FAQ
We've compiled a list of answers to common questions we are asked. If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please don't hesitate to call us on (03) 9495 1374
SERVICES AND SESSIONS
What type of therapeutic approaches do our psychologists use?
Psychologists use a variety of different therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Solution Focused/Brief Therapy, Family Therapy, Humanistic, Schema Therapy and others. To find out the approaches used by a particular psychologist, please see their individual profile.
How many and how often do I need sessions?
The number of sessions and how often you will see the psychologist will be determined by you and the psychologist. Please note that if you have a Mental Health Care plan you can see a psychologist for up to 10 sessions per calendar year through the Medicare system. Private fees will be charged for all additional sessions.
What is your confidentiality and privacy policy?
Confidentiality between a Psychologist and client is very important and is maintained, except under certain exceptional circumstances. These circumstances are when the Psychologist believes that their client is a danger to themselves or others and they are required to take steps to minimise the person’s risk to themselves or others. The other circumstance under which we are required to break confidentiality is if our records are subpoenaed by a court of law.
APPPOINTMENTS AND BOOKINGS
In Person Appointments:
As part of our Safety Management Plan, only people who are fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus can attend an appointment on site. A vaccination certificate will need to be sighted*. We offer telehealth appointments, via video or telephone, for people who are not vaccinated. This is subject to the current Medicare arrangements.
*A person’s vaccination status is for our records only and forms part of a client’s confidential medical record.
How long is a session?
A standard session with a psychologist is 50 minutes in duration.
Do you have after-hours appointments and on weekends?
Yes, many of our psychologists offer after-hours appointments and some are also available on Saturdays.
Please call 9495 1374 to find out the availability of a particular psychologist.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
If you need to cancel an appointment please call us on 9495 1374. If we are unable to take your call please leave a message on our answering machine.
Will I be charged a fee if I fail to attend or cancel an appointment?
In accordance with our cancellation policy you must call us at least 1 full working day (24 hours’ notice) BEFORE your appointment in order to cancel or reschedule. Clients cancelling with less than 24 hours notice WILL incur a cancellation fee of $80.00 (reduced to $40.00 for holders of a valid health care card).
What are your opening hours?
Our administrative office is usually open: Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
However many of our psychologists offer after-hours appointments from Monday to Friday and all day Saturday.
Please call 9495 1374 to find out the availability of a particular psychologist. If the telephone is unattended or you have called outside of our opening hours please leave a message on our answering machine.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call our head office in Preston on 9495 1374 to make an appointment.
Our administrative office hours are usually Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.If the telephone is unattended or you have called outside of our opening hours please leave a message on our answering machine.
REFERRALS AND MEDICARE
Do I need a referral from my GP?
If you would like to claim a rebate from Medicare you will need a referral from your GP. This is known as a “Mental Health Care Plan”.
Can I see a psychologist without a referral?
Yes, you can see a psychologist without a referral (Mental Health Care Plan) from your GP. However a private fee of $200.00 per session will apply and you will not be entitled to a rebate from Medicare.
How do I claim my Medicate rebate?
After you pay for your session we will process the Medicare rebate claim electronically on your behalf. Please ensure that your bank account details are registered with Medicare as this will ensure speedy process of your rebate (usually 24-48 hrs). If your bank account details are not yet linked with your Medicare card then please call Medicare on 132 011.
How much is the Medicate rebate?
If you are seeing a Clinical Psychologist your Medicare rebate will be $129.55 .
If you are seeing a General Psychologist your Medicare rebate will be $88.25.
Do you offer bulk-billing?
We do not offer bulk-billing, however to all clients who are referred by their GP and in possession of a valid Centrelink-issued concession card, we offer reduced rates.
Do you offer couples therapy and is it covered by Medicare?
Yes, we do offer couples counseling at a rate of $200.00 per session.
Unfortunately, couples therapy is not covered by Medicare and therefore a rebate cannot be claimed.
Can I receive psychological treatment under the Workers Compensation scheme or Traffic Accident Commission (TAC)?
Yes, approved clients can receive psychological treatment under the Workers Compensation scheme or Traffic Accident Commission (TAC). Please call us on 9495 1374 for further information.
I have private health insurance. Can I claim a rebate?
If you have private health insurance, you may be able to also claim a rebate from your insurer, however you should check with your health fund for the details of your policy entitlements.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Where are you located?
Click here for our location details
Is there parking available?
Yes, all of our locations have street parking available:
Preston
Parking is available in Hotham Street and surrounding streets. Parking in the Corporate One Complex is charged at $10.00 per hour
Mill Park
Parking is available at the Childs Road Medical Centre and surrounding streets.
How do I get to your locations by public transport?
Preston
Tram – Route 86, corner of Bell St & Plenty Rd (stop 45). Exit tram, walk 150m on Bell St (Heidelberg direction).
Train – South Morang line, closest station is BELL. Exit train and walk 800m east on Bell St (Heidelberg direction).
Mill Park
Bus – Route 566 (Lalor to Northland), closest bus stop is near Childs Rd & Plenty Rd. Walk 100m from bus stop.
For further information on public transport timetables and maps please visit Public Transport Victoria: ptv.vic.gov.au