Frequently Asked Questions
Your counselling questions answered
Sometimes reaching out feels awkward or a bit too big. These answers should cover the basics, but if I’ve missed something, please reach out. Email or text is completely fine if talking feels like too much.
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Can I use a mental health plan from my doctor??
Medicare rebates or mental health plans are unavailable for counsellors or psychotherapists; this is a federal government decision.
I can accept your mental health plan, and my fees are likely lower or comparable with psychologists after your rebate with no waitlist; let’s chat with your doctor to see if I am the best fit for you.
Were you aware – when accessing a mental health plan, the data stays on your medical records and can be accessed when applying for life insurance or involving careers such as police or military. For this reason, many executives or individuals with jobs requiring perfect mental health do not access mental health plans.
Mental health plans require a diagnosis; I do not work under the medical model (psychologists do) and prefer to work with your symptoms and relieve them.
You can read more about mental health plans here.
What is the difference between a psychotherapist/counsellor and a psychologist?
Psychologists primarily work under the medical model – they diagnose mental health disorders. Psychotherapists and counsellors are similar in that they are talk-based therapists. Psychotherapists will use the unconscious to uncover behaviors and thought patterns and work with them; counsellors often work with what is presented in the session by a client.
Personally, my framework is psychotherapy; I will spend time exploring your unconscious patterns for behaviors and thoughts; this allows investigation into reasons why you can be feeling depressed, anxious, or having problems within your relationships.
Do you offer after-hours appointments?
This is dependent on the practitioner.
I noticed you mainly work with women, do you work with couples and men?
Yes! Absolutely
I have NDIS. Can you work with me?
Absolutely! Whether self-managed or plan-managed, we can claim your sessions under Improved Daily Living with Capacity Building. We are not a registered NDIS provider. Your sessions are GST-exempt. We use ‘other professional’ line items at $193.99.
What are your fees?
We work under a couple of different fee structures depending on your needs. Full payment is required before your session; your appointment time is not completely confirmed until payment has been received.
I understand that it can be frustrating to learn that GST is required to be collected from counsellors and psychotherapists as per Australian Government regulations. Please know that this is not a decision that I have control over, but I assure you that I am here to offer any assistance that I can. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and please contact your local MP to raise your concerns.
60 minute individual session $205 inc GST
90 minute individual session $285 inc GST
90 minute EMDR processing session $285 inc GST
90 minute couples session $320 inc GST
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept direct deposit, cash, and credit card. There is a 3% surcharge on credit card fees.
Do you accept private health funds?
Yes!
You can claim a rebate if you are a member of the following:
Police Health Fund
Medibank Private
Bupa
Emergency Services Health
Phoenix Health
St Lukes Health
GMHBA
CUA (telehealth only)
Westfund
HCF
AHM
HBF
AIA Health
Mildura Health
Teachers Union Health
Nurses and Midwives Health
Unihealth
(Please note not all practitioners can access all private health providers, they are clinician specific).
