Frequently Asked Questions
Things you may need to know
Taking the step to journey into personal therapy or professional supervision can feel rather daunting. We get this, and hope that you can start the process with some clarity. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions below, or contact us directly for more information.
How much does a session cost?
The cost of a therapy session is somewhere between $250 and $260 per 50-minute consulation or $275 for couples therapy, depending on the psychologist that you see and the nature of the service provided. To ensure that you are fully informed, your psychologist will discuss the cost of sessions with you prior to your first consultation. You are required to pay the full amount on the day of your consultation and the support team will process your Medicare rebate which is typically deposited into your account overnight.
What payment methods do you offer?
Our preferred payment method is direct deposit. You may also pay with cash or EFTPOS however a surcharge may apply. Payment must be made either prior to, or at the time of your appointment.
Is there a cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will incur a late cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the usual consultation fee. Cancellations made on the day of the appointment or failure to attend without notice (no-shows) will be charged the full consultation fee.
This fee must be paid on or before your next appointment. Please make every effort to notify the practice if you cannot attend as there are often other clients waiting for appointments. Your therapist will discuss this with you prior to the commencement of therapy.
Can I receive a Medicare rebate?
Yes. In order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate, you'll need to consult your GP, psychiatrist, or pediatrician. They will assess your mental health concern and provide you with a referral to the psychologist of your choice by preparing a Mental Health Care Plan. You must provide this document to your psychologist prior to or at your first consultation.
How many Medicare rebated sessions can I access?
Typically, a mental health care plan entitles you to a total of ten sessions with a psychologist per calendar year.
As part of the Medicare process, the psychologist is required to send a progress report to your GP after the sixth session, and again after the tenth session. Your GP will need to review your progress after six sessions, and may grant you a further four sessions under the Medicare scheme.
Do you offer private health insurance rebates?
Yes. The Health Continuum is registered with all major Australian health funds. If psychology is covered within your private health insurance policy, we will provide you with a reciept of payment to claim a rebate with your private health insurer. To inquire about the nature of your cover simply contact your health fund directly.
Do you provide therapy under any other scheme?
Our psychologists are registered to provide services for:
Work Cover
Victims of Crime
Transport Accident Commission
Is this a confidential service?
We take your confidentiality very seriously at The Health Continuum, and operate within the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics. We are only mandated to break confidentiality in the event that you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or someone else, or where we are court-ordered (subpoenaed) to provide information. In the event of either of these circumstances occurring, our psychologists would discuss this with you in advance.
How long does therapy take?
The process of therapy is a very individual thing, and can vary significantly from one person to the next. Factors that influence the course and duration of therapy are unique to the individual and the circumstances of their presenting problem. This means that therapy can be as brief as a few sessions, or last for weeks or even months. Occasionally some individuals wishing to work on deeper issues often elect to attend therapy for longer periods, and progress towards termination of therapy as they feel that their issues have been resolved.
The anticipated duration and frequency of therapy sessions will be discussed and agreed upon between you and your psychologist at the beginning of therapy, and will be reviewed regularly.
What happens in the first session?
Your first session with your psychologist provides you with an opportunity to get to know them a little, and see if you're the right 'fit'. However, you may have already started this process on the telephone prior to the session. For the most part, you can expect that your therapist will listen, and demonstrate that they have heard and understood your concerns. Together, you will explore and identify your goals for the work ahead, and 'paint the picture' of what things will look like when your issue/s have been resolved. Therapy will progress at your pace, and you will never be asked to discuss anything that you have not already raised yourself.
When you arrive for your first session, you will be asked to fill out some paperwork (links provided below), and possibly complete a quick questionnaire to assess how you are travelling with symptoms and your mood. You may like to fill these out in advance and bring them to your first session.
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