FAQs

Confidentiality

Your confidentiality is paramount. All psychologists are legally and ethically bound to keep all sessions and personal information confidential and to store all information in a safe and secure manner. However, It is important to note that there are limits to confidentiality in exceptional circumstances including:

• In instances where records or information you have provided are subpoena by a Court of Law, psychologists must legally comply.

• Psychologists are legally obligated to report disclosures such as (and not limited to); crimes of a serious nature, including child sexual abuse or neglect.

• If the psychologist believes that the welfare of the client or close relative/minor is at risk. For example, if a client is exhibiting high risk suicidality or behaviours, or if the client or member of the client’s family is at risk of imminent domestic violence/harm/neglect.

• Written permission by the client is given for the psychologist to consult with a third party. If this permission is sought, a detailed conversation will be made over specifics of what will be communicated and what information will be traded.

All disclosures of confidentiality are taken seriously and are carefully considered before enacted. This may include bringing the matter to the attention of a more senior supervising psychologist before reporting is made.

Also, If you are utilising a MHCP, psychologists are mandated by the government to write short progress reports to the referring GP/Psychiatrist at varying stages of treatment.

Your practitioner will discuss this with you during your first appointment and answer any questions you might have.

Do we bulk bill

No. At present I do not offer bulk billing. Partial rebates are available under a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP if you are eligible.

Can I book online

I don’t currently accept online bookings. All initial appointments are booked through email or phone calls. Subsequent bookings are made at the conclusion of sessions. You can cancel, reschedule or change appointments via email, text or phone call.

How do I pay for the psychology sessions

All sessions must be paid for on the day of the appointment.

We use Stripe, online payments. This is a safe and secure method of payment.  During the intake paperwork your credit card details are taken and safely stored on the STRIPE system. The session is charged to the nominated credit card automatically at the completion of session. You can elect to change credit card details at any time.

For clients utilising a Mental Health Care Plan and rebate from Medicare,

The paid invoice is sent via email at the close of business the day of the appointment. This invoice can be uploaded to the MyGov site to claim a rebate for the session. The rebate covers a partial amount of the fee. This rebate is approximately $88 per session** (this rebate amount changes periodically). I do not give rebates at the payment of the session. Obtaining the rebate is the responsibility of the client.

What is your cancellation policy?

Providing at least 48 hours notice to cancel an appointment helps us to keep your session costs down, maximises our availability to clients and minimises lost clinical time. Appointments missed or rescheduled without 48 hours notice will incur the full fee which will be automatically charged to the client nominated credit card. It is important to note that Third Party funders do not pay late cancellation or missed appointment fees.  These are your responsibility even if your treatment is normally funded by a Third Party.

If you are late for an appointment your session may be less than 50-minutes in duration. Please note you will need to pay the full amount in these circumstances, however your insurance rebate (if any) may be reduced. 

Medicare Rebates/Mental Health Care Plans

Medicare offers rebates under what is called a "Mental Health Care Plan" for therapeutic sessions with a Psychologist, for eligible clients. If you believe you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan and therefore Medicare Rebates, you will need to visit your GP to discuss and complete a written referral before your first appointment with me. This will then allow you to claim $88.25 back from Medicare at each of your approved sessions (Initial 6 sessions, with GP approval up to 20 per year).

Sessions must be paid in full at the conclusion of the session. An invoice is sent via email at the close of business the same day. This invoice can be uploaded to the MyGov site to claim a rebate for the session. The rebate covers a partial amount of the fee. This rebate is approximately $88 per session** (this rebate amount changes periodically). I do not give rebates at the payment of the session. Obtaining the rebate is the responsibility of the client.

How often will I need to see a psychologist/how many sessions are required

The number and frequency of appointments are varied due to differing goals/presentations or level of engagement. Most often clients engage on a fortnightly timeframe for 6-10 sessions, then eventually lengthening the timeframe between sessions. Everyone is unique and individual, your needs/goals and issues will be discussed in the initial session and a plan will be discussed for treatment.

What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist / Counselling Psychologist / Registered Psychologist / Counsellor / Life coach.

All psychologists hold a minimum of four years of Psychology Board approved study at an accredited university, followed by two years supervised practice. All psychologists are registered and regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA). All psychologists are trained to assess and provide treatment to a wide variety of complex mental health issues. The treatment methods utilised are based on scientific evidence-based approaches. 

Some psychologists hold additional endorsement titles including; Clinical Psychologists, Counselling Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists, Community Psychologists, Organisational Psychologists, Education Psychologists, Sport and Exercise Psychologists.  These endorsement titles indicate the completion of an additional two years study through a Masters Degree at an accredited university. This study is in addition to the study required of a generally registered psychologist. 

The Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA) requires all psychologists to undergo ongoing continued professional development and training to uphold high standards of practice and knowledge of up-to-date developments in psychological practice.

Psychology sessions for children

At present I am not accepting child clients.

Parking

There are various alternatives for parking nearby.

·      Free on road parking for up to two hours along Oxford street.

·      Free parking for up to three hours behind building 396 (Oxford Physiotherapy)

·      Free parking for up to three hours at Axford Park (top of Oxford street/Scarborough Beach Rd intersection)

Can I attend face-to-face appointments or Telehealth sessions?

At present I offer both in-person “face to Face” sessions and telehealth sessions.

Depending on the current COVID restrictions, it may be mandatory to wear masks during sessions.

Telehealth sessions are offered through an online secure video system. You do not need to download or purchase any apps to use the technology. All that is required for the session is a mobile phone or computer with video capability. A unique link will be sent to you to click and access the session.

Can I record a session?

Recording of psychology sessions are not permitted in audio or visual formats without prior consent.

Is there any presentations/issues that are not applicable or not catered to?

There are some presentations/issues in which I do not currently cater for or are not suited to private practice.

1)    Court Documents/Legal Advice/Mediation

I do not provide court reports, letters or legal documents, or legal advice in any matters. This includes matters that pertain to Family Court, custody or parenting arrangements. If you require these services, please seek the service of a forensic psychologist.         

2)    Eating Disorders

I currently do not accept clients with Eating Disorders. If this is an issue for you please discuss a relevant referral with your GP or seek support through the Butterfly Organisation https://butterfly.org.au/

3)    Urgent Care

I also don’t accept clients who require acute care or crisis management. If you are experiencing acute symptoms, suicidal urges or have concerns for you welfare, please contact; Mental Health Emergency Response Line 1300 555 788, LIFELINE 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service1300 659 467 or attend your nearest emergency department