Why see a psychologist?
It can be hard to feel in control of your anxiety, stress and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes these things get away from us. Sometimes it takes a while for us to notice or to have the motivation to do something about it. When we are ready for change, it’s important that we have the right fit with our supports.
Talking to a Psychologist can really help you identify what is not working for you, learn new skills and ways of thinking, and to build the life you want.
People see psychologists for many reasons and psychologists are trained to apply evidence based therapies and proven strategies.
You may seek support from a psychologist to help with;
- managing life transitions (such as adjusting to a new job or becoming a mother),
- identifying and changing patterns of behaviour that no longer work for you (including repeated dysfunctional relationships),
- changes in mood or coping,
- coping after experiencing a traumatic event,
- grief or loss,
- general dissatisfaction, or
- improving on specific areas of your life.
You do not need a referral from a GP in order to see a psychologist. However if you are planning on claiming a rebate from Medicare, you will need a valid referral from your GP and have a Mental Health Care Plan in place.
How do I choose the right psychologist?
It is really important to find the right fit when looking for a psychologist.
The first step is to make sure that the areas you would like support with are things that I can assist you with. It is also important that you feel heard and that you and your psychologist (be that me or someone else), have a clear idea of your goals and a plan to achieve those goals.
Prior to booking any sessions in, I will call you to discuss what you are seeking and if I might be the right person for you. If it sounds like I might be a good fit for what you need, then we look at having a first session. My priority is making sure you get the support you are looking for from someone who is able to provide that to you.
What should I expect in the first session?
The first session allocation with Michelle is 90 minutes. This is an opportunity for you to talk about what has brought you to therapy in more detail and to identify your goals.
We will cover a lot of information about you and your history to help assess what is going on and make an appropriate plan for treatment. What we discuss is confidential, however there are a few exceptions that we will discuss before we begin. Please make sure any forms that have been emailed to you have been completed prior to attending your first session. It is a good idea to come a few minutes early to ensure you can find the suite and are not rushed,.
Mental Health Care Plans and Medicare Rebates
If you have a Medicare card you may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan. A Mental Health Care Plan is for people who have a diagnosable and eligible condition and enables them to receive up to 10 rebates towards the cost of sessions in a calendar year.
The rebate towards the session fee that you receive back from Medicare with Michelle is $96.65.
In order to receive Medicare rebates you will need to see your GP to determine your eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan and have a Mental Health Care Plan in place prior to your appointment. You will also need to email or bring in a valid referral letter from your GP to your first appointment and have a Mental Health Care Plan in place in order to claim rebates.
To minimise any rebate delays or issues, please send your referral through to the clinic well before your session so we can check that it is valid.
Session fees
I prefer to provide a dedicated service with the option of continuity of care for my clients. My fees are well below the current Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) recommended fee of $311 per 60 minutes.
- First sessions are 90 minutes and cost $300.
- Subsequent sessions are 50 minutes and cost $230.
If you have a health care card or are experiencing financial hardship a discounted rate can be discussed.
You may be eligible for a rebate towards 10 sessions per calendar year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan and eligible referral from your GP (see the Mental Health Care Plan section). If you have private health insurance your insurer may provide reimbursement for some of the fee, speak to your insurer for more information.
Telehealth
Telehealth sessions are available. These sessions attract the same fee as a standard session and have the same eligibility for claiming under Medicare with a Mental Health Care Plan.
These can be over the phone or via video meeting through the secure platform. You will be sent a link to the Telehealth platform prior to your session. Please ensure you have checked your video and microphone prior to the start of the session.
Michelle Sinclair Psychology | Psychologist 