No. You can see a psychologist without a referral from your GP; however you cannot claim Medicare Rebates without a valid referral.  
You do not need a referral from a GP if you plan to claim via private health insurance.

Our Clinical Psychology fee is $260, to be paid at the end of each consultation. EFTPOS facilities are available.  If you have been referred by your GP and have a mental health plan, you may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $136.35 per session (up to a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year). Therefore your out-of-pocket expenses will be $123.65 per 50-minute consultation. If you have reached your Medicare Safety Net, your out-of-pocket expenses will be significantly reduced.

Yes. Depending on your policy, most private health insurance companies will cover psychology services under “extras”.  The Mindful Clinic is registered with most major health insurers; however it is recommended that you contact your insurer to determine your eligibility for psychology rebates.  Note that you cannot claim privately on services that have already attracted a Medicare rebate.

The number of sessions will be determined at the initial assessment, and will be discussed with you when a treatment plan is created.  Some clients find that 6 sessions is sufficient, however, depending on the nature and complexity of the difficulties – additional therapeutic sessions may be recommended.

This depends on the age of your child and their presenting issues.  For younger children, it is essential that a family-based (systemic) approach is taken. Generally, the best results are evident when the parent/caregiver is dedicated to changing their own behaviour and responses (as recommended by the psychologist).

However, it is common for adolescent clients to request that their parents not be involved in the therapeutic process. We must respect that they require confidential space to process their difficulties. All clients will be informed of our Duty of Care – whereby confidentiality may be limited in risky situations where there are serious concerns for the young person’s safety (or the safety of others). In such situations, we collaborate with the young person as well as parents/caregivers (or other agencies, if appropriate) in order to ensure their safety.

Yes, absolutely. The Mindful Clinic works with children, adolescents and their families. However, at least half of our clients are adults over the age of 20. Perhaps you require support for anxiety or depression, or maybe you’re just feeling a bit stuck at the moment; please contact us to discuss your needs.

The first session with your psychologist will normally involve a 50-minute assessment. This will be your opportunity to tell your “story.” Your psychologist will ask you questions about mental health, family history and your current situation. It is also a way to gain rapport and decide whether you feel comfortable working with your psychologist.

The second session usually involves creating specific treatment goals. Your psychologist will then discuss treatment recommendations. Recommendations include: treatment type, how often you will need to attend, as well as the number of sessions necessary in order to achieve your goals.

It is important to recognise that some of the topics you explore with your psychologist might be challenging, and you may feel somewhat unsettled at times. This is completely normal, and it can be a very helpful part of the therapeutic process. The more willing and open you are to the process, the more you will benefit from your treatment.

Throughout the treatment process, your psychologist will suggest mental strategies and techniques for you to practice in between sessions. It’s like learning to play an instrument – the more practice you do, the better you will get. You will experience some of these techniques within your sessions, but the majority of your work will be conducted outside of the clinic. Don’t worry, you will NOT be expected to complete worksheets.

Clients often notice improvements very early in the treatment process, and some may decide to quit therapy prematurely. Ultimately, of course, this is up to you – but as mood and anxiety symptoms tend to fluctuate over time, we always recommend that you complete your treatment plan in order to receive the full benefits.

The Mindful Clinic no longer offers Educational and Cognitive Assessments. However, if it is determined that your child requires additional assessment – we can refer you to a number of providers (including low-cost university clinics) that will be able to undertake such an assessment. 

While we do not prepare legal reports, we are happy to refer you to colleagues who specialise in medico-legal assessments.