Are you unsure about seeking help? The following questions may help you decide if you are ready to take the next step and to make an appointment with Ashley to discuss your concerns.
Do I need a referral to see a clinical psychologist?
If you do not wish to claim a Medicare rebate then you simply need to make an appointment.
Will my General Practitioner or other specialists be involved in any way?
If you are wishing to claim a Medicare rebate then your GP will be involved determining whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan.
As your GP or complementary health practitioner provide primary health support and care for all other aspects of your health, it is preferable for them to be involved so that we can work together to achieving the best outcomes for you.
If you are seeing a Psychiatrist or another medical specialist it is useful for them to be involved as part of the team that will support you.
Can I use the remaining sessions on my mental health care plan?
Yes you can if you have not used all 10 sessions, you will need to ask your GP to make a referral to Ashley that will accompany the existing plan.
What if I have used up my 10 Medicare sessions or my GP does not think that my issue will be covered by Medicare?
You can access your Private Health cover but will need to see if you are covered and to what extent. You can also access services without Medicare of Private Health cover.
Can I claim from Medicare and my Private Health Fund?
Yes, you can use Medicare if your GP develops a Mental Health Care Plan. You can also use your Private Health cover but not for the same session.
Private Health funds do not contribute toward the “gap” between the Medicare rebate and the consultation fee.
Your receipt will reflect either Medicare or Private health, depending on your requirements.
How do I access the Medicare rebate for psychology sessions?
You will need to make an appointment with your GP to discuss the option of a Mental Health Care Plan. Your GP will the asses the problem you present with to determine if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan. Please remember to ask for a longer appointment as it takes longer than a standard GP appointment.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a plan, issued by your GP after an assessment. This then entitles you to access the 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year.
The initial plan issues 6 authorised sessions. Ashley will then provide the required report back to your GP. Should you need to utilise the remaining 4 sessions, you will need to make an appointment with your GP to enable a review of the plan.
How do I get the rebate repaid to me under Medicare or my Private Health cover?
Ashley has credit card and Eftpos facilities, allowing you to pay for each session at the beginning or end of each session. The receipt you will receive allows you to go directly to Medicare or your private health insurer to facilitate a reimbursement of the gap paid. Ashley is a Clinical Psychologist, so you will be able to access the higher rebate of $124.50 from Medicare.
What is the difference between Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Psychiatrists?
• Psychologists have at least 4 years of professional training and some have Masters Degrees and most of their work is . You can access Medicare rebates.
• Clinical Psychologists have at least 6 years of professional training and are required to have a Masters Degree. You can access Medicare rebates.
• Psychotherapists possess different qualifications depending on where they trained.
• Psychiatrists have medical training and then specialise in Psychiatry and typically most of their work is to manage mental health problems through the prescription of medication.
Ashley is a Clinical Psychologist with psychotherapy training
