Fees and Insurance
Australian Psychological Society, our professional association recommends up to $240 per 50 minutes consultation and pro-rata for longer sessions. In community psychology practice, it is recognised many cannot afford to fund ongoing weekly therapy at these rates. Many psychologists charge for their services at a discount to these rates, depending on the financial means of a client and taking into consideration the experience, skills, reputation and effectiveness of the practitioner.
My fees work on a sliding scale from $160 to $250 per session depends on means, assets and family circumstances. What fees you pay me is negotiated at our first session or over the phone/internet and can be reviewed during ongoing long-term therapy. Fees are payable at time of service.
Writing reports, consulting, court appearances are negotiated individually based on the above rates. If you are involved with legal proceedings, consult with your lawyer at the same time you are exploring the option of seeing a psychologist for counselling or assessment.
Medicare currently offer a temporary partial rebate on certain psychology services for up to 10 sessions per year. Consult your GP or access the Medicare website for clarification.
Workcover and other forms of incident insurance may cover your psychology fees. Check this out with your claim administrator/rehabilitation case manager. In most cases you are free to choose which psychologist you see for support via recommendation/referral from your GP. The insurer has the final say in approving psychological services, so it is very important to keep them in the loop, when considering counselling in relation to psychological or physical injury at work or as a result of a traffic/domestic or other accident.
Private Healthcare ‘Extras’ insurance often allow an annual limit for rebates for psychology services. Ask your insurance group about this.
Carers NSW offer psychology rebates to carers/support persons. Look up their respective website to find out more.
I am a registered psychology services provider with both Medicare, Workcover and Carers NSW.
