How do I make an appointment at Mind My Health?
Please call (02) 8883 0033 or email hello@mindmyhealth.com.au. Your call will be answered by a member of the call centre staff, which is based at our shared specialist rooms. The call centre staff know us and which locations we are at on which days, so that you can find the time and place that suits you best. You will be contacted by telephone or text to confirm appointments.[/vc_column_text]
Do I need a referral to see a Clinical Psychologist at Mind My Health?
A referral is only necessary if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate for services (we tell you about that in the fees tab). Your GP or psychiatrist can assess your mental health and refer you to us. Some people prefer not to have a referral (or have not yet got to the doctor to discuss a referral) and that’s fine. If you choose not to have an assessment or a referral, you may still be eligible for a rebate from your private health fund if you have one.
How long is an appointment?
Appointments are between 50-60 minutes long. We offer extended sessions for those that require a longer appointment (such as a family).
How often do I need to see a Clinical Psychologist?
That really depends on the issues that we are discussing and working upon and we will work it out with you. When appointments are timed varies depending on what is happening with other medical treatments, if you are having them. Normally, we see people between fortnightly and monthly.
What is the cost of seeing a Clinical Psychologist at Mind My Health?
We follow the recommendation of our professional body the APS (Australian Psychological Society) when we set our fees, but maintain some flexibility depending on financial circumstances. We typically charge $250 per session, which is less than the fee recommended by the APS. If you have a referral from Medicare (see below) the cost to you will be a maximum of $113.65. If you have reached the Medicare Safety Net for the year the maximum cost will vary. Check out Medicare to see how you register. Confused?! Don’t worry, we get it – and will help.
Can I receive a rebate?
Yes. If you are referred under a mental health care plan (which can be completed by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician) you will receive $136.35 from Medicare for each appointment. Appointments are approved by a GP in blocks of 6 and you may have a maximum of 10 in a calendar year (that is, between January and December each year you may have 10 sessions). You can’t receive Medicare rebates for sessions that you attended prior to obtaining a referral.
Can I see a psychologist online?
Yes. All our psychologists offer sessions over Zoom. Call or email our friendly call centre staff to make an appointment for a time that suits you.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We will telephone to confirm appointments 2 days prior. If an appointment is cancelled after you confirm, we do charge a 50% cancellation fee unless there is another person who is willing to take the appointment at short notice. Occasionally, there are serious or unavoidable circumstances and, of course, we use common sense!
Can you see me in hospital?
As we also see people with physical illnesses, we can see you in hospital (it may be the first time we meet you, or we already know you and you would like us to see you if you are admitted for medical treatment). You will not be able to claim a Medicare rebate but may be able to claim from your private health insurance; in particular circumstances the hospital may cover the fee. Every hospital has their own rules about who may see patients (that means we need to be accredited to see patients at the hospital you are in). We are accredited in our practice locations, so just ask us for details.
What about my privacy and confidentiality?
We take your confidentiality seriously and, when you come to an appointment, we give you detailed information about how we treat information. We give that in writing for you to think about and then talk about it when we first meet you so you can ask any questions. We only use your personal information for the purposes for which you give it to us and for management purposes directly related to providing services.
We do not share any personal information about you to other organisations (including government agencies), or anyone else unless:
- You have consented
- You have told us you want to or you expect us to (such as writing or speaking to your GP or other specialists)
- We are required or authorised by law, or
- There is a serious and imminent threat to yours or somebody else’s life
How do I get a Medicare referral or Mental Health Care Plan?
We believe that everyone should have access to excellent emotional and mental health care and with Medicare rebates, that has become easier.You need to visit your General Practitioner (GP), paediatrician or psychiatrist and explain what has been happening emotionally. It is good idea to book a longer consultation with your GP so that they have enough time to discuss what has been happening and prepare a plan for you and write a referral letter. The plan is called a “Mental Health Care Plan” and entitles you to a rebate for sessions. Please bring the plan and referral letter with you when you first come along.
Can I use my private health insurance?
Yes. It is important to check with your health fund as policies vary. Also note that you cannot claim a private health care rebate if you are also claiming a Medicare rebate for the same session. However, if you have not yet got a referral, or have used the 10 Medicare sessions for the year, if is OK to use your private health fund.
