Practical Information
Beginning Psychotherapy
Free sessions to begin therapy
If you are considering psychotherapy or mental health treatment and aren’t sure where to begin, you are welcome to contact me to start with a first session that costs nothing. You will need a referral from a doctor, which is straightforward. We can talk about your difficulties, what you are suffering with, your treatment options and what I can do for you continuing. Make a booking.
Here is more information about bulk billed psychology sessions.
Updated 28 Sep 2026
Get a referral to see me
Before we book your first appointment you can see a doctor to obtain a referral. Your doctor will also create a mental health care plan for you, which is the normal part of the process. You can email it to my practice:
Anyone with a Medicare card is usually eligible for this.
The referral letter contains the usual information:
- The date
- doctor's signature
- provider No.
- diagnosis
- your full name as listed on Medicare
- date of birth
- address
- Medicare number
- the number of sessions requested (standard is always six, with a review for four more later).
Session Fees - without a referral
Fees for treatment / psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are offered on a sliding scale and form part of the therapeutic work. You are welcome to ask directly about this when contacting the practice to book your appointment.
How to use private insurance for psychotherapy
Private health insurance rebates may be available, depending on your level of cover. Please check directly with your insurer regarding your eligibility, then let me know.
If you wish to claim, you can provide your insurance details during the session so that the appropriate receipt can be issued, after a payment.
TAC-Approved psychotherapy sessions
Do you offer TAC-approved psychology sessions?
Yes. I offer psychology and psychotherapy treatment for people with TAC approval.
How do I book an appointment?
Please ask your TAC contact person to send written approval for psychology sessions directly to bitariazati@pm.me
And, please complete the booking form. I will then contact you promptly to offer the next available appointment.
When is your next appointment available?
I can offer my next available appointment after TAC approval has been received by email. Availability varies, but I will respond quickly after receiving your booking request.
Where are sessions available?
Sessions are available:
* In Hawthorn
* In Belgrave
* Online
We can talk about which option is better accessible and suitable for you depending on your mobility impacted by the accident.
What languages do you offer sessions in?
Sessions are available in English and Persian languages.
Privacy and confidentiality
I am deeply committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality, so please bring questions about your sessions to your appointments only and avoid sharing your session information online.
In my practice, your privacy and confidentiality are taken seriously. Your records, including attendance and my notes, are treated as confidential. Like any psychotherapist, I undertake professional supervision regarding my questions with a clinical colleague. My supervisor is based in France and is a Psychiatrist, and Psychoanalyst Member of the School of Psychoanalysis of the Lacanian Field EPFCL, one of the international institutions for psychotherapy in the world.
Records
If you would like to discuss your records or have any questions, you are welcome to book an appointment so we can talk together in your session.
I am a registered psychologist in Australia and my practice follows Australian law and professional guidelines for private psychology practice. privacy policy.
A receipt from a therapist also constitutes a private health record. In a booked session, let me know its purpose, so I can give accurate information. Since July 2025, my practice processes Medicare fees a week after an appointment.
Sessions
How we work
Therapy is a commitment to speaking and working through difficulties, and fixing regular session times is part of that process. We have first a session to talk and then discuss regular session times after that. We discuss changes in the session.
Can I attend sessions online?
Online sessions are not automatic and are discussed in our sessions. Online sessions are considered when you are travelling, or sick, or we have a discussed arrangement. I explain all this in the first or second session.
Therapies offered
Other than CBT, relationship and trauma-focused therapies, I am also specially and extensively trained in intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis which is for those wanting to make a serious commitment to treatment.
I have had over a decade of my own analysis, and currently continuing with an analyst from École de Psychanalyse des Forums du Champ Lacanien (EPFCL), Paris. My cases are supervised by an analyst from the same school. I teach psychoanalysis in an international project I am the founder of, Lacan Tehran, for the training of analytical therapists.
Doctors
How psychoanalytic therapy helps treat chronic problems and issues
Many people find psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis very helpful for a range of chronic and severe mental health concerns, including personality disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, sexuality and identity struggles. This therapy is specially effective for issues stemming from trauma and childhood abuse, treatment-resistant depression, OCDs, psychosis and range of other difficulties. I am a member with the International Forums, Colorado Analytic Forum and continue my professional development activities with the Psychoanalytic School. I have undergone my own analysis.
How can I refer a patient for child psychology in Hawthorn?
Child
I accept referrals from specialists, GPs, paediatricians or psychiatrists. These referrals can be emailed to my practice. Please ask your patient to contact my practice to book.
Parents
Under a new Medicare model, parents are also eligible to be seen for two of those sessions in the child's plan. If the parents want help with a personal problem, a separate referral is required for the parent.
Reports
What is the process for requesting reports?
If you require a report, please book an appointment at either Hawthorn or Belgrave. During the session, we will discuss the purpose of the report, relevant content, privacy and confidentiality considerations, and my assessment of your situation. Informed consent is obtained from the client prior to preparation. After I have obtained informed consent* to write a report, I generate an invoice. Reports are prepaid.
*Informed consent: This is different from a signed consent form. Informed consent involves a discussion about the potential implications associated with writing and releasing a report and addressing them as best as possible.
Are you a provider for TAC and Workcover?
Yes, I can indicate my provider number if you contact me directly: bitariazati[at]pm.me. Please include the client claim number in the subject line and specify whether it is TAC or WorkCover, along with the number of funded sessions. Be sure to attach a copy of the psychology sessions approval letter.
Do you provide therapy to victims of violence and write reports?
Yes, I am familiar with the VOCAT process and have experience writing reports. Solicitors can email me at bitariazati[at]pm.me with the patient’s contact details. Please advise the client to obtain a GP referral letter as this will enable communication with the doctor if needed to support the client.
Are you a provider for NDIS?
No, I am not a registered provider. However, I can offer services and invoice the plan manager directly. The plan manager can email me at bitariazati[at]pm.me, including the client number and the number of funded psychology sessions.