Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No; you are able to see a psychologist without a GP referral. However, if eligible, your GP is able to provide you with a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan, which will give you access to up to 10 Medicare rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. This will help reduce out of pocket fees and make sessions more affordable.
How does a Mental Health Care Plan work?
A Mental Health Care Plan gives you access to up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year (January through December).
You will first need to meet with your GP to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral letter. The Mental Health Care Plan will cover an initial 6 psychology sessions. On completion of the first 6 sessions, your psychologist will need to provide an update to your GP about your progress. You will then need to meet with your GP for review. Your GP will determine if a further 4 sessions of psychology is indicated.
How much does a session with Maree cost?
A session of 50 minutes costs $200 during standard business hours (9am up to 5pm). If you have obtained a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, the out of pocket expense would be $54.75.
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For appointments outside of standard business hours (between 5pm and 7.30pm), sessions cost $240 for 50 minutes. If you have obtained a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, the out of pocket expense would be $94.75.
Cancellation policy:
Booked appointment times are reserved for you. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please provide at least 48 hours notification. This will allow me time to offer the appointment time to someone on a cancellation waitlist.
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For cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment time, or for non-attendance without notification, unless an emergency, you will be charged 50% of the consultation fee.
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Further appointments will not be offered until outstanding charges have been payed.
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Please note that Medicare rebates can not be claimed for cancellation fees.
How do I claim the Medicare rebate?
Your Medicare rebate will be processed at session payment time, rebating $145.25 against the total session cost.
Can I claim the cost of the sessions under my private health insurance?
What is covered by private health insurance varies by policy and level of cover. You are encouraged to contact your private health insurance fund provider to see what you are entitled to. Of note, it is not possible to claim a private health insurance claim in addition to a Medicare rebate.
How long do sessions go for?
Sessions are 50 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes reserved to process the session payment and to book any follow up appointments. Longer appointments can be requested and will come at an additional cost.
What days / times are you available?
Maree will initially be available on Wednesday, with two after hours appointments available between 5.00pm and 7.30pm (latest appointment time being 6.30pm).
What can I expect from my first appointment?
Meeting with a psychologist for the first time can be anxiety provoking.
The initial session is an opportunity to discuss what has prompted you to seek engagement with a psychologist and what you are wanting to achieve, i.e., your treatment goals. Treatment options will be discussed, including whether further assessment is required. You will be given an estimate of how many sessions might be required to achieve your treatment goals.
As therapeutic fit is an important element of effective therapy, you are encouraged to ask Maree any questions you have about working with a psychologist and/or expected outcomes.
What if I want to see someone else?
If the fit doesn't feel right, you are encouraged to have a chat about what isn't working.
If we are not able to resolve the issue, online search tools such as "Psychology Today" and/or 'find a psychologist' tools on the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi), Australian Psychological Society (APS), or The Australian Clinical Psychology Association (acpa) websites can be useful.
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Please know that even if your Mental Health Care Plan is generated for a specific psychologist or psychology practice, you are not locked into that practice. You are able to take your Mental Health Care Plan to another psychologist / psychology practice.
What if I cannot afford the out of pocket expense?
There are a range of low or no cost psychology services that can be considered.
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**The list below is not definitive. It is important that you consider your individual circumstances when seeking mental health support. You are encouraged to speak with your GP about what might best meet your needs.**
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South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network: (SEMPHN; 1800 862 363)
https://www.semphn.org.au/mental-health
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SEMPHN provides access to a range of no cost public mental health programs, including the Accessible Psychological Interventions (API) program. SEMPHN can be contacted between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Your GP is also able to make referrals on your behalf.
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Headspace:
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Mental health services for those aged up to and including 25 years of age.
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Mental Health Online:
https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au/
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Offering free, 12 week Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions online for a range of mental health issues.
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Someone.Health:
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Offering bulk-billed telehealth appointments with a Mental Health Care Plan.
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Cairnmillar Community Clinics:
https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/clinic/community-clinic/
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Offering free counselling sessions with supervised psychology students without need for a Mental Health Care Plan.
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