Frequently Asked Questions
Sally-Anne offers a range of psychology services at her clinics, some of them are listed here:
Adult Psychology
Child / Adolescent Psychology
Family Psychology
Stress / Anxiety Management
Depression Management
Cognitive Assessments
Our Psychology Fees:
We understand that the decision to seek therapy is an important one, and we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality of care. Our psychologists have undergone extensive training and have many years of experience working with clients to achieve positive outcomes. We also invest in ongoing professional development to ensure that we stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field of psychology.
Furthermore, we believe that therapy is an investment in your overall well-being, and that the benefits of our services are worth the short-term cost.
We offer a range of payment options for clients including credit cards, direct debit, and cash.
You may claim a Medicare rebate of $141.85 for each session up to 10 psychological services per calendar year if you have an appropriate referral from your doctor **
CURRENT FEES (valid until June 2025)
Standard Consultation | $340 | 50+ minutes |
Weekend RATES (Saturdays) limited availability... | $395 | 50+ minutes (Contact us for appointment times) |
Group Sessions | $130 | per person for 3 or more individuals |
Telehealth / Telephone Consultation | $340 | 50+ minutes |
Rural & Remote Telehealth Consultation | $340 | 50+ minutes |
Cognitive Assessment | $1,100 + G.S.T. | Includes intake session, assessment, statistical analysis, comprehensive report, and feedback session. |
ADF / WorkSafe / VoCAT / TAC | $0 | No cost to client |
Speaking Engagements / Presentations | $ -- | Please contact us to discuss details and costs. |
"Stomp Out The ANTs" PROGRAMS | $499 | For the 5 week program (4 - 10 students). A Medicare Rebate of up to $174 (Item 80020) applies to eligible students (OR check with your health fund regarding rebates for group sessions). Contact us for upcoming dates. |
PARENT PROGRAM - "Stomp Out The ANTs" | $350 | For the 2 week program. Contact us for upcoming dates. |
Reports, feedback, "chats", emails etc. | $350* | * People seeking feedback, reports, emails, conversations, etc. outside their sessions will be charged the APS rate pro-rata. G.S.T. will be added when applicable. |
NB. Travel incurs an extra fee - $1 per kilometre of travel to and from Blackburn which includes petrol costs and time taken. Please discuss this with the psychologist at the time of booking.
** A valid referral MUST include the following:
(1) a LETTER asking the clinical psychologist to see the patient, (2) date, (3) patient's name, d.o.b. & address, (4) symptoms or diagnosis, (5) the number of sessions required, (6) statement regarding a MHCP being in place, (7) referrer's name & Medicare provider number, & (8) referrer's signature.
As a private practice
Health Care Card holders / Pensioners may receive a reduced fee when they pay at the time of consultation upon presentation of their card. Please note that there are limited spaces weekly and it first come first served.
Those who have private health insurance may be able to claim a rebate through their fund - please contact your insurer prior to your first session for more specific information.
You may claim a Medicare rebate of $129.55 for psychological services if you have an appropriate referral letter from your doctor.
All you need to do is visit your local doctor or GP and explain your circumstances. They will usually ask you to fill out a form to determine if you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
If you have a mental health disorder, you and your doctor can create a plan to treat it, usually referring you to a psychologist like Sally-Anne.
** The following conditions may meet the criteria for a Medicare "Mental Health Care Plan" under the Better Access program.
- Alcohol use disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Attention deficit disorder
- Bereavement disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic fatigue
- Conduct disorder
- Co-occurring anxiety and depression
- Depression
- Dissociative disorder
- Drug-use disorder
- Eating disorders
- Enuresis
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Mental disorder, not otherwise specified
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobic disorder
- Post Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, PTSI)
- Psychotic disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Sexual disorders
- Sleep problems
- Unexplained somatic complaints
Most people attend up to 6 sessions with the option of a further 4 sessions in a calendar year, but the amount of therapy will depend on the issues and the needs of the client.
Some clients only need a few sessions, and some may require sessions across many years.
Due to the recent COVID-19 impact on Australians, clients now have access to a FURTHER 10 sessions per year (ie. 20 sessions per calendar year) until June 2022.
Payment is required at the conclusion of each consultation. Payment can be made by Cash, Credit or Direct Deposit.
Please note that this office uses Halaxy, and the current charge for Credit Card payments is 1.9% + $1.00 of the consultation fee.
If you need to change or cancel an appointment, it is essential that you give at least 48 hours notice. With less notice it is unlikely that this appointment will be filled which results in a loss of income for our practice.
More importantly it means that other clients who needed this appointment time have missed out. We therefore have a strict policy that you pay for the non-attended session (+G.S.T.). If 24 - 48 hours notice is given, then $100 (+G.S.T.) may be charged. Please note that there is no Medicare rebate available for cancelled/missed appointments.
For workshops or presentations, at least one week's notice is required if it is necessary to cancel (fees may apply).
All personal information held by these professionals will remain confidential and secure except in certain situations, which may include the following:
• It is subpoenaed by a court of law.
• Failure to disclose it would place the client or another person at risk.
• The client gives written consent for information to be released to another person/organisation.
• The client's information (name and contact details only) may be given to a collection agency if payments are defaulted.
Visit our complete privacy policy here.Telehealth sessions take the same amount of time and preparation for a psychologist as a face-to-face session does. The psychologist needs to set aside time to plan, organise paperwork & the technologies prior to the session, administration obligations, contact relevant professionals, then additionally must purchase, undergo training and set up the video-conferencing platform.
All of this is done to ensure the highest level of service, care and safety for each of our clients.
Limited session times have been made available online, so please contact us if you cannot see an appointment time that suits you.
If you would like to book in to our Cowes or Hastings practices, please fill the request form below and we will offer you some options for those locations.
As psychologists, we invest in our training, ongoing professional development, supervision, and we are required to complete a specified amount of hours in these activities every year to maintain our registration and improve our skills.
As a "clinical psychologist", we invest further years of study, training and supervision which benefits you in both our background knowledge and financially in the rebates offered through Medicare currently.We also invest in the standard costs involved in running a business, which includes utilities, room rental, phone & internet, computers & iPads, cameras & Telehealth platforms, cognitive test kits, other resources/assessments, travel between local & rural practices, bank & program fees, tax, superannuation, holiday and sick leave, etc.
Please note: We understand at times that things can be difficult at times, so please contact us if you would like to discuss options for reducing the gap please contact me.
CANCELLATION POLICY
A $100 fee will be charged for cancellation with less than 48 hours notice.
The FULL FEE will be charged for cancellation (or non-attendance) with less than 24 hours notice.
The APS recommended cancellation fees are:
- 0-24 hours notice: Full fee
- 24-48 hours notice: 50% of fee
- 48 hours - 7 days notice: 25% of fee
Blackburn South, Victoria
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