Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is an appointment?
Appointments are of 50 minute duration, also known as a therapeutic hour. - Can I be bulk billed?
The bulk billing service is not available at our practice except in rare cases of severe financial hardship, which is at the discretion of the treating psychologist. - What is the difference between an endorsed Clinical Psychologist and a Registered Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is someone who has had 2 extra years of supervised training in Clinical Psychology, is a member of the College of Clinical Psychologists and is endorsed by Medicare as a specialist in Clinical Psychology. A Registered Psychologist may have had training in Clinical Psychology, but has not received supervised training in Clinical Psychology therefore is not a member of the College of Clinical Psychologists and is not endorsed by Medicare as a specialist in Clinical Psychology. For this reason, the recommended fee for Registered Psychologists are less than those for a Clinical Psychologist.
- How do I cancel my appointment?
You can cancel your appointment without incurring fees as long as you provide 24 hours notice (1 standard business day). Just call the practice and inform a receptionist. You do not need to provide a reason. If reception is unattended a message on the answering machine is sufficient.
- How do I access Medicare rebates?
In order to receive a rebate from Medicare, you need to have a referral and a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP prior to your first appointment. - How do I access rebates from my Private Health fund?
We have HiCAPS facilities so that you can claim through your private health fund. You will need to contact your fund prior to your appointment to find out if you are covered, and your rebate. Some funds do not allow HiCAPS processing, in which case you will need to take your receipt and claim directly from your health fund. - I have a referral from my medical specialist, am I covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover psychological therapy unless you have a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or a psychiatrist. Referrals from medical and allied health specialists (such as oncologists, occupational physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors etc.) are accepted at our practice, but you will need to pay in full or use your private health fund and will not receive a Medicare rebate if you do not have a current Mental Health Treatment Plan. - Can I access your services if I have a Return to Work SA (WorkCover) or Insurance claim?
Yes, you will need a referral from your GP and consult your insurance provider prior to your appointment to ensure that they will cover your psychological therapy. Should your insurance provider not cover your psychological therapy, you may be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which you will need to discuss with your GP. Alternatively, you can fund the sessions yourself. - What happens after I have used the 10 sessions funded by Medicare?
Medicare provides 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. Should you wish to continue with psychological therapy after the 10 Medicare funded sessions, you will need to obtain what is commonly known as a 10+ Plan from your GP to be eligible for 10 further sessions. These extra 10 sessions are currently in place only until the end of 2022. You will need to fund any extra sessions yourself, or through your private health fund. - What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists treat mental health issues using cognitive (thought) and behavioural techniques and are unable to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists treat organic mental health issues and can prescribe medication when required. Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together to treat clients/patients in order to maximize their opportunity for recovery.
Parking and Access
Entry to the practice is via Hackney Road. One hour parking is available on Botanic Street, and two hour parking on Osbourne Street. Please check the relevant parking signage. Parking is also available on Hackney Road and across the road from the practice at the Wine Centre. Public bus routes can transport you to the practice. The buses that bring you closest to the practice are Bus 281, or 281K. Please alight at Bus Stop 2 on Hackney Road. Alternatively we are a short walk from the corner of East Terrace and North Terrace in the event your bus drops you in the Adelaide CBD. |