At UMFC Therapy Services, we understand that healing looks different for everyone. Our team works from a range of therapeutic modalities, and we’ll match you or your child with a counsellor whose approach best supports your goals and circumstances. 

If you’re seeking a specific modality (e.g., EMDR, ACT, narrative therapy), please let us know, we’ll do our best to accommodate or guide you toward the right fit. 

We also offer flexible methods of delivery, including: 

• Talk therapy 

• Expressive arts 

• Play-based therapy 

• Nature-based or walk-and-talk sessions 

• Telehealth 

Our practice is guided by core philosophies including: 

• Trauma-informed care 

• Neuro-affirming approaches 

• Client choice and empowerment 

• Inclusivity  

We adapt to different communication styles, sensory needs, and preferences to create a space where you or your child can feel safe, supported, and understood. 

Yes! Counselling can be funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living in your NDIS plan. We support children, teens, and adults. 

You can: 

• Use existing funding (if self- or plan-managed) 

• Ask your Support Coordinator or Planner 

• Share your plan with us, we’ll help check your eligibility 

We understand life happens, here’s how cancellations work: 

Self-paying clients: 

• Less than 24 hours’ notice: $30 fee applies. Payment is required before booking your next session. 

• More than 24 hours: No penalty 

Funded sessions (e.g., NDIS or other organisations): 

• Less than 24 hours: Session is counted as attended 

• More than 24 hours: Can be rescheduled  

Yes. Your information is stored securely and only used or shared to support your care. We ensure this is in line with legal and funding requirements. 

We’ll only share information with other services if: 

• You give consent 

• It’s required by law (e.g. child safety, subpoenas, risk of harm, requests from child protection) 

• It is a matter of duty of care to ensure safety. 

You can request access to your file or ask for updates to incorrect information. Sometimes you may not be able to see all of your file. If so, this will be explained to you in line with UMFC’s Information Privacy Policy. 

De-identified data may be used for research, planning, and quality improvement. 

If we do share your information we will collaborate and discuss with you whenever possible.  

Therapy with children and young people is built on trust. While parents/guardians are vital to a child’s wellbeing, we also respect the child’s right to privacy and safety. 

Therapists use professional judgement to decide what to share, based on: 

• Therapy goals 

• Age and maturity 

• Safety and wellbeing 

If safety concerns arise, relevant information will be shared with parents/guardians or services as required. 

Yes, for children under 16, we require consent from all legal guardians, especially if: 

• There’s shared parental responsibility 
• The child has regular contact with both parents/guardians 

Exceptions may apply if: 

• There’s been no contact with the other guardian for 12+ months 
• A court order grants sole responsibility 

We’ll work with you to explore safe ways to seek consent if needed. 

If your sessions are funded (e.g., through NDIS or another service), we’ll let you know how many sessions are included and the timeframe in which they need to be used (e.g., 10 sessions within 6 months). 

Cancellation policy for funded sessions: 

• Less than 24 hours’ notice: The session is counted as attended. 
• More than 24 hours’ notice: You can reschedule without penalty. 

If you’re unsure about your funding or need help navigating it, feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help. 

We do not provide court reports or assessments. If requested, we may offer a letter with: 

• Number and type of sessions (i.e individual or joint sessions) 

• Planned future sessions 

This letter won’t include opinions or recommendations for court use. 

Important notes:

• Each party must make their own referral 

• Consent and intake are required for each participant 

• We will request court documents to understand expectations 

• Please note that files may be subpoenaed. 

• A payment agreement may be arranged between parties if needed. 

We’re not a crisis or case management service. However, we can offer additional support (at cost), such as: 

• Attending care team meetings 
• Travel (depending on location and capacity) 
• Coordinating with schools, health, or legal services 

If you are in an emergency, please contact 000, if you’re in crisis, please contact: 

• Mental Health Services: Lifeline 13 11 14 |Albury Wodonga Community Mental Health crisis support 1800 104 211 | Wangaratta Community Mental Health 1300 104 211

• Child Safety Services:  Child Protection Crisis Line (VIC) 13 12 78 | Child Protection Helpline (NSW) 13 21 11

• Family Violence Services: 1800 Respect, call 1800 737 732 or text 0458737 732 | Safe Steps (VIC) 1800 015 188 | The Orange Door (VIC) 1800 271 157 | The Hub (NSW) 1800 885 355

 

We offer a flexible option called our Spotlight Session Model designed for families or individuals who want to access therapy as needed, without committing to regular sessions.

Here’s how it works: 

• You can book sessions when they’re needed for support, reflection, or guidance. 
• We’ll keep your file open for up to three months to allow easy access to booking. 
• After that, if you’d like to reconnect, you’re welcome to re-refer at any time. 

Spotlight Sessions are a great way to stay connected to support without ongoing commitment. If you’re unsure whether this model suits your needs, chat with us, we’ll help you decide.