Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 may vary between private and
Medicare sessions.
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Schema Therapy Wollongong’s cancellation policy requires 48 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 48 hours’ notice will incur a late cancellation fee.
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.
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 (MHTP) or an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP).
A Mental Health Treatment Plan allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. If you are eligible for an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP), you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 40 sessions per calendar year, following an assessment by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
The Medicare rebate for sessions with a clinical psychologist is $141.85 per session, while the rebate for sessions with a registered psychologist is $96.65 per session.
To claim the Medicare rebate for your session, we will need a copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan. You can either email it to us before your appointment or bring a copy to your initial session.
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.
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 under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), you will receive a Medicare rebate for each session, up to a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year.
For individuals with an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP), eligibility may allow access to up to 40 rebated sessions per calendar year. This requires an assessment by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician to determine suitability for the plan.
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.