Frequently Asked Questions
I need help right now.
If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others please contact 000.
If you want more information about how to manage a mental health crisis, call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (24/7).
If you need immediate counselling support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
Do I need a referral?
No. You can attend sessions without a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or Eating Disorders Plan (EDP) from your GP.
However, if you want to claim Medicare rebates you will need to speak to your GP to see if you are eligible for either a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or Eating Disorders Plan (EDP).
How much will it cost?
The APS publishes a recommended schedule of fees as a guide for psychologists providing private psychology services. The 2024-25 Recommended Schedule of Fees has set the standard 45 to 60 minute consultation fee at $311. My fees are set below this rate at $270 per session, which means that with a MHTP or EDTP, the gap is $132.95. I am not currently able to bulk bill.
Please contact me to discuss further.
How much is the Medicare rebate?
The rebate per session is $137.05, eligible clients can obtain a rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year for a MHCP, or up to 40 sessions under an EDTP.
When are you available?
I offer sessions on a Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Tuesdays, I offer sessions during the hours of 9am-5pm and these sessions are available either face to face in Sydney CBD, or via telehealth.
On Wednesdays, I offer sessions between 11am-3pm via telehealth only.
Do you provide supervision or training?
Yes, I am a Board Approved Supervisor and provide supervision to other psychologists and clinical psychologists. I offer both once-off and ongoing supervision. Please see the Training and Supervision section of my website for more information about my experience and the clinical modalities I use.
I am available to provide training and presentations. I have presented to health professionals on a range of topics including eating disorders, countertransference and transgender mental health.
Can I claim from my private health fund?
Your ability to access a rebate from a private health insurer will depend on your level of cover and any specific requirements of your health insurer. I recommend that you check with your health fund to determine the specific details of your cover.
Please note you can only claim rebates through either Medicare or your private health insurer for any one session.
What equipment do I need to do online therapy?
An internet connection and a computer with a webcam and microphone is preferred, though some people do use their phones and this works ok. You will also need access to a quiet and private place to do the session.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan and how does it relate to Medicare?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a referral provided by your GP (or psychiatrist) and is generally written for anyone who has a diagnosable mental health condition that is significantly impacting their functioning.
When you go to your GP for a MHCP you will require a longer GP consultation than normal (30 minutes or so) whilst your GP works with you to determine whether a MHCP is appropriate for you. Your GP may ask you questions and ask you to complete a short questionnaire.
Each person is eligible for 10 sessions per calendar year (January-December). Typically clients come for 6 sessions before they are required to return to their GP for a review in order to access the next 4 sessions via Medicare.
After your 10 sessions on Medicare have been used, sessions will be charged privately. If you have private health cover for psychology treatment then you may be able to claim some of these sessions on your private health insurance. The claimable amount and number of sessions per calendar year depends on your health fund, so check with them directly about what you might be eligible for.
Note: If you have been referred by your doctor with a Mental Health Care Plan, it is a requirement under Medicare that a brief letter be sent from your psychologist to your doctor after after six sessions and after ten sessions/or at the time of completion of treatment. This letter will provide a brief summary of your treatment with your psychologist.
What is an Eating Disorders Plan?
Changes introduced by the Australian Government on November 1st 2019 mean that some people with eating disorders will have access to an evidence-based, best practice model of treatment. This is known as an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) and involves Medicare subsidies for 20 sessions with a dietitian and up to 40 sessions with a mental health clinician over a 12 month period. If you think you might be eligible for this please speak with your GP or psychiatrist. If you have questions about Eating Disorder Plans and how they work, please see the link below.
https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/find-support/eating-disorder-medicare-changes/
How long do I need to see a psychologist for?
The frequency of sessions and length of therapy will be dependent on a range of factors including the nature of the issues that you are presenting for and their severity. For some people their issues may be able to be treated in a relatively brief period of time (i.e. under 10 sessions), though for many it will take longer than this.
This is something we can discuss in the first session.
I need to cancel my session, what do I do?
You can cancel your session up to two days in advance with no cancellation fee. If your session is cancelled less than 48 hours before your session, you will be charged 50% of the fee full fee. If you cancel 24 hours or less you will be charged 100% of the session fee.
Is there anyone you don’t work with?
I am not currently seeing;
Individuals aged 17 and under
Couples for therapy or families.
Anyone seeking assessments (e.g. cognitive, ADHD or ASD)
Individuals seeking treatment under work cover
Individuals experiencing acute psychotic symptoms
Individuals seeking a court report
What is the difference between a psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist?
A Clinical Psychologist has an undergraduate degree in psychology, a Master in Clinical Psychology and has completed a two-year post-graduation program which involves extensive professional development and supervision requirements known as a ‘Registrar Program’ (8 years in total of training).
A General Psychologist typically has an undergraduate degree in psychology and has gone on to work in supervised practice for two years, or has completed a one year master of professional psychology and one year supervised practice (6 years of training).
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, psychologists cannot.