Fees, Referrals and Rebate Information


​FEES & REBATES

This practise is committed to keeping fees below the recommended Australian Psychological Society (APS) rate of $260 per 50 minute session.

 Reduced Fee  - $240 
 MHCP Medicare Rebate - $128.40 

As a Clinical Psychologist, Kate's services attract the above Medicare Rebate towards the cost of each session. This applies to those referred by a  GP/psychiatrist/paediatrician 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 card into the HICAPS machine to receive your rebate. 

FEE REDUCTION
Discounted fees may apply to pensioners, unemployed and/or healthcare card holders and where 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)

Previously those referred on a MHCP were eligible for up to 10 sessions per calendar year (as deemed necessary by a referring doctor). However, recent Federal Budget announcements have included doubling the number of subsidised MHCP psychology sessions (from 10 to 20).
The additional ten subsidised session rebates are currently available (until June 30 2022) for clients who meet the following criteria:

  • A valid MHCP and have used the initial ten MHCP sessions this year.
  • A GP referral detailing in writing assess to the extra 10 additional MHCP sessions.                             

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 or work cover claim)

As a clinical psychologist services can also include initial assessment, diagnosis, recommendations and treatment interventions for individuals that have an approved insurance claim.  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 
Motor vehicle Accidents
Impacts of Crime

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 of mental health emotional/behavioural disorders and are the only psychologists to have this advanced level of education and training in mental health. 

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
         (As such clinical psychologists are not generally paid a session hourly rate)

You also receive: 
  • In most cases your appointment at this practise will be longer than the Medicare minimum 50 mins (so please allow at least 1 hour)
  • Every client will receive a comprehensive psycho-educational resource booklet at their 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

 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)