FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I still be able to have psychological therapy? Yes.
Therapy sessions are still available face to face and are also available by Telehealth (Coviu video platform or phone). Medicare have extended this availability indefinitely and your psychologist has this in place and ready to go.
Will Telehealth sessions be different from face to face sessions? While face-to-face sessions are obviously ideal, online sessions are necessary for those who need to isolate or have flu-like symptoms. Confidentiality for Telehealth services is assured by your psychologist. We encourage you to set aside your Telehealth session time by yourself so that confidentiality is maintained from your end.
How will I be reminded of my appointment? You receive an email and text message reminder the working day prior to your appointment, as per face-to-face sessions. If you choose to attend by Telehealth, please let us know by return text. Five minutes prior to your appointment, you need to follow the link (or copy and paste it) to take you into the “online room”. Your next appointment will be booked at the end of your session.
How will I be charged for my sessions? Payment can be made by credit card – we will take your details before your session starts. Payment will be taken at the end of your session and if you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, it will be processed as per usual. The rebate will go into your bank account the next working day. If your session is bulk-billed, you will be asked to provide consent for this to occur and this may be by email or verbally.
How long will my session last? Your session will last approximately 55 minutes as per face-to-face sessions. You may request a shorter session, and this may be useful for children or young people, and this will last approximately 35 minutes.
What if I don’t have a plan from the GP? You can still have psychological therapy as a privately paying patient. In this case, payment can be made by credit card – we will take your details before the session starts. Payment will be taken at the end of your session. A receipt will be provided by email – you may be able to claim some or all of the payment from your private health cover.
Am I eligible for a plan from the GP? As per face-to-face sessions, you may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Medicare have allowed a rebate for up to twenty (20) sessions of psychological therapy in each calendar year until end June 2022 (after which it is likely to revert back to ten (10) sessions of psychological therapy per calendar year). Please see your GP for a referral letter and to complete the plan. Your GP can fax or email your referral and you will be contacted to arrange the first appointment. Alternatively, you may call us to arrange your first appointment.
I have never had therapy before. What can I expect? This is a difficult time for many people, emotionally, psychologically, physically, socially, and financially. A psychologist can help you to manage your emotions and improve your psychological well-being. We may also be able to offer strategies for physical health and financial well-being. Parents may benefit from strategies which support them to talk to their children about what is going on and/or suggestions for behaviour management during this time. It is important to look after your physical AND mental health, particularly at the moment when we are asked to be vigilant with social contact.
What details do I need to provide? You will be asked to provide your full name, date of birth, usual address, phone number, email address, Medicare details, and next of kin details. You will be asked to sign a consent form which may be posted or emailed to you. Consent forms contain important information about collection and retention of your data. This will also be explained to you in your first session and you are welcome to ask questions at any time during your therapy.
I have more questions that have not been answered. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our psychologists are here to help you. Please call Psychology ONE on 07-5329-6991 or via our contact page and we will get back to you shortly.
Your Psychologist values their time spent with clients and maintains and in order to provide a meaningful and professional service, maintains a limit to the amount of scheduled appointments each week. If, for some reason, you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice, by phone. This notice is required as a courtesy to the Psychologist and other clients who may be waitlisted for services. We reserve the option to charge a cancellation fee for appointments that are cancelled within this time period or not attended. This charge will not be claimable through Medicare.
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