Appointment information
All you need to know to take the next step
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
— Martin Luther King Jr
Where to start
If you are ready to make an appointment or are thinking about taking the next step please contact me to arrange a time to discuss of your needs. During this call I will briefly gather more information about you and you will have an opportunity to ask me any questions you may have. This is an important step as it ensures that I am the right person to meet your needs and that you feel comfortable working with me.
All sessions will run for 50 minutes. Prior to your first session you will be sent a registration pack and consent form. This pack provides more detailed information about fees and payments, confidentiality and what to expect in your first session. Please ensure you complete the forms in your registration pack and return prior to your first session.
You don’t need to prepare for your first session, but it can be helpful to think about some things you’d like to focus on or any questions you’d like to ask.
Referrals
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist, however in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate you will need a referral from a GP.
To arrange a referral from your GP you will need to make an appointment for a mental health care plan (most GPs require you book a double appointment for this). Please ensure you provide your referral in your first session to ensure you can receive the Medicare rebate.
Medicare and health insurance rebates
The current Medicare rebate for a Clinical Psychologist is $141.85 per session, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
If you have private health insurance you may also be able to claim a rebate if you have extras cover for psychological therapy. Please contact your health insurance provider to check if this is covered by your policy. You cannot claim a health insurance rebate for sessions where you are claiming a Medicare rebate.
You will be required to pay any remaining gap amount between the Medicare or health insurance rebate and the consultation fee.
Consultation fee & payment
The current standard consultation fee is $242* (leaving gap payment of $100.15 if claiming the Medicare rebate). A surcharge applies for appointments after 5pm and on weekends. Payment of the consultation fee is required on the day of your appointment. Payment can be made by card, direct transfer, or cash.
*Please note the standard fee will increase to $250 per session from 1st February 2025.
Cancellations
There is currently very high demand for psychological services so it is asked that you please provide as much notice as possible when cancelling an appointment to ensure it can be offered to another person in need.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice before the session start time may incur a charge of 50% of the consultation fee.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may incur a charge of the full consultation fee.
This cancellation policy is based on Australian Psychological Society recommendations.