Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent questions that we have received. We welcome and encouraged for clients to ask many questions when choosing to work with a Psychologist. Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us.

What can I expect from my first therapy session?

We would like your first couple of therapy sessions to be as comfortable as possible. We can take our time getting to know each other so that you feel safe. When you're ready, we can start to explore the problems you've been experiencing, and decide together on the difficulties we will address in therapy. From there, we can discuss treatment options that are suited to your situation. Therapy is always a collaborative process and it's important for you to feel part of the decision making process and the direction that your therapy takes.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

You don't have to have a referral to see a psychologist, however you cannot claim a Medicare rebate without a referral. Referrals can be provided to you by your GP or Psychiatrist and are current for 12 months. It is beneficial to have a referral so that you can claim a Medicare rebate.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a support plan for someone experiencing mental health difficulties. If your GP agrees that you need support from a psychologist, you and your doctor will make this plan together. Your Mental Health Treatment Plan allows you to claim a portion of your appointment fees from Medicare for your first six sessions. You can then return to your GP for a review and receive another MHTP and claim a portion of your next four appointment fees. Please forward your GP referral and MHTP to us when you make your first appointment.

How do I book my first appointment?

We have made it easy for your to contact us. Each page of our website contains our email address and phone number. Alternatively, you can fill in the contact form and we will contact you.

Can I claim a rebate from Medicare?

Yes! If you have a referral from your GP and a Mental Health Treatment Plan, we can submit your claim to Medicare on your behalf. Your rebate will be deposited into your bank account. The current Medicare rebate is $92.90 for a 50 minute appointment. The gap amount is $127.10.

Can I claim a rebate from my private health insurance?

Yes! You can claim a portion of your appointment fees from your private health fund if you have Psychology as part of your Ancillary cover. However you cannot claim a rebate from Medicare as well as your private health insurance. Private health insurance rebates tend to vary, and there will be a gap amount.

How do telehealth appointments work?

Telehealth is the term used to describe psychology appointments that take place over the phone or videoconference, rather than in-person. If you have arranged to attend your appointment via teleconference, you will be sent a link prior to your appointment in your appointment confirmation email. You do not need to download any software.

To have a telehealth consultations you will need access to a quiet, private space (eg this could be at home or in your car looking out over a lovely view); and an appropriate device (eg smartphone, laptop, iPad, computer, with a camera, microphone and speakers); and a reliable internet connection. The privacy of any form of communication via the internet is potentially vulnerable and limited by the security of the technology used. To support the security of your personal information, our practice uses software that is compliant with the Australian standards for online security and encryption.

A telehealth consultation may be subject to limitations such as an unstable network connection which may affect the quality of the session provided. We will discuss with you the appropriateness of ongoing telehealth sessions if necessary.

If you have a question that was left unanswered, please feel free to contact us.