How to use Talked’s free consultations with therapists?

Looking for the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to start or have had a difficult experience in the past. You might be wondering how to tell if someone is the right fit, or what it’s like to speak with a therapist before committing to anything.

That’s where Talked’s free 15-minute consultations come in. These short, no-pressure conversations are designed to help you find a therapist who feels like the right match. Someone who understands your needs, listens without judgement, and works in a way that suits you.

Whether you're completely new to therapy or thinking about giving it another try, this guide will walk you through how to prepare for a consultation, what to expect during the call, and what steps to take if you feel ready to start therapy.

What’s the purpose of free consultations?

An introductory call to help you explore the fit

Therapy works best when there’s trust and a sense of safety in the relationship. But it can be difficult to know if someone is the right fit just by reading their bio.

Talked’s free 15-minute consultations act as an introductory call, giving you the chance to speak directly with the therapist before making any commitments. You can get a feel for how they communicate, how they might support you, and whether the conversation feels comfortable and respectful.

It’s also an opportunity to ask about practical details, such as session availability, fees, and funding options.

Explore different types of therapists

One of the most valuable parts of the consultation is the opportunity to speak with different kinds of mental health professionals. On Talked, you can connect with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, counsellors, social workers, or psychotherapists. Each bringing their own training, style, and focus.

All therapists on the platform are carefully vetted and fully registered with the appropriate professional bodies in Australia.

In the consultation, the therapist will usually ask a few questions to understand why you’re seeking support, explain how they work, and invite you to ask anything that’s important to you. It’s a space to get a feel for their approach and decide whether it aligns with what you're looking for.

They're designed to give you freedom and choice

Free consultations exist to help you explore your options without pressure. You can speak with as many therapists as you like until you find someone you feel comfortable with. Many people try a few different consultations before deciding who they’d like to continue with.

There’s no obligation to book a full session after the call. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can simply try someone else. The process is flexible, low-pressure, and designed to help you make the decision that feels right for you.

How to prepare for your free consultation?

You don’t need to have everything figured out before the call, but a little preparation can help you feel more confident and make the most of the time.

1. Clarify what you’re hoping for

Take a moment to think about what’s bringing you to therapy. You might want support with anxiety, grief, relationships, trauma, burnout, or something else. You don’t need a formal diagnosis. Just having a general idea of what you’d like help with can give the therapist context.

It can also help to reflect on previous therapy experiences, if you’ve had them. What was useful? What didn’t feel right?

2. Consider what matters practically

It’s a good idea to know what you’re looking for in terms of:

• Format (video, phone, or chat)

• Session times that suit you

• Whether you prefer structured or open-ended therapy

• Budget, and whether you’ll use Medicare, insurance, or another form of funding

3. Jot down key questions

You only have 15 minutes, so having a few questions ready will help. You might want to know more about their style, their experience with certain issues, or what their thoughts are about any concerns you have. You’ll find a list of question suggestions in the next section.

4. Find a quiet space for the call

Choose a calm, private spot where you won’t be interrupted. Use headphones if it helps, and have a notebook handy in case you want to jot down any thoughts during the conversation.

Questions to ask your therapist

Asking the right questions during your consultation can help you understand whether a therapist’s approach, availability, and values align with what you're looking for. You don’t need to cover everything. Just focus on the areas that matter most to you.

1. Ask about their experience and approach

• How would you describe your style or approach to therapy?

• Do you tend to work more with practical strategies, deeper emotional work, or a mix of both?

• Have you supported clients facing similar challenges to mine?

• What type of outcomes do you usually help clients work towards?

2. Clarify practical details

• Do you offer sessions online, in person, or both?

• How often do you usually meet with clients?

• What’s your availability like, including after-hours or weekends?

3. Understand costs and funding

• What’s the cost of a full session?

• Do you accept Medicare, private health insurance, or NDIS?

• Will I need to pay anything out of pocket, even with a rebate?

4. Explore the working relationship

• What do you think makes a good therapeutic relationship?

• How do you usually start working with new clients?

• Do you help clients set goals or track their progress over time?

• What happens if I feel therapy isn’t helping?

What happens when you find a therapist you like?

Once you’ve had a consultation that feels right, you can book a full therapy session directly through Talked. Here’s what to expect from there.

Booking your first session

You’ll choose a time that suits you using the Talked platform. A session on Talked runs for 50 minutes, and it’s up to you if you want to have your session via video, phone, or chat.

Using Medicare or other funding options

Talked supports a range of payment methods:

• Medicare: If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for rebates on up to 10 sessions per year.

• Private health insurance: Many insurers offer rebates for psychology or counselling, depending on your policy.

• NDIS: If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you may be able to use your funding for therapy.

• Workers’ compensation: Some therapists also accept these supports, depending on your situation.

Note that Talked does not ask for upfront payment and will only charge you 48 hours before your confirmed appointment. Talked will also process Medicare claims for you after each session, and the rebate is paid directly into your account.

Starting therapy

Your first few sessions will often focus on getting to know each other and identifying what you’d like to work on. Over time, you’ll develop goals together, explore the issues at your own pace, and check in on how therapy is going.

If you ever feel the fit isn’t right, it’s okay to revisit the consultation process and try someone else. You’re allowed to take your time finding the right person.

Ready when you are

You don’t have to rush into therapy. The free consultation is there to help you take that first step with less uncertainty and more clarity. It’s a space to ask questions, express concerns, and see whether a therapist’s style feels right for you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care. It’s okay to be selective, to ask questions, and to take your time. With support from Medicare, private health, NDIS, or other funding options, Talked makes it easier to begin when you feel ready.