Do I need a referral from a doctor to see a psychologist?

You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a psychologist. However, to access the Medicare rebate you will need to have a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your doctor. You can also access the Medicare rebate via a referral from a psychiatrist.

How do I access the Medicare rebate?

Prior to starting psychological treatment, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan. At the time of booking, please let the admin staff know that you are seeking a new Plan as you will need a longer appointment.

How do I access my Private Health rebate?

Please contact your Private Health fund to check if you are covered for psychology and what rebate they will pay per session. We have HICAPS facilities in-clinic to process Private Health rebates on the day of your appointment. For Telehealth sessions, you will be emailed a receipt that you can use to put in a claim with your heath fund once payment is made.

Can I use Private Health to help pay for the gap after the Medicare rebate has been applied?

No, unfortunately, you are required to choose whether you would like to use Medicare or Private Health, you cannot use both. Most clients prefer to use Medicare first, and if all ten sessions are used in a calendar year, they may then decide to access a rebate through their Private Health fund to reduce the costs of sessions.

I can’t afford the gap, do you bulk bill?

Unfortunately, as a private practice, Within Psychology and Wellbeing does not bulk bill. However, there are a number of services provided by government and non-government organisations that offer bulk billed/lost cost psychological treatment in South Australia. We are happy to support you to find alternative services, please give us a call or email us if you have any questions.

How long is a session?

A regular session is 50-minutes long, but please allow an hour for your appointments. It is your psychologist’s responsibility to keep track of the time and they will let you know when the session is over.

In some circumstances, your psychologist may recommend a longer 80 to 90-minute session.

How frequently will I attend appointments?

Frequency of appointments will be negotiated between you and your psychologist. Typically, in the beginning, appointments are booked on a weekly to fortnightly basis to establish a connection and build momentum. With time, most clients are happy to space their sessions out depending on their needs and the progress of their treatment.

How many sessions will I need?  

As everyone’s needs are different it is difficult to predict how many sessions will be required. We recommend that you commit to six sessions, at which point, your symptoms and progress can be reviewed, and further recommendations can be made from there.

For more complex and long-standing concerns more sessions may be needed. It is not unusual for therapy to extend over the course of many months or even years.

What happens if I can’t attend or need to change an appointment?  

Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If you cancel within this time frame or don’t arrive for your session, you will be charged 100% of the scheduled fee.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?  

A psychiatrist is a medical practitioner with expertise in the treatment of mental illness, often through the use of pharmaceuticals, but they may also utilise non-medicinal approaches.

Psychologists, in contrast, focus on behavioural, cognitive and emotional interventions to treat mental health conditions. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

Should I keep taking my medication during therapy?

Yes, you should keep taking any medication that has been prescribed by your doctor in the treatment of your mental health condition. Medication often supports psychological interventions by reducing the severity of symptoms and improving engagement in therapy.

Over time, as treatment progresses, you may be able to discuss reducing or stopping your medication with your doctor. Do not change your medication regime without the advice of your doctor.

When can I start treatment?

We will try and book you in as soon as possible, however, there are several factors which influence when we will be able to offer you an appointment. Please give us a call or contact us via email to get the most up to date information on wait times.

I’m in crisis and need support now, what do I do?

Within Psychology and Wellbeing is not a crisis service. For immediate support please go to your local Hospital Emergency Department or call 000, Mental Health Triage 131 465, Lifeline 131 114, or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.