Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an appointment?
New Clients: Click the contact button and send me a message. I'll be in touch within one business day in most instances. Once we have established your first appointment time you will be sent information and a link to an online form to complete. You can also make an enquiry to help you decide whether you would like to make an appointment. Existing Clients:  I'll book your next session(s) directly with you or feel free to email me if you need to make changes.
How do I arrange a referral?
You actually do not need a referral to see a Mental Health Social Worker. However, if you do get a referral, you will receive a significant concession, ($85.20) to which most people are entitled. To arrange a referral, you will need to see your GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. Let them know you are seeking an appointment to be assessed for a Mental Health Care Plan.  You’ll need to arrange this referral before your first appointment to ensure you receive the Medicare rebate from our first session. At the moment, you are entitled to receive up to 10 rebatable sessions per calendar year. These also include telehealth appointments.  For your convenience, I offer automatic processing of your rebate so it will automatically be sent to your account within 24 hours of your appointment.
What are the costs?
A standard 50 minute session costs $200. Payment is made through an automated credit card system for fast and easy payments. You may be entitled to a substantial Medicare Rebate ($85.20). Extended (80 minute) family sessions cost $300.
How long is a session?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Extended family sessions are 80 minutes in length.
Do you offer Telehealth?
I'm happy to provide Telehealth appointments. Research shows Telehealth sessions are as effective as face to face, and for some people, can be a very efficient, accessible method of therapy. Telehealth appointments are also now covered under the Medicare rebate system.
What should I expect in my therapy?
Coming to see me here at Mindful Psychotherapy, you can expect a warm, compassionate, welcoming space to slow down and reflect on life, as well as a place to clarify your goals and discuss your hopes about how you might like to move differently through the world. You can expect me to go at your pace, work collaboratively with you on what is important to you and that we will probably share some laughs together along the way. You can also expect me to explore with you some new ideas and different kinds of actions and/or conversations you may want to try that are different to the ones you might have had before with partners, friends and family.
How do you maintain confidentiality?
All the information you disclose in your therapy session is private and confidential. At Mindful Psychotherapy files are electronic and encrypted so they are secure. No information will be given to a third party, unless: It is subpoenaed by a court, you give me permission to disclose information, or failure to disclose the information places you or another person at risk. In the event of any of the above occurring, I will make every effort to contact you and discuss any concerns you may have before information is released. Mental Health Social Workers are also bound to comply with all relevant privacy and confidentiality legislation and follow strict guidelines for professional conduct that include confidentiality.