Resources and FAQs
What to Expect
What to Expect
Before Your Appointment
You will receive online forms via email to gather your contact details and your informed consent. It can be worth preparing a few questions and considering what it is you hope to gain from the sessions.
WHAT TO BRING
- You do not require a referral to see a Psychologist or a Coach. However, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan and referral letter it is essential that you bring this to your first session in order to receive the Medicare Rebate.
- Your current Medicare Card
- Your Private Health Card
- Your list of questions
- A notebook can also be useful
On Arrival
You can relax in our warm and welcoming reception space before your appointment. You may need to provide Medicare Card details and complete any additional forms; so arrive 10 minutes early. This also allows you time to settle in before heading into your session.
Length of Appointment
Each session is about 50 minutes.
Your First Session
You might discuss your concerns, symptoms or issues impacting you at the moment and explore the areas you would like to focus on. It is your opportunity to guage how comfortable you feel with the Psychologist, share your concerns, raise questions and get a better understanding of their approach.
Establishing a comfortable, open and trusting therapeutic relationship is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist or coach at Growth Psychology. You can phone and make an appointment when you feel counselling would be helpful to you.
If I have a referral from my GP, are Medicare rebates available?
Yes. Clients referred by their GP under a Mental Health Care Plan are able to receive a Medicare rebate of $93.35 for 10 individual psychology sessions a year. Medicare rebates are not available for couples counselling or career development.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is prepared by your GP following a Mental Health Assessment. In order to prepare your Plan, your GP will most likely ask you to complete a questionnaire about how you have been feeling lately and will also speak with you about your concerns. Mental Health Care Plans are generally provided for issues such as depression, anxiety and stress and outline proposed treatment options and goals to improve your psychological health. In addition to a Mental Health Care Plan you require a letter of referral from your doctor, specifically stating the number of sessions requested.
How many Medicare sessions can I receive?
When your GP refers you under a Mental Health Care Plan, you are eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for 10 individual psychology sessions in a Calander year. Your GP will conduct a review to monitor your progress after your first 6 sessions and provide you with a referral letter for the additional 4 sessions.
Can I claim through my Health Fund?
Depending on your level of Extras cover you may be eligible for a rebate from your Health Fund for individual therapy and couples counselling. However, you cannot receive both a Medicare and Health Fund rebate for the same session. Due to the differences between Health Funds we recommend you contact your Fund if you want to find out if you are covered for psychological services.
Resources
Blogs and Articles
- Your Amazing Brain – Dr Shari Walsh
- Anorexia – Susanne Gilmour
- Neuropsychotherapy and the treatment of anxiety and depression – Susanne Gilmour
- Recognising the potential for domestic violence – Susanne Gilmour
- Traumatic Grief – Susanne Gilmour
- Anger Management
- Trauma Counselling – Susanne Gilmour
- Sleep – a powerful experience – Dr Shari Walsh
- Improving relationships – Lucia Do
- Transitioning out of academia – Dr Shari Walsh (written for thesiswhisperer.com)
- Whingeing Wednesdays and bitch buddies – Dr Shari Walsh (written for thesiswhisperer.com)
- Careering through the PhD – Dr Shari Walsh (written for thesiswhisperer.com)
- Facing a career crossroad – Dr Shari Walsh
- Understanding and managing stress – Lucia Do
- 7 tips to enhance your psychological wellbeing – Lucia Do
- Thriving in the digital age – Lucia Do
