appointment informaton and Fees
your FIRST APPOINTMENT
Your first appointment requires 55 mins and is about hearing your story. This is part of the initial phase of therapy and involves assessment of your issues and what is happening in the present as well as history taking. This may include history of your particular issue, family structure and history, sexual and relationship history. I will make an initial assessment of the issues you have presented and provide an outline of how we can work together to effectively.
ONLINE CONSULTATIONS
I am currently only working in the online space. Online therapy is now a commonly used mode of healing and has proven to show equal treatment outcomes to the face-to-face modality. I have adapted all tasks and activities that would happen in a face-to-face context to an online context. Having said this, if you have any questions or concerns about undertaking online therapy I am happy to discuss this process with you.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Online therapy is conducted just like a face-to-face session via either Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp or Google Meet. I will either email you a link to our meeting or video call you at the time of your appointment. You will be able to interact with me in the same way as would happen in an in-person context via your chosen device.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR ONLINE THERAPY?
Here is what you’ll need for your online appointment:
A consistent internet connection.
An internet connected device such as a phone, tablet or computer.
Stable dock/place for your device for the duration of your appointment (so your device doesn't wobble around and you don’t have to hold your device).
A private and quiet space where you will not be interrupted for the duration of your appointment; this could be in your home, office or car.
Headphones are ideal for optimal sound quality.
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
To book in for an appointment please email or call me and I will respond to you within 48 hours to arrange a date and time.
Once you have booked your appointment you will receive an email confirming your appointment time and location. This email will also contain a link to the New Client Form which you will need to fill out and submit before your appointment.
FEE STRUCTURE
Individual Consultation:
Standard Consultation 55 mins: $264
Couple Consultation:
Standard Consultation 55 mins: $308
All appointments include GST.
Please note that accounts are not given. Payment is requested before or at the beginning of your session.
Payment can be made via electronic transfer or debit or credit card (VISA and MasterCard). Please note card processing fees apply.
I will email you a receipt once payment has been received.
MEDICARE REBATES
Registered counsellors currently do not receive the Mental Health Care Plan rebate.
HEALTHFUND REBATES
If you are a member of Doctors’ Health Fund, BUPA, Medibank Private or ARHG (Police Health, Emergency Services Health, St Lukes Health, Phoenix Health, CUA [telehealth only], GMHBA, Westfund, Teachers Union) you may be eligible to receive a health fund rebate for counselling services. Please note that for rebates I am a registered counsellor. For other health funds, you may be covered depending on your level of cover. Please contact your health fund directly for information regarding rebates for registered counsellors.
REFERRALS
Referrals are not necessary. You can make your appointment directly with me. Having said this, your doctor or other health practitioner may want to write a referral letter to bring to you first appointment and this is OK too.
BUSINESS HOURS
Business hours are between Tuesday and Saturday. Non client days are Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. I am not contactable on Sundays and Mondays as these days are outside business hours.
Client consultation days and hours:
Tuesday 10.30am-6.00pm (last appointment at 5.00pm)
Wednesday 10.00am-6.00pm (last appointment at 5.00pm)
Thursday 10.30am-5.30pm (last appointment at 4.30pm)
Saturday 8.00am-3.30pm (last appointment at 2.30pm)
APPOINTMENT REMINDERS
As a courtesy, a reminder email will be sent to you 4 days before your consultation and a text message will be sent to you 3 days before your consultation.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Missed appointments, cancellations and rescheduling with less than 48 business hours notice will incur a full consultation fee.
Business hours are Tuesday-Saturday. Client consultation days are Tuesday-Saturday.
If you are booked on a Tuesday, and need to or cancel or reschedule an appointment, it is necessary to have contacted me by Saturday to do so.
If you are booked on a Wednesday, and need to cancel or reschedule an appointment it is necessary to have contacted me by Monday to do so.
Please note emails, sms messages and voicemails are not monitored on Sundays and Mondays as these days are outside business hours.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Under Australian law, counsellors are obliged to maintain client confidentiality. Information about clients who seek counselling, the nature of the service provided, and the content of the counselling sessions, will not be disclosed without the permission of the client.
There are, however, some circumstances where exceptions apply. Counsellors may be required to disclose communications where the counsellor or practitioner reasonably believes that disclosure is necessary to:
• protect a child from the risk of physical, emotional or psychological harm;
• prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of the client or other any person, including the threat of suicide; or
• report the commission, or prevent the likely commission, of an offence involving violence or a threat of violence to the client or any other person.
• comply with a law of the Commonwealth or a state or territory. This includes, for example, mandatory reporting of children at risk of harm either physical or emotional under state and territory laws and when client files are subpoenaed by a court of law.
As part of good practice, counsellors are required to undertake professional supervision with qualified and experienced therapists whose role is to guide and advise. Your case may be discussed in these circumstances as part of good case management. Your name will not be disclosed in accordance with maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.