What to Expect at Your First Therapy Session for Young Adults in Australia
So, you've booked your first therapy session, and now you may have a lot of questions. What will happen? What do you say? That is normal, especially when you are starting therapy for the first time.
Hi, I'm Emma, a mental health social worker in Melbourne's West. I support young people who live with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and relationship stress. If you're a young adult starting therapy for the first time in Australia, this guide should help!
I'm glad you took this step to book your first appointment. It’s very normal to feel unsure before the first session.
Summary
Your first therapy session is usually about getting comfortable, sharing what brought you in, learning about privacy, and seeing whether the therapist feels like the right fit.
You don't need to have everything prepared or tell your whole life story at once. The session might also cover forms, goals, costs, Medicare rebates, and what support might look like next.
What you can expect
#1 Paperwork and logistics
Before your first appointment, you will often be asked to fill out a form with basic details, like your emergency contact and GP info.
This may be done in person at your first appointment or online through a form sent to your email.
At RYSE, when you book your first appointment, you will get an email confirming your visit. You'll also get a welcome email, a portal link for online bookings, and links to consent and intake forms to complete before your session.
Be sure to ask your therapist if any form is unclear!
#2 When you arrive
When you arrive, your therapist will ask what brought you to therapy. It's okay if that's hard to put into words.
They may ask about your goals, your general health, your mental health, your sleep, your work or study, and your relationships.
You don't have to tell your whole story in one go. Share what feels okay, and when it feels okay. If a question feels too big, you can say, "I'm not ready to talk about that yet." That's completely fine.
The first session is also a chance for you to ask questions. You're checking whether this feels like the right therapist for you.
Ask how they work, what sessions are like, and whether they have supported people with similar concerns before.
#3 Privacy (aka "does this stay in the room?")
Mostly, yes. What you say in therapy is private, and your therapist won't share it with your parents, uni, coach, or boss without your consent.
A few exceptions exist. If your therapist is worried about your safety or someone else's safety, or if the law requires it, they may need to share information.
Your therapist should explain these limits in your first session, so you know where the lines are. If they don't, ask.
#4 "But what do I actually talk about in therapy?"
Anything that's taking up space in your head. It may be the reason you booked the session, or something else that came up on the way.
Some people bring things they've written in their notes app. Some say, "I don't know where to start." Both are fine!
Helping you find a starting point is part of the therapist's job.
#5 How you might feel afterwards
You might feel relieved, drained, raw, lighter, or not much at all. All of it is normal.
Talking about hard things takes energy. If you can, give yourself some breathing room after the session. Try not to rush straight into a shift or a big assignment.
#6 What if it's not the right fit?
That is okay too. The relationship between you and your therapist matters a lot. It's one of the biggest parts of whether therapy helps!
Sometimes it takes one or two sessions to know. If it still doesn't feel right, say so.
Your therapist can help you find someone who is a better match. No hard feelings.
#7 Cost and Medicare
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions.
It's a good idea to talk to your GP before your first appointment and check the fees so there are no surprises.
You've already done the hardest part
Booking that first session is a big step. From here, it's about going at your pace.
If you're in Melbourne's west or anywhere in Australia via telehealth and want to see whether RYSE is a fit, book your free consultation!
Q&A
Question: Do I need to prepare anything before my first therapy session?
Short answer: You don't need to have everything figured out before you arrive. It can help to complete any intake or consent forms ahead of time if they are sent to you, and you may want to jot down a few things you hope to talk about. But it's also completely okay to arrive unsure where to start.
Question: What if I feel nervous or cannot explain why I booked the appointment?
Short answer: That's very common, especially in a first session. Your therapist will lead the talk, asking about your reasons for coming, goals, well-being, sleep, work, relationships, and mental health. You can share at your own pace.
Question: Will my therapist tell my parents, school, uni, or workplace what I say?
Short answer: In most situations, what you discuss in therapy is private and won't be shared without your consent. Some exceptions exist, such as when your therapist is seriously concerned about your safety or someone else's safety, or when they are legally required to share information. Your therapist should explain these limits clearly.
Question: What should I do if I don't feel comfortable with the therapist?
Short answer: It's okay if the first therapist you meet isn't the right fit. Therapy is most effective when you feel safe to talk openly. It's okay to try a session or two to see how you feel. If it still doesn't feel right, you can say so and ask for help finding someone better matched to you.
Question: Can Medicare help cover the cost of therapy in Australia?
Short answer: If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible sessions. Speaking with your GP before your first appointment and checking the therapist's fees is a good idea to understand any out-of-pocket costs.