What is a registered psychologist?
All psychologists are legally required to register with the Psychologist Registration Board of Australia, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. This means they must be competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct. Not all counsellors or therapists are registered psychologists.
Fees?
Fees apply to our services and are are available on request.
Our psychologists are all registered with Medicare’s BETTER ACCESS PROGRAM. We are able to offer a Medicare rebate with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from a GP. A fee reduction may be available in cases of financial hardship.
Private health insurance rebates apply with our psychologists for clients with the appropriate cover.
Our psychologists are registered to provide counselling under the WorkCover scheme (SIRA).
Fees are negotiable for low income earners and those experiencing financial hardship.
Psychologists and Medicare
Better Access to Psychologists
In November 2006, new Medicare items were introduced for psychological treatment by registered psychologists. The service provides considerable assistance to people who require these services allowing them greater access to counselling and other psychological services.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate for my appointments with a psychologist?
To claim a Medicare rebate for psychological services, you must have a special kind of referral from your GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician, as well as a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
How many sessions with a psychologist am I entitled to?
Eligible patients can generally receive up to 10 individual services in a calendar year. Your doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions.
What will it cost me?
Rebates vary slightly depending upon a number of factors. Please discuss with our staff. Further information on the Better Access initiative is available at:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-fact-pat
Can I use Private Health Insurance?
You cannot use both private health insurance ancillary cover, and the Medicare rebate for psychology services. You need to decide whether you will use Medicare, or your private health insurance ancillary cover to pay for psychological services that you receive. You can either access rebates from Medicare by following the claiming process, or claim where available on your insurer’s ancillary benefits.
What payment options do you have?
You may pay by cash, credit card (Visa or Mastercard), cheque or savings by debit card.
With our HiCaps facility, all Medicare rebates are processed at the time of your visit (so you don’t have to queue up at a Medicare office)!
Do you accept referals from specific programs?
Yes. You may be eligible for referral to psychological services through other specific programs such as:
- Department of Veterans Affairs (if you are a returned Service Person)
- Victim’s Services (if you have been the victim of a violent crime)
- WorkCover (if it is a workplace compensation matter)