Ask Us
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Shalav Mehta?
Shalav Mehta is a registered psychologist with 18 years of experience supporting people from all walks of life through a wide range of emotional, personal, and relational challenges. He consults in Parramatta and Dural NSW, with telehealth available Australia-wide and internationally. He offers sessions in English and other languages. He brings a warm, evidence-based, and personalised approach to each person he consults with.
Where are sessions held?
Shalav consults at two locations in NSW:
📍 Parramatta — Shop 13, Westfield Parramatta, Argyle Street Medical Centre, Parramatta NSW 2150 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and every second Saturday)
📍 Dural — 7/524 Old Northern Road, Medical Centre at Round Corner, Dural NSW 2158 (Wednesday)
Telehealth sessions are available Australia-wide and internationally.
📍 Parramatta — Shop 13, Westfield Parramatta, Argyle Street Medical Centre, Parramatta NSW 2150 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and every second Saturday)
📍 Dural — 7/524 Old Northern Road, Medical Centre at Round Corner, Dural NSW 2158 (Wednesday)
Telehealth sessions are available Australia-wide and internationally.
What are your available hours?
Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm
Face-to-face (Parramatta) or Telehealth
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm Face-to-face (Parramatta) or Telehealth
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm Face-to-face (Dural) or Telehealth
Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm Face-to-face (Parramatta) or Telehealth
Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm Telehealth only
Saturday 8:00am – 4:00pm Face-to-face (Parramatta) or Telehealth — every second Saturday
Sunday Closed —
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm Face-to-face (Parramatta) or Telehealth
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm Face-to-face (Dural) or Telehealth
Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm Face-to-face (Parramatta) or Telehealth
Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm Telehealth only
Saturday 8:00am – 4:00pm Face-to-face (Parramatta) or Telehealth — every second Saturday
Sunday Closed —
Do you offer after-hours or weekend appointments?
Saturday appointments (face-to-face in Parramatta or telehealth) are available every second Saturday from 8:00am – 4:00pm. To discuss other after-hours needs, please call Shalav directly on 0421 816 226.
Can I access telehealth from interstate or overseas?
Yes. Telehealth sessions are available to clients anywhere in Australia and internationally — the same warm, evidence-based support from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
How do I book an appointment?
Call or text 0421 816 226. You're welcome to call first for a brief chat before committing to an appointment.
About Shalav & His Practice
Do you offer sessions in languages other than English?
Yes. Shalav offers sessions in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, making psychological support accessible to clients from the South Asian subcontinent — including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and surrounding countries.
Do you work with people from culturally diverse backgrounds?
Absolutely. Shalav warmly welcomes clients from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds (CALD communities). Cultural sensitivity and respect are central to how he works. He also has a particular interest in working with First Nations people, with a commitment to culturally safe and respectful practice.
Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients?
Yes. Shalav provides affirming, inclusive, and non-judgemental support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. All clients are welcomed exactly as they are.
Do you work with elderly clients?
Yes. Shalav has experience supporting older adults through a range of challenges — including grief and loss, health adjustment, isolation, life transitions, and finding meaning in later life.
Languages & Cultural Support
What happens in a session?
Each session is a warm, judgement-free conversation. We explore what's going on for you — your thoughts, feelings, and experiences — and work together to understand the difficulties and develop practical, personalised strategies to help you move forward.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies for every person. Some people find significant relief in just a few sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. Your needs and goals guide the pace — there is no pressure and no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You do not need a referral to see Shalav. However, a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP is required to access Medicare rebates. Your GP can arrange this in a longer appointment.
What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't work?
If therapy hasn't felt helpful in the past, it doesn't necessarily mean therapy isn't for you. Different therapists bring different perspectives and approaches. Shalav's work is grounded in mindfulness-based awareness, with a focus on helping you slow down, become curious about your inner experience, and develop a deeper understanding of the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, you can explore whether this approach aligns with what you're looking for.
About the Sessions
What approaches do you use in sessions?
Shalav draws on a range of gentle, evidence-based methods tailored to each individual, including:
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT
- Informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Informed by Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
- Mindfulness-Based Somatic Psychotherapy
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT
- Informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Informed by Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
- Mindfulness-Based Somatic Psychotherapy
Do I need to know about these approaches before I come?
Not at all. Shalav will explain everything in plain, accessible language and invite you to explore what resonates — always at a pace that feels right for you.
About the Approach
Who do you work with?
Shalav works primarily with adults across all stages of adulthood and from all walks of life. He also has extensive experience supporting young people and welcomes clients aged 16 years and over.
He works with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, anger, burnout, relationship difficulties, workplace and financial stress, parenting challenges, identity, loss of purpose, and many other emotional and life challenges.
Do you work with people who have complex or long-term mental health needs?
Yes. Shalav has experience supporting people with enduring mental health conditions and complex or multiple presentations, including schizophrenia and psychosis support, in addition to a wide range of other challenges.
Do I need to be in crisis to come?
Absolutely not. People seek support for many reasons — from navigating significant crisis to wanting personal growth, greater clarity, or simply someone to talk to. All are equally valid reasons to reach out.
What areas of Sydney do you serve?
The Parramatta practice serves clients from across Sydney and Western Sydney for face-to-face sessions. The Dural practice serves the Hills District. Telehealth extends support to anywhere in Australia and internationally — wherever you have an internet or phone connection.
Who Can Come?
How much do sessions cost?
Fees are set in line with Australian psychology association recommendations and reflect 18 years of experience. Please call 0421 816 226 to discuss exact fees and what rebates may apply to your situation.
Do you accept Medicare Mental Health Care Plan?
Yes. With a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year — for both face-to-face and telehealth sessions.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan and how do I get one?
A Mental Health Care Plan is arranged by your GP and allows you to access Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. Simply book a longer appointment with your GP and let them know you'd like to see a psychologist. Plans are valid for two years and can be updated if you change psychologist.
I'm on a low income — can I still access support?
Yes highly likely. If you hold a Centrelink Health Care Card, Pension Card, or similar, you may be eligible for cost-free sessions. Call 0421 816 226 for a confidential conversation.
Do you work with NDIS, WorkCover, EAP, or other funded clients?
Yes. Shalav accepts clients funded through EAP, Victim Services, WorkCover NSW, CTP NSW, TAC Victoria, NDIS (Plan and self managed only), and other approved schemes — at no cost to the client.
What if I have private health insurance?
You may be able to claim a rebate through your health fund. Contact your insurer directly to check whether psychological services are included in your level of cover.