Relationship Counselling Inner West FAQ's
Q: Do I need a referral from a GP to make an appointment with you?
No, you do not need a referral from a GP to see a Psychotherapist or Counsellor.
Q: What do therapists charge?
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended fee for a Psychologist is $280 for between 46 to 60 minutes (2022-2023). Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) recommended fee for a Mental Health Social Worker is $240 for 50 to 60 minutes. The Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia does not set a recommended fee. The cost of seeing a therapist can vary greatly so it's best to ask your therapist about their fees directly.
Q: What are your fees?
My fees are very competitive when compared to other professionals and are reflective of my qualifications and experience. My fees cover all of my business costs + salary + ongoing professional development + clinical training + the considerable time I dedicate to pre and post sessions i.e., preparing for sessions and writing client notes. For more information on fees, feel free to email me.
Q: What do I need to ask myself when looking for a suitable therapist?
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What are the therapists qualifications and experience?
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Do they have expertise with my issue? Therapists cannot be all things to all people.
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Is the therapist professional, empathic, respectful? Trust your instincts.
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What sense do I get about them from their website, their social media? Some therapists offer a free no obligation 15 min consultation so you can see if you are a "good fit"- take them up on this offer.
Q: What are Mental Health treatment plans and rebates?
Mental Health treatment plans are referrals from GPs for Individual therapy only and do not apply to couples therapy, to see Psychologists and other Allied Health Professionals (excluding Psychotherapists & Counsellors) for Anxiety & Depression. Counselling sessions are limited to 10 per year whereby clients receive a Medicare rebate often for only part of the cost, requiring a "gap" payment by the client. Be sure to ask your Psychologist/Allied Health Professional what their "gap" payment is. The "gap" payment may be equivalent to the fees of a Psychotherapist or Counsellor. Many studies have proven that the therapeutic alliance, that is, the strength of the relationship between you and the therapist is the number one factor in achieving the best therapeutic outcomes, rather than focusing solely on fees or how much money you will get back.
Q: Can I claim a rebate through my private health insurance?
No.
Q: Can I use my mental health treatment plan referral when seeing you?
No, mental health treatment plans do not apply to Psychotherapists or Counsellors and cannot be used in Couples Therapy.
Q: What if I want to make an appointment with you - but I have a referral?
Even if your GP has given you a Mental Health treatment referral - you don't have to use it and you can make an appointment with me. The most important thing is to find an affordable Psychotherapist or Counsellor that you connect with rather than focusing solely on fees and rebates.
Q: What does a first couples counselling session look like?
We will talk about confidentiality, our cancellation policy any previous therapy you may have had. We will then discuss the timeline of your relationship, what bought you in to therapy and your goals and expectations. This first session is a time for both you and I to assess whether I am the right therapist for you. If for whatever reason I believe we are not the optimal fit to achieve success in therapy, I will make a referral to a more suited therapist. My main goal is to provide you with the skills and insights to improve your relationship with an expectation that in between sessions you are also doing the work needed to improve your relationship.
Please feel free to call us to discuss any other questions you may have.