Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychological therapy?
Psychological therapy includes a range of therapeutic interventions that are aimed at improving the mental, emotional and social well-being of people who are experiencing difficulties in their life. Psychological therapy allows the client to discuss their concerns in a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment.
Psychological therapy does not involve the psychologist telling the client what to do. Instead, the Psychologist aims to empower the client, to foster their self-acceptance and build their capacity to work through difficulties. Psychological therapy aims to equip clients with the skills to cope more effectively when similar problems arise in the future, thereby building their resilience and independence.
How can a Psychologist help me?
We all experience times in our lives that are really difficult, when our thoughts are confusing, and our emotions feel overwhelming. At these times it may feel like life is spinning out of our control. A psychologist will help you understand what you are thinking, and how that impacts on your feelings and behaviours. They help you to use these insights to make constructive changes, clarify your values, and develop your goals towards creating a meaningful and satisfying life. Therapy may involve practise and homework tasks may be set between sessions.
Do I need a referral for Learning Through Life Psychology?
The good news is that you do not need a referral to be seen as a private client at Learning Through Life Psychology. If you would like to get in touch you can contact us via the number above or email address below. You do need a GP referral if you would like to qualify for a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan rebate.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
It is normal to feel unsure about your first appointment as you may not know what to expect. Please bring any relevant letters or reports from other medical or allied health professionals involved in your own or your child’s care. If you have an NDIS plan bring those details along. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, please bring that and your GP letter of referral.
What is the Pricing Policy?
At Learning Through Life Psychology, we have chosen to set our fees lower than the APS recommended fee and the NDIS hourly rate, in order to make access to counselling services more affordable for local families.
Fees cover not only the time taken in session they also include administration time, ongoing research and continuing professional development requirements to ensure our work is evidence based and you are gaining tailored therapy with optimal outcomes. Please call to discuss our schedule of fees.
Fees will generally be paid at the end of the therapy session. They can be paid via cash, direct deposit, debit or credit card payment.
Payment for private assessment reports will be negotiated prior to the commencement of the assessment process as per our schedule of fees. Payment plans may be negotiated, however the final report will not be provided in writing nor emailed until the final payment is received.
What Funding or Rebates are available?
Medicare Rebates - Under the Medicare ‘Better Access to Mental Health Care’ scheme, you may be able to obtain a rebate from Medicare for part of the session cost for up to 10 therapy sessions each calendar year. To access this rebate, visit your GP to be assessed as eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. For more information about Better Access to Mental Health Care follow this link
Please note that Learning Through Life Psychology is not a bulk billing service and there is a gap payment associated with psychological therapy. Clients pay the full fee at each session and then the Medicare rebate will be sent to the account they have nominated with Medicare.
NDIS Funding - The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides support and funding to children and young people with developmental delays and disability. Learning Through Life Psychology provides therapy support services to plan managed and self-managed NDIS participants. We are unable to service individuals who are NDIA plan managed.
Please ensure your NDIS or ECS plan includes psychology assessment or treatment, so that your child may be eligible for funded therapy supports orientated towards achieving your goals under the ‘Improved Daily Living’ NDIS line item.
Private Health Fund Rebates - Private health fund rebates may vary according to your chosen health fund. Enquire with them for information and to obtain your rebate. Please note that Private Health rebates may not be used to pay the gap between the Medicare fee and our fee for psychological services.
Are telehealth sessions, home visits or school visits an option?
At Learning Through Life Psychology, we encourage clients to attend the clinic whenever possible as it facilitates a change of scenery and social engagement in the world, both of which support mental well-being. However, we also understand that it may be not always be possible to attend our clinic.
Telehealth sessions, via online video link or telephone call, may be arranged. To access telehealth consultations, you will need a quiet, private space; a device such as smartphone, iPad, or computer with a camera, microphone and speakers; and a reliable broadband internet connection. The privacy of any form of communication via the internet is potentially vulnerable and limited by the security of the technology used. To support the security of your personal information this practice uses Halaxy, which is compliant with the Australian standards for online security and encryption.
Home or community visits may also be organised. Please note that there will be a travel fee associated with these visits.
Occasionally school or preschool visits may be required to form part of a behavioural or autism assessment for your child. This will only occur with your knowledge and consent. Please note that there will be a travel fee associated with school visits.
What if I cannot make it to the appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give us at least 48 hours notice. Late cancellations and non-attendance to sessions will result in the full fee being charged. Please note that while we send appointment reminders, this is a courtesy only and attending appointments remains your responsibility. Also note that Medicare rebates do not apply when a session has not been attended.
How is my confidentiality protected?
Privacy and confidentiality are both a legal requirement and an ethical commitment for Learning Through Life Psychology. Client files are securely stored and safeguarded against unauthorised access as required by the Privacy Act 1988 and the Privacy Amendment Act 2012. The electronic data is accessible only to your treating psychologist or authorised employees in accordance with the practice's policies and procedures.
When might my personal information be disclosed to others?
Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except if:-
1. It is subpoenaed by a court;
2. We are required to contact next of kin, medical or emergency services to protect the safety, welfare or well-being of clients or other people;
3. The client’s consent has been obtained to provide a written report to a professional such as a GP or Paediatrician or discuss the material with another person, e.g. a co-parent, school teacher or GP.