FAQ
&
Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your first session will be different to ongoing sessions. This session will focus on understanding you - I will ask you a number of questions including what’s brought you to therapy, your current situation, and some questions about your past that might be impacting how you feel now. In saying that, if there is anything you’re not comfortable answering, we can come back to it in the future.
The purpose of this session is not to have the complete story figured out, but to begin to understand what might be impacting how you’re feeling, and to support our future work together by developing an individualised therapy plan.
We also use this session to answer any of your questions, and get to know each other! -
Some people love homework, and others have sadly avoided therapy due to past negative experiences with homework.
My style is adaptable and focused on meeting you where you are at - so whether you prefer worksheets or seeking more opportunity for open reflection between sessions, we will find a path most suitable for you. -
Unfortunately there’s no easy answer I can provide without first meeting you and having a chat. Every person is different, but treatment length may depend on factors such as your presenting concerns, goals, and current supports. At the end of the first session I’ll be able to recommend how frequently we should start sessions.
We’ll then do periodic reviews where we’ll discuss how you feel things are progressing, and we’ll have the opportunity to make any adjustments you feel are needed.
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There are just three steps:
Get in touch. I know that reaching out can be a big step, and for this reason I offer a free 15-min phone consultation to answer any of your questions and for you to explore if working together feels like the right fit. To organise this, ask any questions or book an appointment, please get in touch directly through the enquiry form.
If you are planning to obtain a rebate for sessions, please see below to consider your options.
Note that Medicare rebated services require a visit to your GP to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan. You will need a plan by the date of your first appointment (if you wish to claim the rebate), however you can pre-book an appointment without a plan.
When you are ready to schedule your first session after we have been in contact, I will provide you with access to the online booking system, where you can easily log in and schedule your appointments at your convenience
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If you need to reschedule an appointment, please do so at least 2 business days in advance. This will give me opportunity to offer it to someone on my wait list who may also be waiting for support.
For this reason, cancellations less than 48 business hours in advance are charged at the following fee structure:
Less than 1 business day or failure to attend without any notice (“no-show”): 100% of the session fee
Less than 2 business days notice: 50% of the session fee
More than 2 business days notice: no fee
Understanding your therapy fees
Individual consultation: $280
There are a range of rebates you may be eligible for that will reduce the out-of-pocket cost, please click below for possible options.
As Nurtured Clinical Psychology is a private practice, I am not able to offer bulk billing. Fees are set at less than the Australian Psychological Society’s National Schedule of Recommended Fees (https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs).
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Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate: $149.05
I provide services under the Australian Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, which means you may be eligible to receive this rebate with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP.
To be eligible, you’ll need to see your GP for a referral under a MHTP. This typically allows access of up to 6 sessions initially, with the option of a review with your GP for a further 4 sessions if needed, following a review (up to 10 sessions per calendar year).
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If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate. Rebates vary between insurers and policies, so I would recommend checking directly with your health fund to confirm what you’re eligible for.
Please note. Private health insurance rebates cannot be used in conjunction with Medicare rebates for the same session.
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There is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible DVA clients.
I am registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to provide psychological services to eligible veterans and their families.
If you hold a DVA Gold Card, you are fully covered for clinically necessary psychological treatment. If you hold a DVA White Card, you may also be eligible for psychological services depending on the conditions accepted on your card. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, I recommend checking directly with DVA or your GP.
If eligible, you can speak to your GP about a DVA referral.
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There is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Open Arms clients.
I’m registered with Bupa Open Arms, which provides mental health support for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families.
Eligibility is assessed by Open Arms, so please check with them directly to confirm whether you qualify for support. If you are eligible, you can request me as your preferred psychologist.