FAQs

No you do not need a referral from a doctor to make an appointment with us. You can simply make an appointment directly with the psychologist or counsellor. However, with a Mental Health Treatment Plan referral from your GP you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychologist sessions per calendar year (i.e., Medicare Australia will refund a significant proportion of the psychologist’s fee). Your GP will determine if you meet the criteria for such a plan (e.g., anxiety, depression, sleep problems etc).   Alternatively you could use private health insurance to cover some of the fee if you have the level of cover that includes psychology services.  If you do not have private health insurance, nor wish to obtain a GP referral, you can still make an appointment and just pay for the sessions.

Please note that relationship (couples) counselling is not covered by Medicare.

 

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment with our Gold Coast based psychologist or counsellor, simply call the individual psychologist or counsellor you wish to see.  Click here for our phone numbers.  For more information about each member of our team please see our individual profile pages available here.

 

How much does each session cost?

With a GP Mental Health Plan referral to a psychologist, you will receive a Medicare rebate of $84.80 per session for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year (or more per session if you have reached the Medicare Safety Net).  If you elect to use your private health fund, the rebate will depend on your particular health fund and your level of cover (check with your fund).  Each psychologist in our practice sets their own fees so it’s best to check with the individual psychologist as to their current fee.

Please note that this practice may at times offer discounted fees to pensioners, unemployed or other genuinely financially disadvantaged persons so that the out-of-pocket expenses are very small, however this practice does not bulk bill. This means there is always an upfront cost that may be offset by claiming back a Medicare rebate if you have a current Mental Health Plan from your GP, or claiming back from your private health fund if you have psychology services as part of your private health fund cover.

 

How long are the counselling sessions?

Please allow at least one hour for an appointment. Each session is one hour including 5-10 minutes administration time (e.g., further appointments if required).  Longer appointments may be available with prior arrangement with your Gold Coast psychologist or counsellor.

 

How do the sessions work and how many sessions do I need?

The first appointment is primarily focussed on understanding what is happening for you and determining how we may be of assistance. The total number of sessions required will naturally depend on the nature of your concerns.  Many people are often able to resolve their concerns, or make significant progress, in six sessions or less.  More complex issues may require a longer time frame.

 

Is there a wait for my first appointment?

Often clients can be seen within 1-2 weeks. However certain times of the year may be busier than other times.  It’s best to check directly with the Gold Coast psychologist or counsellor you wish to see to determine if there is a wait for your first appointment.  You may request to be placed on a list in case there is a cancellation so you may be seen sooner than anticipated for your first appointment.

 

Where can I obtain further information?

Please give us a call – we’d love to hear from you! There is also loads of information on our Resources page.