FAQs
Are you an emergency service?
No, my service is not appropriate for those in crisis. If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others please contact 000.
For more information about how to manage a mental health crisis, call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (24/7).
If you need immediate counselling support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer and attend sessions without a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP.
However, if you want to claim Medicare rebates you will need to see your GP to assess eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is part of the Medicare Better Access initiative which makes seeing a psychologist more affordable. Seeking and gaining a MHCP from your GP allows you to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 therapy sessions every calendar year. The Medicare rebate offsets a significant portion of the cost of therapy. After the 6 sessions, you can return to your GP for a review and possibly get another referral for a further 4 sessions. Therefore, the Better Access initiative has a limit of 10 sessions every calendar year.
The Medicare rebate is currently $141.85 per 50-minute session with a clinical psychologist. Of course, clients are free to continue therapy beyond the 10 annual sessions but sessions will be privately funded with no Medicare rebates available. Clients with private health insurance may be able to claim rebates for some of these sessions. Please check with your health fund for eligibility and further details.
What is the cost of therapy?
The Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) 2024/2025 recommended fee for a standard 45 to 60-minute consultation is $311.
My fees are set below this rate. Please get in contact to discuss further.
When are you available?
I am available to see clients from Monday to Wednesday.
Sessions can be face-to-face or via tele-health.
Tele-health (primarily video-based) is a convenient mode of therapy that can increase therapy accessibility if time is scarce or proximity issues or travel demands are an obstacle to treatment.
Can I claim from my private health fund?
Your ability to claim a rebate from your private health insurer is dependent on your specific level of cover.
It is recommend that you check with your health fund to check for eligibility and further details.
What equipment do I need to do online therapy?
A good internet connection and a computer with a webcam and microphone is preferred. However, some people do use their phones or tablets.
You will also need access to a quiet and private place free from distractions.
How long do I need to see a psychologist for?
The frequency of sessions and length of therapy will be dependent on a range of factors including the nature of the presenting issues and their severity.
While some people may be able to be treated in a relatively brief period of time (e.g., 6 sessions), for many it will take longer than this. We can discuss this further in the first session.
I need to cancel my session, what do I do?
Please cancel or reschedule your appointment as early as possible.
If you cancel within 24 hours of the session you will be charged 100% of the session fee.
Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Is there anyone you don’t work with?
I currently work exclusively with adult individual clients. I am not currently seeing;
Individuals aged 17 and under
Couples or families
People seeking assessments (e.g. cognitive, ADHD or ASD)
People seeking a court report
People seeking treatment under Work Cover
People experiencing acute psychotic symptoms
People seeking treatment primarily for substance use disorder
What is the difference between a psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist?
A Clinical Psychologist has a 4-year undergraduate degree in psychology as well as at least years specialist postgraduate training in Clinical Psychology. Furthermore, they must complete a 2-year post-graduation program comprising professional development and supervision requirements known as a ‘Registrar Program’ (8 years of training).
A General Psychologist typically has an undergraduate degree in psychology and has gone on to work in supervised practice for two years, or has completed a one year master of professional psychology and one year supervised practice (6 years of training).
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in treating mental health patients. Psychiatrists predominantly prescribe medication but may also provide psychotherapy.