Transcending Trauma
MIND | BODY | PSYCHOLOGY
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Fees & Medicare
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I see a Psychologist for low cost in Australia
At Transcending Trauma, we understand that you may experience financial difficulties from time to time due to distressing and unexpected life circumstances. This is usually the time when you most need mental health support and may not be able to afford it. Luckily, the Australian Government introduced the Better Access to Mental Health Scheme, where Australians could access 10 mental health sessions per year, subsidised by Medicare. Subsidised means that Medicare does not cover the full cost of a psychology session, only part of it. To access a reduced fee session you will have to find a psychologist who is willing to consider your financial circumstances and reduce your fee. This means you will pay a reduced fee upfront for your session and then the psychologist puts in a claim on your behalf to Medicare so that you are reimbursed by Medicare which will cover most of the cost of your session. Reducing your fee is at the psychologists discretion as they will take into account your personal circumstances. There is extra report writing, administration tasks and Medicare processes to follow for Mental Health Care Plan clients, so it is not uncommon for a lot of psychologists not to reduced their fee. Most Better Access clients attending Transcending trauma for psychology sessions will be out of pocket a small to moderate amount per session ($65 - $104) which is called the gap fee and Medicare will reimburse you for the rest. The Australian Psychological Society recognises that psychologists are highly skilled and trained in assessment and intervention especially in the area of mental health and as such recommends that psychologists may charge up to $325 per session. To access free psychology sessions, through the Better Access Scheme, you will need to find a psychologist willing to bulk bill you otherwise you will still need to pay the gap fee. At Transcending Trauma, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan, we you will still need to pay a gap fee. This means you pay upfront for your session, with the amount depending on your circumstances. Generally concession card holders and pensioners on low income will be out of pocket around $65.
How much does it cost to see a registered psychologist in Australia
The Australian Psychological Society recommends a fee of $315 for a 45-60 minute session. However, the fee at Transcending Trauma is reduced to $220 per 55+ minute session or $250 for a couples session. Psychology sessions for Mental Health issues under the better access sessions are not free. Your GP is actually referring to 10 subsidised sessions. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan or referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician, your sessions are subsidised by Medicare. This means that Medicare covers a portion of the cost, while you pay the remaining amount. Psychology sessions with me cost $220. Medicare gives you back $96.95, so that you only pay $123.05– this is called the “gap”. Pension card holders pay a reduced fee of $160 and will be out of pocket $ 63.05
Who or what conditions can I get a Mental Health Care Plan for?
The Better Access initiative covers receiving professional help for the following mental health issues: Anxiety, Depression, Grief and loss, Panic disorders, Phobia, Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Eating Disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating), Sleeping problems, Alcoholism, Drug addiction, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Sexual disorders, Conduct Disorder. Psychotic disorders, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Co-occurring anxiety & depression
where do I get a referral for Better Access to Mental Health Scheme or get a Mental Health Care Plan ?
Your Paediatrician or psychiatrist will give you a referral to the better access scheme or a GP can provide you with a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan which will enable you to access Medicare rebates to reduce the cost of your psychology sessions. If you are finding it hard to get into see a GP, you can access an online GP through Instantscripts who will provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan & referral within 24 hours. Click the link below
What other Medicare or Health fund rebates can I get for psychology sessions?
HEALTH FUND REBATES:
If you have private health insurance, depending on your cover, you may be eligible for rebates on some sessions. Please note that you cannot claim private health and Medicare rebates for the same session
DVA:
If you have served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force you are eligible to psychology sessions funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs. You will need to see your GP for a DVA referral which you will need to bring to your session.
Workcover:
If you have a work related injury or illness that you would like psychological support for you may be eligible to have your sessions funded by work cover insurance. You will need to see your GP to apply for work cover.
EAP:
Depending on your current employers EAP provider arrangements, you may be able to access funding from your employer for psychology sessions. The sessions will remain confidential and your employer is not entitled to ask for any information from Transcending Trauma. You will need to talk to your HR department or speak directly with your employer to arrange this.
Medicare rebates for Chronic Illness: Psychology services under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) scheme.
Medicare provides a partial rebate on up to 5 psychology sessions for people with chronic or complex health conditions, under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) scheme.
Who is eligible for rebates under the CDM scheme?
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You must have a chronic or complex medical condition (including mental health) that has been present, or is likely to be present, for six months or more.
Cancellation Policy
At Transcending Trauma, we understand that sometimes life can get in the way of your scheduled appointment. We kindly request that you give us 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your session. This allows us to offer your session time to another client in need of our services. We do our best to be flexible, but please note that cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will incur the full fee of the session as this time period is too short for us to offer your appointment slot to somebody else. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan so I can access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions
Go to your GP and discuss your mental health concerns and if applicable you will be provided with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral to a psychologist. Your GP may also provide a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment – this is called a treatment plan. It might include things like medication, lifestyle changes and/or counselling. To gain access to a Mental Health Plan, you must have an eligible Medicare card.
Your GP session will need to be at least 20 minutes in duration so that they have time to investigate the state of your mental health. Your GP will likely ask personal questions to understand your situation. Things such as: any history of mental illness, any recent or historical life challenges, your family history of mental health, any alcohol or drug use, the coping strategies you use and if you have thoughts of suicide. They will usually ask you to complete a 10-question assessment called a K10 which gives the GP an indication of your current level of psychological distress.
Let the receptionist know when your book that your need the session for mental health reasons so that you are allocated with a GP who can provide enough time to adequately support and investigate your mental health issues. If you are struggling to get in to see a GP and don’t want to wait, then you may want to access a GP through Instantscripts.com.au They will be able to give you a MHCP within 24 hours.
Your GP will provide you with 2 documents: a referral letter and a mental health care plan (MHCP). Either document will usually state up to 6 sessions of treatment.
Book in with your psychologist and start attending your sessions.
After session 5/6, your psychologist will need to write a brief letter to your GP to share your progress and request additional sessions as needed. You will need to book another session with your GP at this time to review your progress.
Once approved your GP will issue a letter to your psychologist to provide access to 6 additional sessions. Only 10 sessions may be used per calendar year as part of the Better Access to Mental Health scheme. As such you will be only able to use 4 of the additional 6 sessions in this calendar year. The remaining 2 sessions can be carried over to next year.
I recommend discussing your plan with your psychologist as you get started so they can assist you in keeping on track with your plan and re-referrals as needed.
How can I get my Mental Health Plan online?
It's also possible to get your Mental Health Plan by requesting an online appointment with a GP, where you can discuss your mental health concerns online with a GP from the comfort of your own home. You will receive your Mental Health Plan and referral letter just like you would in a face-to-face appointment.
Online Mental Health Plan assessments can also be bulk billed, meaning you won't have any out-of-pocket expenses. Leigh recommends Instantscripts who can usually provide a MHCP within 24hrs.
PSYCHOLOGY FEES
NO FEE
Bulk Billed Session
There is extra report writing, administration tasks and Medicare processes to follow for Mental Health Care Plan clients, and therefore I am no longer able to offer this to clients.
REDUCED FEE
Discounted price
If you have no Mental health Plan you will pay a reduced fee for your session up front to the psychologist. You may be able to claim some of the cost back off your private health fund.
If you have an eligible Mental Health Plan, you will need to pay a reduced fee (depending on your circumstances) up front to the psychologist. Once paid, the psychologist will put in a claim to the government on your behalf. Medicare will provide you with a rebate for accessing psychological services and you will receive $96.95 back from Medicare.
FULL FEE
Full price for session
If you have no Mental health Plan you will pay the full fee of $250 for a couples session or $220 for a 55 min session. You may be able to claim some of the cost back off your private health fund.
If you have a MHCP you will pay the full fee up front to the psychologist. Once paid, the psychologist will put in a claim to the government on your behalf. Medicare will provide you with a rebate for accessing psychological service and you will receive $96.95 back from Medicare.