• If I cannot attend the Practice, can I make a tele-health appointment with my Clinical Psychologist?

Yes. At The Mind Clinic we are able to offer appointments via secure video-link to all of our clients. If you are feeling unwell or a family member is unwell please change your appointment to tele-health.

 

Fees for tele-health sessions are the same as face-to-face sessions. If you would like to arrange a tele-health session please contact us on 0402 154 007 . Please provide as much notice as possible to set up or change your existing face-to-face appointment to tele-health.

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• What do I need to bring to my first session?

Just yourself! You do not need a referral to make an appointment.

If your GP refers you for psychological treatment through the Medicare Better Access Scheme you can receive a rebate on up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

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If the appointment is for a child or adolescent we ask that parents/carers attend the initial assessment session to ensure that their clinical psychologist can develop an effective treatment plan. Parents/carers will be asked to attend ongoing sessions depending on the child or teenager’s therapeutic needs.

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• How long will it take to get an appointment?

Currently we are able to place most clients within two to three weeks in one of our clinics, or sooner via telehealth. When you call, we will discuss your needs and place you with the most suitable clinical psychologist or place you on a waitlist, in which case we will continue to keep in contact with you until a place becomes available.

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• How many sessions will I need to attend?

The number of sessions you will require will depend on the issues and goals you present with.

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Some people require as few as five or six sessions to experience a shift in their mood or to solve difficult or pressing issues.  However, most evidence-based treatments require between 10 to 20 treatment sessions. Treatment always starts with an assessment and formulation period and is then followed by weekly sessions. Depending on progress, sessions thereafter may be extended to fortnightly or monthly intervals. If you have a history of trauma or complex family dynamics you may require longer-term treatment to resolve your current difficulties.

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• Can I claim a rebate through Medicare or my private health insurance?

Yes, you can. If you have a plan from your GP you will initially be eligible for a Medicare rebate on 6 treatment sessions. If you require further treatment, 4 more sessions are available after a GP review (10 in total per calendar year). Please note that as of January, 2023 the Australian government has ceased offering additional Covid-19 sessions to clients in need.  

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If you have a GP plan and you have your banking details registered with Medicare, your Medicare rebate will be processed by The Mind Clinic and will be in your bank account within a day or two of your appointment. 

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If you do not meet criteria for a GP plan or choose to pay privately, you may claim through your private health insurer. Private insurance companies offer different rebates on psychological sessions so you are advised to contact your provider.