How much is a session?

Please note that the rate recommended by the Australian Psychological Society for a 1hr session is $238. To make psychology services more accessible my standard fee is $180 per 1 hour session. Payment is required at the end of your session and can be made by cash, credit card, EFTPOS or direct bank transfer. You can claim the medicare rebate for your sessions. If you do not wish to claim a rebate, no referral is necessary.

Bulk billing & using the Medicare Rebate

Bulk billing is available for self-supporting full-time students, pensioners, or upon presentation of a Commonwealth Government Health Care card. In order to claim, you must bring a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP to the first session.

I am a medicare provider and you can claim individual sessions on medicare. You should receive $89.00 rebate per hour session.

What is a Mental Health Care Plan and how do I get one?

In November 2006, the Australian Government introduced a Medicare rebate for psychological treatment by registered psychologists. To claim this rebate you will need to see your GP to discuss your eligibility for what is known as a GP Mental Health Care Plan. A Mental Health Care Plan is the referral from your GP that allows you to claim the medicare rebate for your sessions. If you are seeing a psychiatrist, they can also provide a referral. When your doctor registers you with Medicare for a Mental Health Care Plan, you may request a psychologist of your choice.

With a GP Mental Health Care Plan, you are eligible for a rebate up to 10 sessions in a calendar year. This is provided in an initial block of 6 sessions. Following review by your doctor you are able to access an additional 4 sessions. If you have a If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, please make sure you bring it to the first session.

I have a referral to another psychologist. Can I use it to see you?

Yes, and Mental Health Care Plans are transferable and you can use them to see any psychologist you wish. Simply bring a copy of your Mental Health Care Plan and your medicare card to your initial session.

Can I claim for sessions using private insurance?

The majority of health insurance funds allow you to claim a limited number of sessions with a psychologist as long as that psychologist is a registered medicare provider.I may need to register with your health fund in order to allow you to claim sessions. You can check with your individual health fund to see if they will provide you with a rebate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Psychotherapy is a commitment to yourself and most beneficial when appointments are kept regularly. In order to provide a continuity of care, I reserve and commit to a regular therapy time for each client. I therefore, request that reasonable notice be given for cancellations so that someone in need can use the appointment time. If for some reason you need to occasionally cancel or postpone the appointment, please give at least 48 hours notice by leaving a voice message on the practice phone. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will attract the full fee, and those cancelled with 24-48 hours notice will be charged 50% of the full fee, which would be payable at or before the next session.