PSYCHOLOGIST
COMMON QUESTIONS
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about seeing a psychologist. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if your question is not here.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY GP BEFORE MAKING AN APPOINTMENT?
No. You can make a private appointment without a referral. If you have been given a Mental Health Treatment Plan (a special kind of referral) from your doctor you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $93.35 for each session up to 10 sessions in any one calendar year.
WHAT IS YOUR STANDARD FEE?
My standard fee is $210 per session.
DO YOU OFFER REDUCED RATES?
I have a limited number of spots for holders of a NSW Health Card, pensioners, or Unemployed which are offered at a reduced rate. Please email me for more information about current availability and your eligibility.
WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PLAN AND HOW DO I GET ONE?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (previously known as a ‘mental health care plan’) is a plan for people with a diagnosable mental health disorder.
The plan is issued by a doctor and identifies what type of health care you need and spells out what you and your doctor have agreed you are aiming to achieve. It will commonly refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional.
WILL I GET A MEDICARE REBATE?
If you are seeing me under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (a special kind of referral from a GP or other medical professional) you will receive a rebate of $93.35 per session. Rebates are available for up to 10 sessions per calendar year provided the appropriate reviews have been completed by a GP or other medical professional after the sixth and tenth session.
WILL I GET A REBATE FROM MY PRIVATE HEALTH FUND?
Some private health funds offer cover for psychology. Please check with your own private health fund to see if you are eligible for a rebate. You cannot claim private health rebates and Medicare rebates for the same session when seeing me under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
WHAT AGE GROUPS DO YOU WORK WITH?
I see adolescents, young and older adults. I do not see children who are not yet at high school (or equivalent).
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE?
Each session is 50 minutes in duration.
WHAT THERAPIES DO YOU OFFER?
I am primarily an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) therapist and also offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Motivational Interviewing. I only use evidence-based approaches in my work to ensure you are receiving safe and effective treatment.