Question 1

What does therapy with you look like?

Accepted Answer

The counselling process starts with 1-2 assessment sessions. The aim of psychological assessment is to gather information about your areas of concern and develop a treatment plan to collaboratively determine the best approach to address your concerns. 
Depending on your needs and interests, we could use talk therapy techniques or incorporate them with art therapy practices.

Question 2

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Normally sessions go on for 50 minutes. I also offer 90-min sessions upon request. The 90-min session could be suitable for clients that prefers longer sessions. For example, clients who are receiving art therapy, adjunct with other approaches as part of their treatment and would like more time for art making and creative reflections.

Question 3

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

I charge $230 for a 50-min individual session and $250 for a 50-min relationship session (please note there is a $15 surcharge for appointments before 9 am and after 5 pm). 
 
A free 15-minute phone consultation is available to give clients the opportunity to ask their questions or concerns. I would like to have a short conversation with both partners before commencing couple counselling.

Question 4

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please let me know via email or text message. A fee of $120 will be charged for less than 48 hours notice and full fee for less than 24 hours notice.
 
There are no Medicare or private health rebates to cover the cancellation fee.

Question 5

Do I need a referral to see you?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral to see me. However, a private fee will apply, and you will not be able to receive any rebates.

Question 6

How can I receive reimbursement for my sessions?

Accepted Answer

Medicare- To receive Medicare rebate (currently $98.95), you need a referral from your doctor or psychiatrist to go under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Under this plan, you can receive 10 individual sessions of counselling per calendar year.  Your doctor will review your progress after 6 sessions. And you can access up to 10 rebates towards any group therapy programs that you choose to participate in, such as art therapy.
Couple counselling does not meet the criteria for MHTP, however Medicare rebates could be offered under one plan for a mental health condition that is related to your relationship issues. Please feel free to discuss this further with me.
 
NDIS- If you are an NDIS participant and you are self-managed or plan managed, you can use your plan for therapeutic support. If you are covered by NDIS there is no out of pocket fee.
 
Private health insurance- If you are covered for psychology in your package, you should be eligible to claim a refund if you have not claimed a rebate under Medicare. Please check with your Health Fund to determine your eligibility to claim any rebates towards the cost of your therapy. TAC, WorkCover, and victims of crime (VOCAT) & Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA)- You need referral from a medical practitioner or a claim to access psychological services under these funding bodies.

Question 7

Are there situations where you might share information with others?

Accepted Answer

It is my ethical responsibility to keep your information private. I ensure effective and appropriate record keeping that safeguards your information from inappropriate access.
 
I disclose confidential information only under any one or more of the following circumstances:
(a) with your consent or a person with legal authority to act on your behalf
(b) where there is a legal obligation to do so.
(c) if there is an immediate and specified risk of harm to you or an identifiable person that can be averted only by disclosing information.

Question 8

Do you offer counselling in a language other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am bilingual and offer counselling in English and Farsi.