Information For Clients
Individual Therapy
Challenges We Can Help You With & Treatments We Employ
- Behaviour modification and cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Substance misuse and addictions
- Culturally sensitive counselling
- Chronic disease management
- Mood disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Military and defence issues
- Police and security issues
- Childhood abuse.
- Sexual assault counselling
- Pregnancy counselling
- Corporate psychology
- ADHD behaviour management
- Autism spectrum behaviour management
- Mood disorders
- Reactive attachment disorder
- Relationship issues
- Delivery of a vast array of psychological programs
Getting a Mental Health Plan So We Can Bulk Bill You
Since November 1st, 2006, the “Better Access to Mental Health Care” initiative has allowed many Australians to access Medicare rebates for counselling services. Such services must be provided by registered psychologists (who must use certain approved evidence-based approaches), following referral by a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Medicare rebates are currently available for up to ten individual counselling sessions per calendar year (and up to 10 group sessions, although these are generally more appropriate for adults).
(You can find more about the scheme in this handout for patients.)
So how do you go about getting a referral to a psychologist for yourself and/or your child, so that you can claim Medicare rebates for counselling?
Getting a referral from your GP under a “Mental Health Treatment Plan”
Book an appointment with your GP. You will need to ask for a long consultation or tell the receptionist that you specifically require a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
Discuss your concerns with your doctor. They may ask you to complete a brief questionnaire. Most MHTPs are for anxiety or depression, However, there is a full list of issues (see below) which are eligible for treatment under a MHTP.
Paediatricians and psychiatrists can also refer directly to a psychologist.
You can ask for your referral to be made out to a specific psychologist or to a specific clinic.
What types of mental health issues can a GP refer for under a MHTP?
Here a list of mental health conditions which are eligible for treatment under an MHTP:
- Anxiety disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Depression
- Conduct disorders
- Bereavement disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Sleep problems
- Attention deficit disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Co-occurring anxiety and depression
Do I have to visit a doctor to access counselling services?
No, you may choose to claim rebates from your private health fund (and pay the gap amount) instead or you can simply pay the full fees without any rebates. Keep in mind that private health fund rebates for counselling vary widely and are often not as high as the equivalent Medicare rebates.
Why does my GP need to be involved in the counselling process?
A multi-disciplinary team approach can help achieve the best outcomes for you. If you have a regular family GP they will have a record of your family’s medical history and part of this may be relevant to their mental healthcare needs. In some cases there may be medical issues that are affecting you and these may require assessment and treatment by other medical professionals. Your psychologist will also give periodic reports to your doctor (with your consent) to keep them informed of your progress.
Do I need to go back to my doctor at any point after receiving a referral?
Yes, you will need to visit your doctor for a brief review after your sixth (6) counselling session. While you can claim up to 10 rebates per calendar year, it is up to your doctor to recommend further sessions beyond the initial six.
Making An Appointment
For Bulk Billing, a referral from a GP is required, which then allows the session to be fully bulk billed. If no GP referral is sought clients can access the service by paying the standard fee; private health insurance rebates may apply (prices for private sessions are listed below).
Making an appointment with one of our psychologists is easy. Simply visit the Contact Us page for contact details to book an appointment.
BULK BILLING RATES
Clinical Registered Psychologist: $145.25/hour
PRIVATE FEES
Clinical Registered Psychologist: $200.00/hour
*** or as arranged with Clinic and/or treating psychologist
What To Bring To Your Appointment
Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your first appointment to enable completion of paperwork.
- Hard copy of referral if you have it
- Mental Health Care Plan
- Medicare Card
- Any other documents you may think the psychologist will believe helpful
Due to the nature and length of therapy sessions, please be aware that late arrival will result in cancelation of your booked session and may attract a non-attendance fee.
Useful Links
Some useful links that may help you with your referral or treatment ....
FAQs
Do I have to visit a doctor to access counselling services?No, you may choose to claim rebates from your private health fund (and pay the gap amount) instead or you can simply pay the full fees without any rebates. Keep in mind that private health fund rebates for counselling vary widely and are often not as high as the equivalent Medicare rebates.
Why does my GP need to be involved in the counselling process?A multi-disciplinary team approach can help achieve the best outcomes for you. If you have a regular family GP they will have a record of your family’s medical history and part of this may be relevant to their mental healthcare needs. In some cases there may be medical issues that are affecting you and these may require assessment and treatment by other medical professionals. Your psychologist will also give periodic reports to your doctor (with your consent) to keep them informed of your progress.
Do I need to go back to my doctor at any point after receiving a referral?Yes, you will need to visit your doctor for a brief review after your sixth (6) counselling session. While you can claim up to 10 rebates per calendar year, it is up to your doctor to recommend further sessions beyond the initial six.
Unfortunately I am unable to assist with ....
Emergent and crisis referrals – We are unable to provide crisis intervention services, as we do not have the necessary 24-hour crisis intervention required for the appropriate and responsible treatment of these patients. Such individuals are more appropriately referred to the Townsville University Hospital, Acute Care Team, or other emergency crisis services.
Significant psychiatric referrals – I am unable to offer the coverage necessary to effectively or responsibly manage such cases, and these should be referred to the appropriate mental health services.
Assessments and reports for Parole, Court, Sex Offender treatment, etc. – I am unable to provide these psychological assessments under Medicare, and consequently, as a bulk billing practice, we do not offer these services under any circumstances.
Work Cover and Income Protection Claims
Medico-legal and Insurance Claim referrals – I am unable to provide these services under Medicare, and therefore, as we are a bulk billing practice, we do not provide these services under any circumstances.
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Assessments – Assessments for eligibility for NDIA, capacity assessments, positive behaviour support plans, etc., are not covered under Medicare and require specialised instruments to complete. While we may contribute to these assessments and/or provide conjoint treatment, we are unable to provide these assessments.
**** Cases fitting the above criteria, or who do not fit the current scope of service, will be referred back to the referring GP ****
Unfortunately I Am Currently At Capacity!!
Any New Referrals Will Be Placed On The Waitlist And We Will Offer You An Appointment When We Can.