FEES & REBATES
What is the Cost of an Individual Therapy Session?
The Australian Psychological Society has a Schedule of Recommended Fees for private practice psychological services, and a fee of $311 is recommended for a 45 to 60 minute consultation.
A client's initial individual session fee will be at $250 a session. After this initial session, a session fee (ranging from $230 to $260) will be established following the initial session and development of the client's individual treatment. This will include session frequency (e.g. weekly, fortnightly or monthly) and an estimated duration time.
Our fees are lower than the recommended rate as we aim to make our services more affordable. Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebates may apply (refer below). Please note that there is a $20 after-hours’ surcharge applied to weekday appointments commencing before 9.00am and from 6.00pm.
If a client does not attend a session or cancels their session within 48 hrs of the scheduled appointment, the client will need to pay the full amount for that session. The client can seek to reschedule a session, but if this is requested within 48 hrs a full fee will apply.
What is the Cost of Couple Therapy Sessions?
Based on the best practice for Couples and Relationship Therapy, Your Psychologist's approach to therapy includes the following:
- Initial couples' consultation (50 minutes) at a cost of $260.
- Couples will need to complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup Questionnaire ($80 total cost) and other personality and relationship intake assessments surveys (at no additional cost).
- 2nd and 3rd sessions - each partner has an individual session (50 minutes) at $250 per session.
- 4th session with the couple to recommend the most appropriate treatment process following the initial assessment and diagnostic phase of therapy at a cost of $260.
- Ongoing sessions will based on the treatment plan developed for the couple. This will include the frequency of sessions (e.g. weekly or fortnightly) and the length of each session (e.g. 50 minutes to 1.5hr). The cost will range between $260 to $390.
Please note that there is a $20 after-hours’ surcharge applied to weekday appointments commencing before 9.00am and from 6.00pm.
If a client does not attend a session or cancels their session within 48 hrs of the scheduled appointment, the client will need to pay the full amount for that session. The client can seek to reschedule a session, but if this is requested within 48 hrs a full fee will apply.
Medicare FAQ
When you have a Mental Health Care Plan (from your GP), you can recover approximately $141.85 of your consultation fees through Medicare. This rebate is only applicable for individual sessions. You are entitled to 10 subsidised sessions in a calendar year.
Medicare Rebate Requirements
To claim Medicare rebates, you must provide a valid referral letter from your GP. The date shown on the referral must be current, and rebates cannot be backdated for sessions that have been completed prior to the date of the referral.
How many sessions do I get?
Currently, the number of consultations you may be eligible for through Medicare is 10 individual sessions per calendar year, but they must all be covered by a valid referral from your GP. The Commonwealth Government has provided an additional COVID sessions for a time limited period)
After preparing your Mental Health Care Plan, your GP will refer you to a psychologist for an initial round of treatment (up to 6 sessions). Once your initial course of treatment is complete your psychologist will assess your progress and make a recommendation as to whether therapy needs to continue. If you and your psychologist agree to continue therapy, your psychologist will write a letter to your GP and request a referral for further sessions.
After preparing your Mental Health Care Plan, your GP will refer you to a psychologist for an initial round of treatment (up to 6 sessions). Once your initial course of treatment is complete your psychologist will assess your progress and make a recommendation as to whether therapy needs to continue. If you and your psychologist agree to continue therapy, your psychologist will write a letter to your GP and request a referral for further sessions.
Do I need a GP Referral?
Only if you want to claim a Medicare rebate. We are able to see you without a GP referral although it’s sometimes a good idea to keep your GP in the loop if you have a significant issue.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate for online therapy sessions?
Under the COVID 19 Medicare Requirements up until 30 September 2020, clients can claim the rebate for online therapy sessions.
Does Medicare cover Couples/Marriage Therapy?
Referrals under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative are for individuals with a diagnosed mental disorder. If you are an individual with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP or MHCP) and your relationship with a significant other is contributing to your distress, your therapist can assess whether it is appropriate for you to involve a partner or family member in your treatment, however, Medicare states that the focus of treatment should always remain on the individual.
I have a referral addressed to another psychologist, can I use it at Your Psychologist PTY LTD?
Yes, Medicare allows us to accept referrals addressed to other psychologists. Once you have attended your first session, your psychologist will notify your GP that you have commenced treatment.
I have private health insurance, can I claim both Medicare and PHI on the same session?
No, you can only make one claim (Medicare or PHI) per session.
How much is the rebate?
Rebates for a single session are approximately $141.85.
REQUEST A CALL BACK
Contact Information
0482 092 406
hello@yourpsychologist.net.au
hello@yourpsychologist.net.au
Consultation Hours
Wednesday: 9am - 6pm
REQUEST A CALL BACK
Thursday: 9am - 6pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm