How many appointments will be required?
The number of sessions required is different for every person and is dependent on the complexity of your presenting concerns in addition to whether the concerns are acute or chronic. At Mastering our Minds (Psychology) our focus is not on the length of the process. Instead, we focus on ensuring that you are able to effectively resolve the difficulties that are present in your life, that you reach your treatment goals, and that you are able to maintain your treatment gains. Your progress during the treatment process will be discussed with you regularly, and you will be an active member in deciding when you believe it is time to end treatment.
How long does each session last?
Each individual telehealth session is 50 minutes in length. This allows a 10-minute cushion in case a session goes slightly over time to ensure that I can meet with each client in a timely manner.
What is the cost of a session?
Each telehealth session costs $200.00. This equates to a gap payment of $63.65 for those with a valid Mental Health Care Plan.
What is the Medicare Rebate for Clinical Psychology?
The Medicare Rebate is obtainable to clients who receive a referral from their GP or Psychiatrist and receive a MHCP (Mental Health Care Plan). Obtaining a MHCP from you GP is a quick and easy process. Medicare rebates of $136.35 per session are available for up to 10 individual telehealth sessions per calendar year.
How can I access the Medicare Rebate?
Medicare offers rebates for psychology services to individuals who wish to receive individual telehealth therapy. To receive these Medicare rebates, you first need to visit your GP or Psychiatrist.
You will explain your mental health concerns to your GP, and they will then give you a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and a letter of referral. We suggest that you book a double session with your GP to allow adequate time to develop your MHCP. If you are receiving services from a Psychiatrist, they only need to provide a letter of referral to activate Medicare rebates for psychology services (they do not need to create a MHCP). If you wish to receive services from Mastering our Minds (Psychology), please let your GP or Psychiatrist know that you would like to be referred to us. Once you have the relevant paperwork, you will be able to complete up to 10 telehealth sessions in a calendar year with Mastering our Minds (Psychology) and only pay the $63.65 gap fee for each session. Please send a copy of your MHCP/letter of referral, and Medicare card number to susan@mom.com.au, and our team will complete the rest. Call our friendly reception on (03) 9835 9988 for more information.
Are there Private Health Insurance Rebates?
Yes. If you have extras cover that includes psychology services, then you will be able to claim a rebate from your health fund provider. Please note, Private Health fund rebates and Medicare rebates cannot be used at the same time. The Private Health fund rebate will vary depending on your specific level of cover and your specific health fund provider. Please call your Private Health Fund for more information.
Can I use a Chronic Disease Management Plan for Psychology?
If you have used all 10 sessions in the current calendar year under the MHCP for Psychology, and your condition is deemed to be chronic (it has been persisting for at least six months), and there are two specialists looking after your needs (such as a psychiatrist and psychologist), then you may be eligible to access the Chronic Disease Management Plan. Eligibility for this plan is determined by your GP. If you are found to be eligible, you will be able to access a rebate for a further 5 sessions in a calendar year. The Medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management Plan is slightly less than the MHCP rebate.
Can I receive services if I do not have Medicare or do not want to receive Medicare rebates?
Yes, you can. Please just let us know at the time of booking the intake session that you do not wish to receive services through Medicare.
How do Telehealth Sessions Work?
Once you make contact with Mastering Our Minds, let us know that you would like to participate in telehealth sessions. This is a great option for people who do not like to commute, have limited free-time, and like to have sessions from the comfort of their own home. You will be sent the intake paperwork via email to complete at your leisure prior to your first session. We will set up a time that works for you for a 50-minute telehealth session. The session with take place via Zoom. Shortly before the scheduled session, you will be sent a Zoom link with a password to access the session. This helps to protect your confidentiality. Only the psychologist and you will know the password. You can pay for the session via phone. Or if you would prefer, you can request an invoice to be sent to you via email which you can then pay via bank transfer.