Information
Fees
Fees apply to our services. These are available on request.
Our psychologists are able to offer a Medicare rebate with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from a GP. Bulk billing may be available in cases of financial hardship
Most of our psychologists are also registered providers with Medicare's Access to Allied Psychological Services scheme (ATAPS).
Private health insurance rebates apply for clients with the appropriate cover.
Our staff are registered to provide counselling under the WorkCover scheme.
Fees are negotiable for low income earners and those experiencing financial hardship.
Medicare
Please Read:Changes to-the-Better-Access-to-Mental-Health-Care-initiative-1Nov2011 (47kb)
Better Access to Psychologists through Medicare Benefits Schedule
In November 2006, new Medicare items were introduced for psychological treatment by registered psychologists. The service will provide considerable assistance to people who require these services allowing them greater access to counselling and other psychological services.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate for my appointments with a psychologist?
To claim a Medicare rebate for psychological services, you must have a special kind of referral from your GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician, which is called a Mental Health Care Plan.
What is a registered psychologist?
All psychologists are legally required to register with the Psychologist Registration Board in the State or Territory, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. This means they must be competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct. Not all counselors or therapists are registered psychologists.
How many sessions with a psychologist am I entitled to?
Eligible patients can generally receive:
- Up to 12 individual services in a calendar year. Your doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions.
- Provision will exist for patients to receive additional services where exceptional circumstances arise. These exceptional circumstances will be identified by the referring doctor.
What will it cost me?
Rebates vary slightly depending upon a number of factors. Please discuss with our staff at reception.
How will I pay?
At this practice you will need to pay the full fee for the consultation and then you can claim the rebate from Medicare at the same time, at our office, through Medicare Easyclaim.
Does the Medicare Safety Net apply to my out of pocket expenses under this initiative?
Yes, you are responsible for paying any charges in excess of the Medicare benefit for items under this initiative. However, these out-of-pocket costs will count towards the Medicare Safety Net.
What about my private health insurance?
You cannot use both private health insurance ancillary cover, and the Medicare rebate for these services.
You need to decide whether you will use Medicare, or your private health insurance ancillary cover to pay for psychological services you receive. You can either access rebates from Medicare by following the claiming process, or claim where available on your insurer's ancillary benefits.
Does Merrylands Counselling Bulk Bill?
Bulk billing is available for low income earners, pensioners and anyone experiencing financial hardship
