MY services

What you can expect

First Session

In the first session you will have the opportunity to describe what is concerning you. I will also ask a range of questions to get a sense of how different aspects or factors in your life are interacting. And importantly, I’m interested in what you hope will be different in your life if our meetings were useful to you.

Second and Third Session

In these sessions we are gaining an understanding of why things are the way they are. You will also have begun implementing some practical strategies for improving your wellbeing, or key relationships in your life. While I will guide the process, it is a flexible and collaborative venture.

Following Sessions

The most effective therapy involves active participation from both of us (or all of us if it’s family therapy). That usually means taking some action in-between sessions, even after the first session. While I may challenge you at times, this is always a negotiated and respectful process.

Finishing Up

People’s needs vary so much – there is no one size fits all. Some people get a lot out of even just a couple of sessions, others need five or six, and some will need more than the ten sessions allowed under Medicare. When we finish up, we will review what has worked for you and how you can maintain what you have gained.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the Code of Ethics by which psychologists are bound.

For you

I will not discuss your situation with anyone. The only exceptions are:

•  if you give me permission
• where it is required by law, for example, if subpoenaed by a court, or
•  if failure to disclose the information would place you or someone else at serious risk of harm

For under 18’s

The APS Code of Ethics (General Guidelines) states that where a psychologist determines that a child or young person can of their own volition consent to the therapeutic process, the usual confidentiality provisions apply. In this event, what that means is that I will broadly outline your child’s progress but will not discuss the details. This can be difficult for parents, but do remember that if there is a possibility of harm arising, I will, as required by law, discuss this with you. Another thing to consider, is that sometimes, where young people understand that their conversations are private, they are more likely to open up. Also, wherever possible, I encourage young people to either,

• take the conversation to their parents, or
• invite their parents into the room.

Fees

The Australian Psychological Society recommended fee for psychological services in 2017 is $238 for a standard psychological consultation of 45-60 minutes. My standard fee is $185 for a 50-60 minute consultation. These fees may be varied by negotiation on an individual basis.

Medicare

If you have a Medicare care plan, Medicare will reimburse $84.80 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You will need to first see your doctor and see if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan.

It is helpful if you have registered your bank account details with Medicare. This can be done:

Online – via my.gov.au or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
By post – search ‘collection form’ at www.humanservices.gov.au
Over the phone – by calling 132 011
In person – at a service centre
Private Health – A proportion of your fees for each session may be redeemable through your private health insurance.