What Should I Expect from my First Session?
Before your first session our reception staff will run through important paperwork with you including consent, confidentiality, fees and other information about your sessions.
If you have been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, the psychologist will discuss the details of your Mental Health Treatment Plan. The remainder of the session is usually spent discussing the issues that have brought you to Ascentem so we may understand and work with you, to develop a collaborative and flexible plan for future psychology sessions.
For some people, sharing about their current problems and life story can be difficult until trust and rapport has been established with the psychologist. The first session is important for you to work out whether you like the style and approach of the psychologist, as it is important that you feel comfortable with that person.
You are not required to discuss any information that you’re not ready to disclose.
What are the Pathways for Seeing a Psychologist?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist (i.e. you can pay the full fee), but it is the mechanism to claim a Medicare rebate. Medicare may pay a rebate for a range of psychology services. To qualify for the rebate, you must have a referral from your General Practitioner, psychiatrist or paediatrician. This referral does not need to be for Ascentem Psychology specifically. Medicare will normally pay a rebate for up to ten sessions per calendar year, with a review after the first six sessions. A small gap payment is normally required. Please discuss this fee with reception prior to making your first appointment
Many private health funds provide rebates for psychological services. The conditions and level of rebate vary considerably between funds and plans. We encourage you to check with your fund before your first visit. You cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and one from your private health insurance for the same appointment. Private health funds are not allowed to offer gap cover.
If you have been injured in the workplace or in a traffic accident, the cost of your care may be covered by schemes such as workers compensation or compulsory third-party motor insurance. It is essential that you gain approval from the scheme before your first visit.
What are the Fees?
Our reception staff will discuss your fee schedule with you once we understand better the nature and source of the consultation and shall provide a quotation for services on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: Cancelling your booked session within a certain time frame may attract a cancellation fee equivalent of up to 100% of the fee cost.
