Therapy and Treatment
How we can help
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice, and there are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues or struggles with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life, such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a therapist as they pursue their growth and wellbeing.
Working with a therapists can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy is right for anyone interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Is therapy confidential?
Any information that identifies you or that you give to your therapist will be treated with the utmost privacy and respect. Information about you is kept confidential and only disclosed to additional parties with your prior consent.
The only time a therapist is required to disclose information about you is if demanded by law or if there is reasonable evidence to believe that someone is at risk of harm if we do not divulge the information to the appropriate authorities.
What can I expect from working with a therapist?
Therapy can provide insight and new perspectives into life’s challenges and can help create solutions to difficult problems. Many people find that working with a therapist can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen is helpful.
Some available benefits from therapy include:
- Attaining insight into personal patterns and behavior
- Modifying unhealthy behavior and long-standing patterns
- Increasing confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being
- Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively
- Improving listening and communication skills
- Enhancing the overall quality of life
What is the fee? Am I covered by Medicare?
Our fee schedule can be found here.
Medicare rebates are available for a range of specified psychology services for people with certain conditions for up to 10 partially Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year (i.e., 1st Jan to 31st Dec) under the Better Access scheme. Your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician must refer you to receive the rebates.
Macquarie Psychology is a private billing practice and appreciates full payment of fees on the day of consultation. Accounts are unfortunately not able to be given. If you are eligible for Medicare rebates and provide relevant Medicare details, we can process your claim through MedicareEasyclaim.
What is Medicare Easyclaim?
Medicare EasyClaim is a convenient facility we provide that allows your Medicare rebates to be processed at the time of payment. This means your rebate can be processed straight back to your savings/cheque account with no paperwork for you to complete. For example, when you pay for your session and are eligible for Medicare rebates, you can use Medicare EasyClaim to receive your rebate into your nominated account. Alternatively, we can print you a receipt to take to your nearest Medicare office.
Department of Veterans Affairs: Gold and White Card DVA holders are billed via DVA (referral required from GP).
Insurance Claims: All insurance claims will be privately billed on the first visit unless an approved/active claim number and insurance company details are provided. There is no Medicare rebate associated with this billing.
NDIA: We can provide support for people with an NDIA plan that includes funding for therapeutic support. Please note that not all therapists are accepting NDIA referrals. Please call to enquire who has availability.
Does private health provide any assistance?
Clients with Private Health insurance may be able to claim a partial rebate for therapy services, depending on the level of cover. No referral is required if you choose to use private health insurance.
What is a clinical psychologist?
Clinical psychologists are experts in mental health. They have undertaken highly specialised training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders. Clinical psychology is a science-based profession which integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychologically-based distress or dysfunction.
Clinical psychologists can assess your symptoms of psychological distress. They can make a diagnosis and work with you to develop a management plan for your treatment and recovery. They do not prescribe medication, but rather use psychological techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to treat you.
What is a mental health social worker?
A mental health social worker is a trained professional who can provide support and assistance to individuals facing mental health challenges. In Australia, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are recognised providers with Medicare Australia and other programs, delivering clinical social work services in mental health settings and utilising a range of evidence-based strategies.
They provide a unique contribution to the mental health space with their holistic approach to working with a person. They are highly trained and educated professionals, meeting some of the highest standards of professional regulation in Australia.
Like other allied health professionals such as psychologists, AMHSWs use a range of interventions in helping people with mental health disorders, including focused psychological strategies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, behavioural interventions, cognitive interventions, relaxation strategies, skills training, problem-solving, anger management, social skills training, stress management, parenting skills training, interpersonal therapy, psycho-education (including motivational interviewing), and narrative therapy.