  • Guidance within a structured, values-led training environment.

This means you receive the combined benefit of your psychologist’s dedication and their supervisor’s expertise.

Our Provisional Psychologists use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each approach is guided by ongoing supervision and discussion with senior Clinical Psychologists.

Why see a Provisional Psychologist?

Seeing a Provisional Psychologist can be an excellent option for people seeking ongoing, high-quality therapy that’s accessible and flexible.

  • No referral needed.

  • Lower session fees and no limits on the number of sessions..

  • Evidence-based therapy for anxiety, low mood, stress, grief, life changes, parenting, emotion regulation, self-esteem, and interpersonal challenges.

  • Accessible and affirming care for clients of all backgrounds and neurotypes.

Our triage team carefully reviews all referrals to ensure the right fit. If we believe your needs would be better met by a different clinician, we’ll discuss this with you before booking.

You can read more about the benefits of seeing a Provisional Psychologist in our blog post here.

Who might this service suit?

Therapy with a Provisional Psychologist may suit you if you:

  • Are seeking support for anxiety, low mood, stress, grief, burnout, self-esteem, life transitions, or parenting challenges.

  • Prefer a lower-cost option or need more than 10 sessions.

  • Want timely access to therapy without needing a GP referral.

  • Would value a clinician who takes time to understand your needs, supported by experienced supervisors.

How we ensure quality

Provisional Psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and meet national standards for practising psychologists in training. They work within a structured supervision framework that enhances the quality of care you receive.

Each Provisional Psychologist works under the guidance of board-approved Clinical Supervisors, Emma Langley and Catherine Bishop, who provide structured oversight and consultation throughout the course of their training.

Supervision includes regular review of therapy plans, case formulations, and reports, as well as ongoing reflection and competence development. This collaborative structure helps ensure that all care provided is evidence-based, ethical, and aligned with the standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia.

A shared vision of growth and care

HMC’s mission and vision are grounded in making mental health care more affirming, accessible, and sustainable. Supporting early-career psychologists helps us achieve this by combining compassionate, evidence-based care for clients with a supportive, educational environment for clinicians.

Working with a Provisional Psychologist means receiving collaborative care that’s guided by both your psychologist and their senior supervisor. This model ensures you have access to a high level of clinical support and careful oversight, helping you feel confident that your care is thoughtful, evidence-based, and well-supported.

Funding & Fees 

Therapy with a Provisional Psychologist provides a lower-cost option for clients seeking high-quality care.

The 2025–26 national recommended fee for psychologists, according to the Australian Psychological Society (APS), is $318 per 50-minute session.

Sessions with a Provisional Psychologist at HMC are $155 per 50-minute session for private-paying clients. Rebates are not available through Medicare or private health insurance for services provided by a Provisional Psychologist, which is why their session fees are reduced.

NDIS participants are billed $156.16 per hour, in line with the NDIS Price Guide for Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living).

Other third-party funders are billed according to their individual funding rules and agreements.

Payment is required on the day the service is provided.

Our triage team can help determine whether a Provisional Psychologist is the right fit for your needs and whether any funding options may apply.

What happens next

After you submit an enquiry, our admin team will send you a short online form to gather information about your needs and preferences. This helps us match you with the most suitable clinician.

Once a clinician with availability is identified, we’ll contact you to offer an appointment time. Before your first session, you’ll receive practical information about attending, including location, parking, and accessibility.

You can learn more about how therapy works at HMC here.

For more information, you can also read our Frequently Asked Questions here.