During your initial appointment, your psychologist will help you to feel at ease and work to understand your concerns by exploring relevant background information, thoughts, emotions and behaviour. You will be encouraged to explain your concerns and you will be asked relevant questions about yourself. It is entirely up to you what you feel comfortable discussing. Following sessions will focus on moving towards your goals by providing a safe and supportive space to reflect and resolve. The number and frequency of future appointments will be discussed with you.
Fees and FAQ
What happens when you see a psychologist?
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
Individuals do not need a referral to see a psychologist. However, there are Medicare rebates available and you are required to see your GP regarding eligibility.
Rebates for seeing a psychologist?
You may be eligible to receive a rebate from Medicare. For this to apply, clients must be referred by their GP in the context of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.
If your GP places you under this plan then you will be entitled to a rebate from Medicare for 10 sessions per calendar year. The rebate generally covers most of the cost of a session.
The Better Access initiative covers psychological conditions that affect most aspects of a person’s well being. Types include:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Adjustment disorder
- Attention deficit disorder
- Bereavement disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Conduct disorder
- Co-occurring anxiety and depression
- Depression
- Drug use disorder
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
You will need to pay for any charges in excess of the Medicare rebate (i.e. ‘the gap’) for services under this scheme.
Does my private Health insurance cover me?
Most private health funds pay rebates for psychological services, provided that you have ancillary cover. If you have private health insurance then you might be entitled to a rebate, but it is worth checking with your fund to see what your entitlements are.
How is my refund processed?
For your convenience we can process your Medicare claims and your private health insurance claims (via HICAPS) on the day of your consultation.
What are the session fees?
Face to face consultation with Kate and Charlotte costs $220 per session (50 minutes). Payment is required on the day of the appointment and can be made by cash, eftpos, or major credit cards. Medicare currently pays $131.65 per clinical psychology session so the gap will be $98.45