Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No referral is required to begin therapy with Advaita Psychology if you are paying the full session fee privately. However, a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is required if you plan to access Medicare rebates.
How do I get a Medicare rebate?
To receive a Medicare rebate of $101.55 per session, you will first need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral letter from your GP. Under the Medicare scheme, eligible individuals can access 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. Initially your GP referral will be for 6 sessions and following a review by your GP you can receive another 4 sessions.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)?
For individuals experiencing difficulties with their mental health, obtaining a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a GP is relatively straightforward. Please read this short Queensland Health article which explains Mental Health Care Plans and how to obtain one.
When will I get my Medicare rebate?
After each therapy session you will pay the full session fee, and we will then submit your claim online for the rebate to be processed. Medicare will then refund the rebate amount into your nominated bank account held with Medicare. This may take up to 7-days but usually takes 1-2 days.
What should I expect during therapy?
Your first session is an intake appointment. Your psychologist will take the time to understand your history, symptoms, main concerns, and what you are hoping to achieve in therapy. Together you will set therapy goals and discuss the approaches likely to work best for you.
Sessions run for approximately 50-minutes. Most people find that in the early stages of therapy attending weekly or fortnightly appointments works well. Then as you progress, sessions typically become less frequent. The number of sessions likely required to see improvement varies between clients. Some people find significant relief in as few as 6 to 8 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Between appointments your psychologist may suggest that you occasionally complete various worksheets, psychological exercises, or behavioural experiments to help you put your new skills into practice during your everyday life. This is where the magic happens and change occurs.
When you are ready, and towards the end of therapy, your psychologist may also help you to develop a relapse prevention plan tailored for your specific circumstances. This plan provides guidance on the steps to take if you experience similar difficulties again in the future. And remember, you are always welcome to pop back in for a periodic booster session if you feel the need. These follow-up meetings help you review your progress and talk through any new challenges. However, the primary goal of therapy is to create a situation where we can gradually cease treatment because you now have the knowledge, tools, and skills to thrive on your own.
What's involved in the booking process?
Simply click the “Book a telehealth consultation” button on our website. The link will take you to the Halaxy website. Halaxy is a secure global practice and patient management platform used by healthcare professionals.
- Select service – “Halaxy Telehealth”
- Select fee – “Private”, “Medicare rebated”, “NDIS”, or “DVA”.
- Choose an available day and time from our calendar
- Fill in some personal and payment details (if applicable).
The whole process is quick and simple. You will then receive a confirmation email with a secure video link. Just prior to your appointment time, simply click on the link from any device.
Do you work with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients?
Yes. However, Advaita Psychology is not a registered NDIA provider and does not provide services to NDIS agency-managed clients. However, we can provide services to NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients.
NDIS Self-Managed Clients - Invoice paid after the session.
NDIS Plan-Managed Clients - Invoice will be sent to your plan manager.
Do you work with Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) clients?
Yes, we support our veterans.
What are the technical requirements for a telehealth consultation?
All you need is:
- A device with a camera and microphone (computer, phone, or tablet)
- A reliable internet connection
- A quiet, private space
No software to download — just click the secure link we send you.
Do you offer bulk-billed appointments?
No. For several reasons, bulk billing is becoming increasingly rare in Australia and Advaita Psychology is not a bulk-billing practice. This means a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) will entitle you to a Medicare rebate only and there will be out-of-pocket costs involved with your session as outlined in our “Fees” section.