How many sessions do people tend to see a psychologist for?

The length of therapy can vary, depending on the nature of your problems and what your goals for therapy are. At Schema Therapy Wollongong we tend to work with our clients medium to longer term.

How long are sessions with a psychologist?

At Schema Therapy Wollongong sessions are approximately 50-55 minutes long.

Do you receive a Medicare or a private health insurance rebate when you see a psychologist?

Medicare
If you have a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) or a psychiatrist for a Mental Health Treatment Plan you will receive a Medicare rebate for each session, up to a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year.

Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance that includes psychological counselling as extras cover you may be eligible for a partial rebate. It is recommended that you contact your individual insurance provider for further information about your individual coverage.

Do you need a referral to see a psychologist?

No, you do not need a referral. You can book an appointment with a psychologist without a referral from your GP or a psychiatrist. If you decide to do this you will need to pay the full amount for your sessions out of your own pocket.

What should I expect from my first session?

The purpose of the initial appointment is to get to know one another and discuss your therapy goals and needs.

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We usually start with completing any necessary paperwork and then moving on to discussing issues that have brought you in to therapy. Your psychologist will conduct a comprehensive assessment which includes asking you questions about your history. This may include asking you questions about your upbringing, family, relationships, education, and cultural background. The information gathered from the initial session will assist your psychologist in getting to know you as a person and to provide them with a context to view your difficulties. Most importantly, this information will help them determine how best to help you with your schemas or “life traps” and problem areas.

What is the payment and cancellation policy?

Fees depend on the seniority of the clinician you see at Schema Therapy Wollongong and the type of referral you are seen under. Fees vary between private, Medicare and NDIS referrals.

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Schema Therapy Wollongong’s cancellation policy requires 24 hours advance notice. This allows us time to offer your appointment to someone else who may be waiting for an appointment. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a late cancellation fee.

How do I know if I am eligible for the Medicare rebate?

You will need to make an appointment with your GP who will assess whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A Mental Health Treatment Plan will enable you to claim a Medicare rebate of $136.35 per session for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year.

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To be able to claim the Medicare rebate for your session, we will need a copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan.