frequently asked questions
What types of referrals are accepted for individual therapy?
Self-referral
You are welcome to self-refer . After receiving your enquiry I will make a time to speak with you about what difficulties you are seeking to address and determine if I am suitable to assess and treat you.
GP referral with Mental Health Care Plan
Most people seek a referral and Mental Health Care Plan from their General Practitioner (GP) as this helps with collaboration in care planning. A GP is often familiar with matching the style of therapist with their patients' identified needs. This process usually requires an extended consultation time with your GP.
Organisation / workplace referral
Your workplace may provide a referral and payment for yourself or family members to seek support. These arrangements are in place with the ADF and some professional sporting organisations
I do not provide services for Work Cover , Comcare or NDIS..
What are the fees?
Session fees:
Each 50-minute session is payable in full at the time of consultation. Fees are subject to change annually and aligned with recommendations by The Australian Psychological Society.
Cancellation fees:
within 24-48 hrs 50% fee
within 0-24 hours 100% fee
If a cancelled appointment can be filled no fee will be applied.
Cancelled appointments cannot be claimed through Medicare or Health Funds.
Are rebates available?
Medicare
Some people are eligible for a rebate under Medicare with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)from their GP. The current rebate set until June 2024, for 50 minutes of Psychological Therapy provided by a Clinical Psychologist is $137.05. Medicare offers eligible patients rebates for 10 sessions per calendar year.
Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance that covers Psychology, you may be able to claim. Please check with your provider first.
I do not offer any rebate processing for Medicare or Private Health Funds. All patients manage and submit their own claims.
How do I make an appointment?
Please fill in the contact form on the website and I will call or email you to clarify your request and determine if I will be suitable for your needs. If it turns out I am not the right person I can refer you to someone else.
For all psychotherapy services, an initial appointment confirmation email will be sent together with an information form that requests personal information, including a next of kin. I will also send a client agreement form that covers consent, the type of service provided with fees, and terms of confidentiality including limitations specified under law.
What happens in the first appointment?
I will discuss with you your current circumstances and concerns, and how you are coping now. It usually takes 2-3 sessions to complete an assessment detailing your past and present experiences. I will develop a formulation, perhaps a diagnosis followed by a discussion about treatment. You may have specific goals or just some general thoughts about what you would like to gain from treatment. Together, we will work to establish a therapeutic relationship and a plan to promote understanding and progress in your mental health journey.
If attending with a GP referral I will periodically write back with an update of your progress, as this is a requirement under Medicare. Your GP will also be required to review you. This process also supports a collaborative relationship in managing your physical and mental health needs.
Crisis Support
If you have frequent crisis support needs, my service is not suitable for you until you have a significant period of stabilisation. Please discuss your treatment needs with your GP first.
On occasion, if a crisis occurs during therapy additional support can be provided which may include collaboration with other mental health services.
The following services are available for crisis support advice:
The 1800 011 511 Mental Health Line is NSW Health's 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with NSW Health mental health services. It is a free service.
Lifeline call 24hr phone 131 114
Lifeline chat text on 0477 131 114
In the case of an emergency dial 000.