Fees, Rebates, Referral Information and Psychologist Credentials
FEES & REBATES
This practise is committed to keeping fees in line with Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended rates for Clinical Psychologists. There is currently no additional fee charged for PhD qualification (see credentials below). Fees are reviewed yearly by the APS and may be subject to change.
Fee - $300 (per 50 - 60 minute session)
Clinical Psychology Medicare Rebate (if on a MHCP) - $137.05
(for each session or higher if you have reached your Medicare threshold)
As a Clinical Psychologist, Kate's services attract the above Medicare Rebate towards the cost of each session. MHCP rebates applies to those referred by a psychiatrist or GP with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
Your rebate can be processed at the time of appointment as HICAPS facilities are provided. Please note you will need to insert your savings/cheque debit card into the HICAPS machine to receive your rebate.
FEE REDUCTION
Discounted fees may be offered to pensioners, unemployed and/or healthcare card holders. Were possible individual circumstances are taken into consideration, however we are unable to provide a full bulk billing service. We appreciate there are times when no out of pocket costs are necessary, if so please ask your GP for referral to access alternative counselling or government funded organisations (i.,e Headspace; CAMHS).
REFERRAL OPTIONS
1 - MEDICARE (via Better Access on a MHCP from your referring doctor)
Those referred on a valid MHCP can access up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Re-referrals are generally required after the 6th and then following the 10th MHCP appointment.
To assess the 10 x MHCP sessions clients who meet met criteria (as deemed by their referring doctor) require a valid referral letter (i.e., signed and dated by their GP and/or psychiatrist).
2- PRIVATE HEALTH (private clients)
Private health insurance rebates are also available for those with the appropriate private health insurance cover. As rebates vary between funds please contact your insurer for eligibility and latest rebate rates applicable with a Clinical Psychologist. A doctors referral is generally not required for these rebates.
3- THIRD PARTY (i.e approved insurance, work cover claim or NDIS funding)
As a clinical psychologist services can also include initial assessment, diagnosis, recommendations and treatment interventions for individuals that have an approved insurance claim or NDIS funding. Generally clients are referred via their GP but are not responsible for therapy costs. This may include claims involving:
Workplace Compensation
- Sexual Harassment
- Bullying
- Physical/Psychological Injury
Impacts of Crime
Disability Support
Please enquire if you feel you may be eligible.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST CREDENTIALS
This psychology service prides itself on best practice and you have a right to know what you are investing in
Clinical Psychologists by definition have specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation and treatment interventions of mental health illness and emotional/behavioural disorders. They also help individuals who may be experiencing difficult life events in order to improve their psychological well-being.
Your clinician has reached the highest level of qualification within the psychology discipline.
This includes:
- a minimum of 8 years full time psychology-related tertiary education.
- followed by 18 months supervised clinical practise prior to being fully endorsed
In addition to your face-to-face appointment - outside therapy time involves:
- Initial session preparation
- Individualised research
- Formulation & client-centred treatment planning
- Compiling of case notes
- Follow up telephone calls (if required)
- Scoring and interpretation of psychological assessments
- Report writing
- Communication with allied health professionals or insurance case managers
You also receive:
- A comprehensive psycho-educational resource booklet at your first appointment
- A welcoming smile and coffee/tea while you enjoy the office view of a beautiful park & take some well-deserved time out for yourself
- In most cases your appointment at this practise will be longer than the Medicare minimum 50 mins (so please allow at least 1 hour)
Ethical, Professional Development and Business Commitments for your clinician include:
- Annual registration fees and membership to governing bodies (ie., AHPRA, APS)
- Purchase of copyright resources and up-to-date assessment tools
- Indemnity insurance costs
- Business running costs (i.e., rent, software, HICAPs, internet, telephone, stationary costs & administration)
- Compulsory professional development training (approx 20 hours annually)
- Compulsory peer clinical meetings/supervision (approx 10 hours annually)