There are different referral pathways available which are outlined below. If you are uncertain about the most suitable option, please give us a call and we will be happy to assist you further. Fees can also be dependent on the type of service required, the length of the session, your referral pathway as well as individual circumstances. Please read more about our fees below.
FEES
Appointment fees depend on what type of service you require, the type of referral you have and what rebates are available to you. If you are eligible for Medicare rebates, similarly to attending a doctor’s appointment, you will generally be required to pay a gap fee. Health Care Card holders, pensioners and people experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible for bulk billing.
Types of Referrals
Self Referral
You do not need a referral from a specialist to see a psychologist or accredited mental health social worker and you can contact Insight Psychology & Wellbeing directly to book your appointment. There is no limit to the number of sessions you can have under this pathway. However, if you wish to claim Medicare rebates, a referral is required from your doctor.
GP Referral
Medicare - Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative
To be eligible for Medicare rebates a referral from your doctor is required.
This is the most common referral that people choose. It involves your doctor completing a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan in order for you to access rebates through the Medicare Better Access initiative. This plan allows you to attend six individual psychological treatment sessions and following a GP review, you may be eligible for a further 4 sessions. Your eligibility for this plan will be determined by your GP and if you would like to discuss this option with your doctor it is usually best to book a long consultation.
At this appointment you will be provided with a copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan. The next step is to phone and book an appointment with the nominated psychologist on the referral. You will need to bring your Treatment Plan with you to your first appointment, unless your doctor has agreed to fax or email a copy directly to the health professional on your plan.
Please note, although a Medicare rebate can be claimed through this pathway, there is generally a gap fee involved. If you wish to continue having treatment beyond the 10 sessions rebated by Medicare, then you will be required to pay the fee nominated by your psychologist. There are no limits to the number of sessions you can have if you are paying fees independent of Medicare.
Under the Better Access initiative, individuals may also be eligible for 10 rebated group sessions per calendar year.
Chronic Disease Management Plan
Your GP may decide that you are more suited to a Chronic Disease Management Plan. These rebates are available to people who have a chronic health condition lasting 6 months or more, which is not currently being managed sufficiently. Examples of chronic health conditions include asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke. Under this plan you would be eligible for 5 sessions per calendar year.
Please note, although a Medicare rebate can be claimed through this pathway, there is generally a gap fee involved.
Health Funds and Private Insurance
If you have private health insurance you may be eligible for a rebate. Your provider and level of cover will determine how much you can claim for psychological services. Although most private health funds give rebates for services by a registered psychologist, you cannot claim on both Medicare and your health fund. You do not need a referral from your doctor to access services under this pathway. However, it is still recommended that you discuss your current concerns with your doctor. Insight Psychology & Wellbeing uses a HICAPS Eftpos facility. HICAPS compatible health fund claims can be processed on the spot (See side picture for participating health funds). Other health funds require you to pay the invoice and submit your claim.
Due to a range of different circumstances e.g. car accidents, workplace accidents etc, private insurance companies may refer you or your family members to a psychologist to assist with your recovery process.
NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a way of providing support for Australians with a disability, their families and carers.
People who have received individualised funding are able to choose which provider they would like to have support from to achieve their goals.
Insight Psychology & Wellbeing is registered as an NDIS provider & we aim to work with people according to their individual needs and goals.
If you would like to book an appointment under the NDIS pathway, speak with your NDIS coordinator or give us a call directly.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please advise us as soon as possible so that we are able to offer that session to another client. This is particularly important as we often have a waiting list of people needing services. Cancellation fees apply if you cancel within 24 hours of your booked appointment. Cancellation fees also apply if you don’t turn up for your appointment without any given notice. These fees will generally be charged to your credit card.