FAQs
Getting started in treatment can feel daunting. Here is a list of common questions that may help.
What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) are clinical practitioners who assess and treat people with mental health diagnoses. AMHSWs have completed advanced training in mental health have been assessed on behalf of the Commonwealth Government as having specialist mental health expertise. AMHSWs are registered providers with Medicare and are eligible to provide services through the Better Access to Mental Health Care and Chronic Diseases Management programs.
Do I need a referral?
No, you don’t need a referral unless you want to access medicare rebates. The rebate is a payment of approximately $87.25 that you get back from Medicare for every session of therapy. If you are planning to use your private health cover or pay privately, you do not need a referral. Simply book in for your first session!
How do I claim the medicare rebates?
Your therapist will lodge a claim for you after you have attended your session. The claim is usually processed within 24 hours and the rebate will be deposited into your bank account within a few business days. To make sure the payment is deposited into the right account, please log in to MyGov/Medicare and ensure your back account details are up-to-date.
To receive the Medicare rebate, you must have:
– Referral & Mental Health Care Plan from your GP; and
– A current Medicare card
Can I claim from my private health fund?
Yes! You can claim for counselling sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. The amount covered depends on your insurance policy and your level of extras cover. You will need to contact your insurer directly to confirm the exact coverage and conditions.
We work with the following insurers:
– HCF
– Bupa
– Medibank
– Teachers Health Fund
– UniHealth Insurance
– Nurses and Midwives Health
– Doctors Health
– St Lukes Health
– Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG)
What should I expect at my first appointment?
During your first appointment, your therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your situation and what has brought you to therapy. Your therapist may ask you different questions about your current stressors, your background, and any significant events in your life. If you have specific goals you should share these with your therapist.
The first session also allows you to learn more about your therapist and the therapeutic process. You’re welcome to ask any questions, such as their training, experience, or approach to supporting people similar to you.
It’s common to feel emotionally drained after the first session especially if you are not used to talking about your feelings. Taking some time afterward to reflect and rest can be helpful as you process the conversation and begin your therapeutic journey.
Will my sessions be confidential?
Yes! Your sessions are strictly confidential. Your therapist can not discuss the content of your sessions with your family or other parties without your express permission.
There are some exceptions to this when the professional believes:
- a child is being abused or neglected
- you or someone else may be at risk of serious harm
- you have committed a serious crime
- if the therapist is subpoenaed by a court of law to provide information
Out of respect to you, the therapist will always let you know if any of the above apply.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms, the nature of your specific challenges, and any issues that arise during therapy. It’s important to have realistic expectations. Just as it takes time for difficulties to develop, it also takes time to understand and work through them. Your therapist will discuss a plan and timeline with you during your appointment, considering any factors that might hinder the course of therapy. In general, most clients benefit from regular sessions, typically starting with weekly or fortnightly sessions. As progress is made, the frequency of sessions may decrease.
How many rebates can I access per year?
You can access rebates for 10 individual therapy sessions AND 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year.
What if I need more sessions after using all 10 for the year?
1. Any unused sessions from a previous MHCP rollover into the new calendar year. You can use any unused sessions from a previous MHCP. Let your therapist know and they will verify with Medicare.
2. If you have private health insurance you can access sessions this way.
3. You may also continue therapy as a private client meaning you would pay for sessions upfront. The therapist may be able to offer a financial discount if you need longer term therapy.
4. You could also wait until the next calendar year for a new Mental Health Care Plan
Do I have to share information that I’m not comfortable sharing?
For therapy to be effective, it’s important to be open and honest with your therapist about your challenges. However, it’s normal to need time to build trust and feel comfortable sharing. If there are details you’re not ready to share in the first session, that’s completely okay. You can also communicate any hesitations to your therapist, who will work with you to find a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What if my therapist is not a good fit?
It is normal for some clients to need a few sessions to build rapport with their therapist. If you have any concerns or feel that your needs are not being met, you are encouraged to discuss these openly with your therapist. Communication is key to a productive therapeutic relationship. However, just like in other areas of life, it’s possible that you may feel your therapist isn’t the right fit for you. If this happens, know that it’s completely okay to switch therapists. The most important thing is that you feel supported and comfortable in your therapeutic process. If needed, your therapist can help you find another professional who may be a better fit.
Do you do ADHD or ASD assessments?
Your therapist may administer a screening tool as part of your initial assessment. However, if you wish to receive a formal dignosis for ADHD or ASD, you will need to undergo testing. The therapist can refer you on to trusted colleagues who can conduct an assessment for ADHD/ASD.
How do I pay for sessions?
When you make a booking, you will be asked to enter your payment details. These details will be kept on fine in an encrypted secure format. You will be billed at the end of each session. If you wish to make an alternative arrangement (eg. bank transfer or payID transfer, please let the therapist know). For bulk-billing clients, this will automatically be processed through Medicare so you will not be charged and do not need to do anything.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours notice for any cancellation. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee.
Cancellation Fees
- Less than 24 hours notice: You will be billed at 50% of the session fee.
- No-shows: You will be billed at 50% of the session fee.
- Cancellation fees are not covered by Medicare or private health funds and must be paid out of pocket.
Exceptions
If you are unwell or experiencing an emergency, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances. In some cases, the cancellation fee may be waived at our discretion.
How to Cancel or Reschedule
You may cancel or reschedule your appointment by:
– Calling: 0494 360 004
– Emailing: arnie.counselling@gmail.com
– Using the Halaxy Patient Portal to cancel your appointment
Are my card details secure on the Halaxy platform?
Yes! Your card details are 100% secure. When your card details are entered into Halaxy, they are stored and tokenised by Halaxy’s payments gateway, meaning that once initially entered and captured, they are not visible to anybody within the clinic or at Halaxy.
Halaxy’s payments gateway is powered by Braintree Paypal in Australia, who have a stringent data and security policy when it comes to storing cardholder details. To find out more, go to: https://blog.halaxy.com/halaxy-card-security-faqs
Can I call or text you on your mobile outside of sessions?
The practice mobile number is a work number and is used solely to respond to general enquiries and booking/cancelling appointments. Please be mindful when texting as the therapist will not always be able to respond to you. If in crisis, please call the appropriate crisis services listed on the resources page.
I need help immediately, who can I contact?
Please note that we are not a crisis service. While we are committed to supporting your wellbeing, you should always contact the following services if you need immediate support. These are available 24/7.
– Lifeline – 131 114
– Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
– Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
– Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36
– Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
– AHS Suicide Support Service – 1800 859 585
– Wesley Suicide Prevention Service – 1800 100 024
– SANE Australia Helpline – 1800 187 263
– MensLine – 1300 78 99 78
If you can not keep yourself safe, please call 000 or present to the nearest emergency department.
I can’t find an answer to my question here, who can I contact?
Feel free to use the contact page to send a question through and we will try to answer it as best we can.
An Nguyen Counselling & Psychotherapy 