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FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our psychology services, therapies, and payment options. If you have any additional inquiries, feel free to reach out.
What is the medicare rebate
The Better Access initiative has made psychological consultations more affordable through Medicare.
If referred by a GP, psychiatrist, or pediatrician with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can receive rebates of $96.65 for visits with a registered psychologist. This leaves a gap of $113.35. Refunds are processed via Eftpos using our HICAPS machine.
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We also offer non-directive pregnancy counselling, for which eligible clients can receive a medicare rebate of $70.85
If you have a bank account registered with Medicare, your refund will then be transferred almost immediately to your nominated account.
Will my private health cover my sessions with a psychologist
If you have private health insurance with extras cover for psychological therapy, you may be eligible for a rebate. Check your policy or contact your provider for details. Keep in mind that you cannot claim from both Medicare and private health insurance for the same consultation. For eligible consults, our HICAPS terminal can process your insurance rebate on the spot.
How long is a session
A standard consultation with a registered psychologist lasts 50 minutes.
What can I expect from my first visit with a psychologist?
During your first visit with a psychologist, it is most important that you feel comfortable and heard. The psychologist will get to know you, discussing your concerns, reasons for seeking help, and therapy goals. They’ll also ask questions about various psychological and social factors to understand your situation better. By the end of the session, they will aim to provide constructive feedback and collaboratively develop a plan to help you meet your goals.
Will seeing a psychologist really help me?
Numerous professional bodies, such as NICE and the APA, recognise seeing a psychologist as a preferred and effective treatment for various emotional and mental health issues. Research over the past 40 years indicates that individuals undergoing psychological therapy fare better than 80% of those who do not. While success can't be guaranteed for everyone, studies suggest that psychological therapy is likely to be effective for most people.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Information shared with our psychologists is kept strictly confidential. In fact, psychologists are legally bound to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality. There are, however, a select few exceptions to this: if you are at serious risk of harm to yourself or others, if a court subpoenas information, or if you consent to release your information (e.g., to a GP as part of a Mental Health Care Plan or school staff). For those under 18, additional exceptions include disclosures of child abuse or self-harm/suicidal thoughts. Psychologists must follow legislative and professional standards, guided by the Australian Psychological Society’s Ethical standards, detailed in the APS Code of Ethics.
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Additionally, please note that if your treatment is being partially funded by a Mental Health Treatment Plan, your therapist is required to provide a brief report of your progress to your referring General Practitioner. This is a Medicare requirement of receiving funding for psychological therapy under the Better Access scheme.
Do you have after hours appointments?
Yes, we do have a limited number of after-hours appointments available. These appointments are typically offered via telehealth. Please speak to your psychologist at your first appointment if you would like to book an out of hours appointment for subsequent sessions.
What if I need immediate help, or help outside of business hours?
If you feel that you, or someone you know is at risk, outside office hours we recommend that you seek support from:
· Mental Health Triage (13 14 65) provides a mental health assessment service available to you, or someone close to you who may be at risk.
· Lifeline (13 11 14) provides a 24 hour phone counselling service.
· Present to your nearest emergency department at a public hospital.