FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I Need A referral?
You do not need a referral from your doctor to see me. I am happy to see clients without a Mental Health Care Plan.
Early intervention for your child's anxiety or other emotional or behavioural difficulties prior to them developing a diagnosable mental health condition, can be very beneficial.
.
However, if you have a valid referral you can claim a medicare rebate. If you are seeking individual counselling sessions, below are some of the diagnosed mental health conditions for which a mental health plan treatment plan is available.
Your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician will need to set up a mental health treatment plan so you can claim a rebate. When making an appointment with your medical practitioner please let their reception know that you will require a double appointment.
Eligible clients can currently receive up to 20 sessions a year (10 standard and 10 extra COVID session).
The following are common presentations that come under Mental Health Care Plans.. Please note, this is not a complete list.
Early intervention for your child's anxiety or other emotional or behavioural difficulties prior to them developing a diagnosable mental health condition, can be very beneficial.
.
However, if you have a valid referral you can claim a medicare rebate. If you are seeking individual counselling sessions, below are some of the diagnosed mental health conditions for which a mental health plan treatment plan is available.
Your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician will need to set up a mental health treatment plan so you can claim a rebate. When making an appointment with your medical practitioner please let their reception know that you will require a double appointment.
Eligible clients can currently receive up to 20 sessions a year (10 standard and 10 extra COVID session).
The following are common presentations that come under Mental Health Care Plans.. Please note, this is not a complete list.
- Anxiety Disorders
- Adjustment Disorder
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Co-occurring Anxiety and Depression
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Sleep Problems
HOW MUCH DO counselling sessions COST?
Fees are set at a level that reflect
In striking a balance between making our services affordable and making Positive Young Minds sustainable, our fees for consultations are currently set at the following rates:
$115 for a short 25 minute consultation.
$220 a standard 50 minute consultation.
However, the amount the sessions actually cost you may be reduced if you have a valid referral from your GP or Paediatrician, OR you are covered for psychological sessions under your private health fund.
This information is subject to change.
This information is correct as of the 19th August 2021.
- Qualifications and experience.
- The amount of work that is often conducted outside of sessions, this includes, fulfilling Medicare requirements, planning, writing session notes, any brief phone calls, including to your child’s teachers where appropriate, brief emails, brief discussions outside the session, and follow up wellbeing questionnaires after therapy has finished to monitor progress (with consent).
- The requirement for ongoing professional development to maintain professional registration. These fees reflect the time involved in providing you and your child with a comprehensive service.
In striking a balance between making our services affordable and making Positive Young Minds sustainable, our fees for consultations are currently set at the following rates:
$115 for a short 25 minute consultation.
$220 a standard 50 minute consultation.
However, the amount the sessions actually cost you may be reduced if you have a valid referral from your GP or Paediatrician, OR you are covered for psychological sessions under your private health fund.
This information is subject to change.
This information is correct as of the 19th August 2021.
how much can I claim back?
Medicare rebates are available when you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or paediatrician. Check with Medicare as to the latest rebates. Your out of pocket cost will be further reduced when you reach the threshold for the Medicare Safety Net scheme.
WHAT IS A PSYCHOLOGIST?
A psychologist is a professional trained in understanding human behaviour. The following excerpt is from the Australian Psychological Website. For more information see http://www.psychology.org.au/public/what-is-psychology/.
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods. Psychological treatments are widely used to assist individuals and families and can also help groups and organisations.
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods. Psychological treatments are widely used to assist individuals and families and can also help groups and organisations.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
It depends. Sometimes coming in for a parent consultation to talk through what is going on and create a plan to help your child is enough. Sometimes a couple of skill based sessions is enough. Sometimes longer term therapy is required. The key is tailoring this to you and your child's needs.
HOW IS THE COVID-19 VIRUS IMPACTING ON YOUR SERVICES?
In the interests of public health from this date, the 20th March, Positive Young Minds is moving it's services to Telehealth. Telehealth service is a psychological therapy service that is delivered via video conference where both a visual and audio link has been established between a patient and their treating allied health professional.
I know that making changes from face to face to telehealth can be a difficult transition. Research supports the effectiveness of providing services this way to a similar degree to face to face. I anticipate that it will feel a little awkward at the start until we get used to it. However, it is also possible that you may find Telehealth more convenient.
Positive Young Minds is conducting some assessments face to face.
I know that making changes from face to face to telehealth can be a difficult transition. Research supports the effectiveness of providing services this way to a similar degree to face to face. I anticipate that it will feel a little awkward at the start until we get used to it. However, it is also possible that you may find Telehealth more convenient.
Positive Young Minds is conducting some assessments face to face.
how do I upload a file to my client records?
How to add something to your Client records. In the Halaxy client management system that Positive Young Minds uses, the place where you can directly share information to your clinician is called a ‘portal’. It makes it easier, and more secure, when you share information in the portal, rather than sending it via email. Use the above link to how to upload relevant documents such as your NDIS plan, updates from other allied health practitioners, a note about something that has happened in between sessions etc. Remember to press Share after you have added and saved your information.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Your online booking link. I encourage booking ahead so you can lock in a similar day and time. However, sometimes your variable work or school schedules make this tricky. Therefore, you can book an appointment using the link. Note – this link does not allow you to cancel or reschedule.