Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You do not need a referral to book an appointment - anyone is welcome to contact me directly.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist, you’ll be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $98.95 per session. Simply bring your referral and Medicare card to your appointment.
If you are a veteran, sessions are fully covered by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) with a GP referral. Please let your doctor know that you hold a DVA card so they can include this in your referral.
If you are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you can obtain a referral through your on-base medical officer (MO) or mental health team - in these cases, the entire cost of your sessions is covered.
How long are sessions?
Standard psychology sessions run for 50 minutes. This allows time for therapy, and any other brief administrative tasks at the end such as scheduling or processing rebates.
In some circumstances - for example, when completing a more detailed assessment, working through complex issues, or during an initial intake session - a 90-minute session may be recommended. Your psychologist will discuss this with you in advance if a longer session would be helpful.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies for each person and depends on your individual goals and presenting concerns. Some people find that around four sessions is enough to address a specific issue, while others benefit from ongoing support over a longer period.
If you have a mental health care plan from your doctor, you are eligible for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year (January to December) under Medicare. Your GP or psychiatrist will usually refer you for an initial block of six sessions, and additional sessions can be approved after medical review.
We can discuss your progress together and decide what feels right for you as therapy continues.
What’s the cost and rebate process?
A standard 50-minute session is $215, and a 90-minute session is $300.
If you have a mental health care plan from your doctor, you’ll receive $98.95 per session for both 50-minute and 90-minute sessions. You’ll need to pay the whole session fee with a bank card at the time of your appointment, and your rebate will be automatically processed through the HICAPS system to the bank account you’ve nominated with Medicare - so there’s no need to visit a Medicare office or submit a claim yourself.
If you are a veteran with a DVA referral or a current serving Member of the Australian Defence Force with a referral from your on-base medical officer or mental health team, your sessions are fully covered at no cost to you.
Some clients may be eligible for rebates through their private health insurer. In these cases, you’ll need to pay the full session fee and then submit your claim directly to your health insurer. It’s best to check with your insurer first to confirm your level of cover and eligibility. You cannot make claim through your insurer if you already have received a Medicare rebate.
Do you offer online/telehealth appointments?
Yes. I offer telehealth sessions via secure video link for clients anywhere in Australia. Telehealth sessions are eligible for the same Medicare rebates as in-person appointments if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.
