PLEASE NOTE
* I welcome referrals from GP's through the Medicare Better Access scheme (where eligible), self referrals for privately funded access, and self referrals accessing private health rebates (where your level of cover allows). I also take referrals from ADF, DVA, Workcover and Insurance.
* I am not currently taking child and adolescent therapy referrals with current availability and intakes for 18+ only, with apologies.
* I do not provide family court, or forensic assessments or reports.
fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Medicare rebate for Psychology Service and Information
You can access psychological services in a variety of ways, but we recommend you speak with your GP for a referral under what is known as a "Mental Health Care Plan", under the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This Plan is completed by a General Pactitioner (GP) and provides access to Medicare rebates. Please bring your referral with you at your initial consulation. Medicare will cover $93.35 per one-hour session for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year if you have a referral (Mental Health Treatment Plan) from your local doctor. This means you are paying $66.65 per session for specialist professional assistance. You must bring a copy of the Mental Health Care Plan to your first appointment.
Your doctor may require you to book a longer session for this referral, so please let the receptionist know the reason for your visit when you phone to make an appointment.
If you are not eligible for a Medicare rebate, or need more than 10 sessions, you may also be able to claim under your Private Health Insurance.
Private Health Insurance
Many private health funds now offer rebates for psychological services. We are registered providers with most of the major health care funds such as Australian Unity, Australian Health Management (AHM), MBF, NIB, HCF, NRMA, and Medibank Private. Please check with your health fund to see if you are able to claim for psychological services.
Please bring any referrals or mental health plans with you to your first appointment.
What will it cost?
Your first session will cost $180. This is a longer appointment (1.5 Hours) to collect a comprehensive history and testing to clarify your concerns.
Subsequent sessions will cost $160. Medicare rebate of $93.35 is refunded via Medicare "HiCaps" facilities at the time of your appointment. PCN Services can also put an immediate claim through most private health insurers to save you time reclaiming.
What to expect
Appointments are generally 50 minutes in duration. During your first appointment, it is usual for the psychologist to ask you to describe your problem and to ask for details about your personal
history for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Following this information gathering phase, your psychologist will discuss a treatment plan and expected number of sessions to help you achieve your goals and desired outcome.
PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS
Many private health funds now offer rebates for psychological services. PCN Services is a registered provider with most of the major health care funds such as Australian Unity, Australian Health Management (AHM), MBF, NIB, HCF, NRMA, and Medibank Private. Please check with your health fund to see if you are able to claim for psychological services.
Medicare and private health rebates are not able to be claimed for the same consultation.
WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Psychological consultation fees may be covered in the case of a workers compensation claim. Please consult with your workers compensation insurer or employer for further information.
Your Claim Number is required at the time of your first consultation.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS (DVA)
If you hold a Gold Card or a White Card for a mental health condition, you are entitled to receive psychological treatment.
For more information regarding eligibility please visit: https://www.dva.gov.au/factsheet-hsv99-mental-health-support
Is what I tell you confidential?
Yes. PCN complies with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Professional Ethics. All your personal information gathered during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except when:
• It is subpoenaed by a court, or
• Failure to disclose the information would place you
or another person at risk , or
• You give us written approval to share information with a third party.
What about my privacy?
All psychologists at our clinic are registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and Medicare Australia, and as such we comply with the Australian Psychological Society code of ethics and guidelines for professional conduct, as well as the legal requirements under the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment Act 2000.
Contact - PCN Services
Contact mobile: 0458 638 938
Appointments
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
After hours appointments available.
Please ask when booking your appointment.
If you require urgent assistance please contact the police or ambulance on 000.
Medical Objects is available for referrals to be sent directly and confidentially from your GP to PCN Services.