Process.
One. Contact Me.
If you are a new client wishing to book an initial session, please contact me via phone call, email or SMS prior to booking a session.
Three. A suitable session time.
You can book a session time directly with me or via the “Book” link above.
Sessions can be virtual, or over the phone.
Two. Brief Phone conversation.
Together let’s organise a time to have a brief phone chat to feel into whether we resonate. Please know that you are not obligated to work with me.
Four. Mental Health Care Plan (optional).
If you are eligible for a mental health care plan (MHCP), you can organise this with your GP prior to our first session. The medicare rebate is $88.25 per session.
However, you do not need a MHCP to see me.
Please refer to the “Rebates” section below.
Fees & Cancellation Policy.
Fees.
The fee for a standard consultation is $250 (minus $88.25 for the Medicare rebate) per 50 minute session, which remains below the recommended Australian Psychological Society guidelines. To see The Australian Psychological Society (APS) 2020-2021 Recommended Schedule of Fees, click here.
Fees vary in relation to report writing; which is dependent upon several factors.
Cancellation Policy.
In line with guidelines provided by the Australian Psychological Society, 48 hours notice of non-attendance is required. This is essential so that clients on a waiting list can be offered your appointment slot.
100% of the full fee will be charged where less than 48 hours notice of non-attendance is provided.
Please note that Medicare or health insurance rebates are not applicable to cancellation fees.
Further appointments will not be made until these fees are paid.
We require 48-hours notice to reschedule or cancel a session without occurring any extra fees.
Cancellation fees may be waived in special circumstances. Please discuss this with me at the time of cancelling an appointment.
Rebates.
Medicare Rebates. You do not need a GP referral to see me. You do not need to be diagnosed to access psychological support.
Medicare rebates are provided under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This plan is a referral that is completed by a GP or Psychiatrist and provides access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions , and for individuals with eating disorders, up to 40 sessions per calendar year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be entitled to an additional 10 sessions (taking the total to 20 medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year).
If you wish to apply for a medicare rebate of $88.25 per session, please make an appointment with your GP (a double appointment - 20 minutes) for a Mental Health Care Plan assessment. If you are assessed as eligible, your GP will provide you with a referral letter. Please bring this letter to your first session or email directly to brooke@nektarpsychology.com.au.
Your referring GP will schedule a return visit to review your progress after the 6th psychological consultation. At this point your GP will provide a referral for an additional 4 consultations, if required.
Clients claim rebates directly with Medicare using the receipts that I issue.
Private Health Insurance Rebates. Most private health funds do give rebates, and you do not need a referral..
If you have a private health insurance policy with ancillary (extras) cover, you may be eligible for a rebate for some of your consultations. Contact your insurer to check if you are covered, if any waiting periods are to be served and what rebate you should expect.
You can only claim from either Medicare or a Private health fund for any psychology session.
The benefit payable to members of private health funds varies between health funds and according to the level of ancillary or extras cover. It is best to contact your health fund directly to check your eligibility as well as information regarding rebates.
Clients claim rebates directly with their health fund using the receipts that I issue.
Private Payment. A GP referral is not required if you wish to pay privately.
Payment.
Payment. Fees are payable by bank transfer prior to your appointment. You will receive a receipt to claim your rebate via email.