FAQs

Our sleep psychologists are trained to use evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy approaches to treating insomnia (this is often called CBT-i). These approaches may help you with your sleep issues, and you can discuss this with your trained psychologist.

The first session takes 60-min. During this time, your Rivi psychologist will ask you questions to try to identify the underlying causes of your sleep issues and any other relevant stressors you may be facing. Before the session ends, your psychologist will share potential ways that CBT-i can help you to achieve your sleep goals, and work with you to plan the best way forward.

Follow-up sessions take 50-min. Everyone’s sleep problems and goals are different, so follow-up sessions will depend on your specific sleep therapy plan. In general, your psychologist will assess your progress through questions and sleep logs, and may equip you with additional techniques as part of your sleep therapy plan. They may also modify your plan based on your situation and needs.

We recommend a weekly session to maintain momentum, but sessions can also be further spaced out depending on your goals and needs. You and your psychologist will discuss the best frequency for your sessions when you first begin your sleep therapy.

No, psychologists do not prescribe sleep medications. Sleep psychologists use a range of evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy approaches to help you get better sleep, without medication.

The number of sessions you need is dependent on your specific sleep issue(s), the history of these issues, and any other stressful factors you might be facing. Some people may only require a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others with more complex problems may need a longer treatment approach. Rest assured that you will always be involved in any decisions about treatment length, and your psychologist will review this with you during your therapy sessions.

If you have a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral, you may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of approximately $131.65 per psychology session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Please contact your private health insurer prior to deciding whether to proceed with treatment, in order to determine if you have cover for telehealth psychology services.