fees
Consultation fees are $250 per 50-minute session, payable at the time of consult. Rebates are available (see below) that may considerably reduce your out-of-pocket cost (approx. $108.15 out-of-pocket).
This fee is considerably less than the recommended fee of $315/session, recommended by the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. The fee covers the assessment/therapy session itself, in addition to time spent to plan your session, complete clinical notes, and communicate with your GP and care team. Reports can be completed if requested and at an additional cost.
Unfortunately, I am unable to offer bulk billing.
Rebates
A number of rebates may be available to you that partially cover the cost of session fees. A summary is provided below, however please see your GP for further information and to determine if you are eligible for any of the available care plans.
Mental health care plan (MHCP)
A MHCP is available to anyone with a diagnosed psychological disorder. To receive a MHCP, please see your GP for an assessment. If eligible, they will provide a referral that allows you to access up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year (you will need to see your GP again after six sessions for another referral). With a MHCP, you will receive a rebate of $141.85 per session ($108.15 out-of-pocket).
Eating disorder treatment plan (EDTP)
An EDTP provides Medicare rebates for up to 40 sessions per 12 month period (and up to 20 sessions with a dietitian). There is strict eligibility criteria to receive an EDTP. Please see your GP to determine if you are eligible for an EDTP. Eating Disorders Victoria and The Butterfly Foundation have compiled some great information here and here.
Please note, I acknowledge that the criteria for receiving an EDTP is not an accurate indicator of severity of distress nor worthiness of receiving professional treatment for an eating disorder.
chronic disease management plan (CDMP)
A CDMP is available if you have a chronic condition that has persisted for longer than 6 months and requires care from multiple professionals. Up to 5 sessions may be rebated from Medicare, at a lower rate than the MHCP or EDTP.
private health insurance
Some private health insurance policies provide rebates for a limited number of psychology sessions. Most often, these can only be used after any eligible Medicare rebated sessions have been completed. Please speak with your private health insurance company for further information.
