Fees / FAQ

“Do I need a doctor’s referral to see you?”

No, you do not need a GP referral to see me. Many issues covered in the counselling rooms are not medically related so a medical referral is not needed. Self-referral is fine.

 

“Can I use a Mental Health Plan it to see you? Can I claim through Medicare?”

Unfortunately, no. Restore Me Counselling offers counselling but not psychological services. A mental health plan can only be used when seeing a psychologist or mental health social worker. This plan entitles you to claim ten psychology sessions in a calendar year on Medicare.  If you would like a mental health care plan, we suggest you make an appointment with your GP. Your doctor will complete the appropriate forms and refer you to a psychologist that can offer you this service.

Further to this, you are unable to claim your sessions with Restore Me Counselling through Medicare.

Please be aware that the gap you are required to pay is roughly the equivalent of the fees payable for Restore Me counselling and without the session limit, longer term, counselling can me more cost efficient than psychology for the same level of professional care.

 

“How many counselling sessions will I need?”

Counselling is such an individual journey so how many sessions you book is entirely up to you.

Some clients have an intensive number of sessions over 4 to 8 weeks then slowly ease off to the point that counselling can conclude. They may return to counselling from time to time if further challenges arise.  However, some clients come once, and that’s all they need. Other clients see counselling as part of their self-care and have regular fortnightly or monthly appointments.

There is no pressure to book sessions regularly or in bulk.

 

“Can I claim your fee through my health insurance?”

Some insurers will allow you to claim the cost of your counselling. However, this is not the case for all insurers or all policies.

Payment must be made at time of appointment and rebates are claimable through your Private Health Insurance provider. For more information about eligible rebates specific to your extras package, please check directly with your insurer.

 

“How do you take payment?”

On completing your intake form, you will provide your payment details. You will be billed automatically at the time of your appointment.

If would like to set up a different payment option, please be in touch.

 

“What card-holders are eligible for the concession rate?”

Seniors, student, disability, health care, and DVA card holders are all eligible for concession.

 

“What will happen in my first session?”

You will have completed the intake form online before you arrive at your first session. I will briefly clarify anything required from the intake process, and then run you through some legal requirements. After that, I will ask you some questions and you will start to tell the part of your story that has brought you to counselling and what you are hoping to achieve.

It’s normal to feel a little nervous and unsure on your first counselling session, but it is my job to make you feel as comfortable as possible and to go at a pace that is comfortable for you.

 

“Are my sessions confidential?”

Yes. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the client/counsellor relationship. I will discuss this further in the first session. In summary, confidentiality will only be broken if you are deemed to be at risk or you disclose anything covered by mandatory reporting.

 

“Is there a cancellation policy?”

Yes. If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, or simply don’t show up, you will be charged your normal session fee.

 

“What if I don’t like you?”

I know it can feel uncomfortable but it is important that you discuss this with me. The rapport between client and counsellor is of utmost importance. If you feel I am not a good match, I will do all I can to refer you to another counsellor who may suit you better.

 

“I’m about to see another counsellor. What should I ask them before I make my first booking?”

Counselling is an unregulated industry in Australia. This means that anybody can become a counsellor, regardless of whether they have had training or not.

To ensure you get appropriate professional treatment ask about your counsellor’s training and whether they are part of a professional body. The Australian Counselling Association is the peak body for counsellors in Australia.