Frequently Asked Questions

consulting room michelle cairns

the first steps

Seeking psychological support may feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for some individuals. My aim is to facilitate this process and make it as uncomplicated and clear for you as I can.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How much do the sessions cost?

The cost of a 1-hour session ranges from $160.00 – $210.00 depending on individual circumstances such as the location of the clinic and a client’s financial circumstances. Please enquire with reception staff for more information.

Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
If you have a valid referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you can claim a Medicare rebate for your session. The Medicare rebate for psychology sessions is currently $93.35. Under Medicare’s Better Access to Mental Health Initiative, you can claim the Medicare rebate for an initial six sessions of psychological treatment. If you require more than six sessions, you can request a re-referral from your GP. This re-referral will allow you to claim the Medicare rebate for a further four sessions, which amounts to a maximum of ten rebates/visits per calendar year.
Can I use Private Health Insurance?
Depending on your private health insurance policy, you may be able to claim some of your psychology sessions through your private health. You will be required to pay the full amount of the session on the day and be provided with a receipt which you can then use to claim the rebate from your health fund.
What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment for any reason, we do require at least 24-hour notice. This provides reception staff with enough time to offer the appointment to other clients who may be on a waiting list.

Cancelling on the day of the appointment or failing to attend may result in a cancellation fee.

The cancellation fee is the full amount of the session fee; however, it is not possible to claim this on Medicare.

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What payment methods do you offer?
Both clinics have EFTPOS facilities and the capacity to process your Medicare claim at the time of payment. Payment can also be made in cash or direct debit. Payment is required on the day of your session.
How many appointments will I need?
The number of sessions required to achieve positive outcomes varies depending on what you are requiring support and treatment for. The more complex and long-standing the psychological issue is, the more sessions are usually required. The length of treatment can also be influenced by other factors such as a client’s level of motivation to make change, their willingness to undertake ‘homework’ assignments and practices between sessions, and their financial capacity.
What can I expect at the first session?

It is recommended that you arrive to your session 5-10 mins early to allow enough time to find a car park and complete some initial paperwork. There is limited car parking on site.

You can expect to be greeted by friendly reception staff who will ask you to complete an intake and consent form. Michelle will come out to greet you and bring you into the consultation room.

After some initial house-keeping items, Michelle will gently guide you through a series of questions designed to help her understand your needs more fully. She may also ask you to complete some online questionnaires that measure various symptoms such as mood, trauma, or other behaviours of concern.

This initial interview and the questionnaires assist in the development of a treatment plan which will be discussed with you.

Do you offer telehealth services?
Yes, sessions can be offered online, using Zoom, or over the phone if necessary. While Michelle’s preference is to provide EMDR in person, this can also be delivered online using a program called Bilateral Base. This application requires a headset and laptop or tablet.

Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know

– Pema Chodron

Let’s Work  together

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