Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
A medical referral to a psychologist is not always necessary. You are welcome to self refer if you wish to see a psychologist. If you do not have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician you will be required to pay the full fee of the appointment.
Does Medicare cover Psychological Services?
If you wish to access a Medicare rebate you will require a referral. You can obtain a referral by visiting your GP or psychiatrist/paediatrician and discussing your mental health concerns with them. They may provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan or Enhanced Primary Care Plan, which can be used to access partly funded psychological therapy under Medicare. Please bring a copy of this paperwork to your appointment, or email or fax it in advance to:
e: admin@truenorthpsychology.com.au
f: (07) 3856 0006
A Mental Health Care Plan allows you to access 6 sessions of psychological therapy with a Medicare rebate. After the 6th session you will return to see your GP or psychiatrist/paediatrician to discuss your progress, they can then choose to provide an additional 4 sessions of psychological therapy. This allows you to access 10 sessions of psychological therapy in the calendar year. You are required to pay the full fee of the appointment and are then refunded a partial rebate through Medicare. Your out of pocket expense is the difference between the Psychologist fee and Medicare rebate.
More information about Medicare rebates can be found here: https://www.psychology.org.au/medicare/fact_sheet/
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-fact-pat
Do Private Health Funds cover Psychological Services?
Some private health insurers cover some of the cost of psychological services. Your insurer can provide you with personalised advice based on your package.
How do I make my first appointment?
Contact us on (07) 3856 0004 or admin@truenorthpsychology.com.au to book your first appointment with one of our psychologists. You can call at any time, including after hours, when you can leave a message and your call will be returned on the next business day.
Our friendly administration staff will ask some basic questions that will help to determine which Psychologist will suit your needs best. This is a great time to mention if you have a preference for a particular therapy style, psychologist gender, or day/time preferences for ongoing appointments. If you have any specific requirements please do not hesitate to ask. Our Administration staff will be able to inform you of the appointment fee and out of pocket expense for your appointment.
How do I prepare for my first appointment?
Check your email for your appointment confirmation. This email will include a copy of our confidentiality form. Please read, print and sign this in advance and bring it to your first appointment. If you do not have a printer we can provide a copy on the day for you. Check out our location to determine your travel/parking arrangements. Bring a copy of your referral and Mental Health Care Plan if your GP has provided you with one.
What happens at my first appointment?
Please arrive 10 minutes early for your first appointment. You will be asked to complete some paperwork with your personal information, including your Medicare details. You may be required to complete additional questionnaires, which help our Psychologists determine the nature of your difficulties and track your progress over time.
You will see the psychologist for 50 minutes. During this time they will collect information about your current difficulties and personal history. This information will be used to discuss your goals for treatment, suitable treatment approaches and frequency of future appointments.
What happens after my first appointment?
Our Administration staff will process the full payment for your appointment and book future appointments. True North Psychology is a cashless business and accepts debit/credit cards. Please bring your Medicare card or Private health care card to the appointment if you would like our staff to process any eligible rebates on the spot.
What are the session fees?
Session fees vary for each psychologist, with after hours appointments being typically higher. For specific fee information contact us directly.
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any questions about starting Psychological therapy please do not hesitate to contact True North Psychology via phone, email or our enquiry form for further information.