Fees & Rebates

Consultation Fees and Rebates

Fees

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The fees for our psychologists and counsellors reflect their experience and training. The GST does not apply to treatment-related services but does apply to reports and assessments. All our registered psychologists are registered for Medicare and private health funds that provide rebates for psychologists.

Our fees are the same for individuals, couples and families, though we may advise a longer time for consultations involving more than one person. Please contact our practice to ask about the availability of our psychologists and their associated fees.

If you have a health care or pension card, we have a limited number of appointments available for reduced fees. Please discuss your request for reduced fees when you are negotiating your initial consultation.

Payment

Payment is required at the time of consultation. We accept payments in the form of cash, EFTPOS or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Bankcard). We are able to electronically process your Medicare refund (if eligible) directly to your debit account (savings or cheque) after you have fully paid your account through whatever means you choose.

If your fees are being paid by a third party, you must provide details, including verification at the first session. If your condition is currently under consideration for compensability, then you are responsible for payments at the above rates until the time your claim is approved. We reserve the right to use a third party, either a debt collection agency or a small claims court, to recover any unpaid fees.

Cancellation Fees

If you are unable to keep an appointment, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise, a cancellation fee will be payable unless there are extenuating circumstances. You cannot claim a Medicare rebate for cancellation fees.

We are a small practice and we make a commitment to a certain number of clients to ensure we can meet the preferred frequency for their sessions. It is therefore unlikely that we can re-book your appointment if you cancel or reschedule with short notice.

Claiming Your Medicare or Private Health Fund Rebate

Our EFTPOS terminal is registered with HICAPS to enable you to claim a Medicare or private health fund rebate in our office.

For Medicare

Step 1: After you pay your account (using cash, credit card or EFTPOS), your Medicare card is swiped through the EFTPOS (HICAPS) terminal.

Step 2: We enter the claim details through the EFTPOS keypad and send your claim electronically to Medicare Australia for verification. The claim is checked and an approval is sent back to the terminal in a few seconds.

Step 3: You then swipe your EFTPOS card through the terminal, enter your PIN and your rebate is paid into your nominated cheque or savings account almost immediately.

Step 4: We give you an EFTPOS receipt to confirm your rebate has been paid. Keep this receipt for your records.

For Private Health Funds

Step 1: We swipe your private health fund care and enter the claim details through the EFTPOS keypad and send your claim electronically to HICAPS for verification. The claim is checked and we are advised by the terminal of the level of rebate applying to your service. If you choose to accept this rebate, the gap payment will be advised.

Step 2: You then pay the gap payment (using cash, credit card or EFTPOS).

Step 3: We give you an EFTPOS receipt to confirm that your rebate has been paid and the amount related to any card payment of the gap amount. Keep this receipt for your records.

Medicare rebates apply to sessions with a psychologist only when the sessions relate to treatment of a mental health condition.

Family and/or relationship therapy does not qualify for a Medicare rebate but treatment for an anxiety or depression type concern will be eligible. You will need a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP for the person who is receiving the mental health treatment.

Your private health insurance (extras cover) may provide a rebate for relationship therapy. We recommend you to check with your health fund as all funds and policies are different.