Fees
Fees: The Schedule Fee for Psychology is set by the Governing body at $330 per 50 minute session. AJP Psychology fees remain well below the schedule fee. AJP Psychology is not a bulk billing practice and fees must be paid on attendance of your appointment. If report writing is required this is charged at hourly rates.
Insurance claims: AJP Psychology accepts referrals from insurance claims, however is not SIRA registered so does not accept Work Cover referrals.
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Medicare: As a registered Medicare provider, if you hold a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you are entitled to a Medicare rebate of $98.95. This is processed by your psychologist via hicaps following completion of your appointment and once the full fee is paid. A Mental Health Treatment Plan allows you 10 rebatable sessions per calendar year.
Private: You can choose to pay privately or claim from your Private Health Insurance if covered for Psychology. Australian Health Insurances offer Psychology rebates, if it is listed in your policy. You will be responsible to claim your rebates directly with your Health Insurer. Contact your insurance provider to identify if Psychology is covered.
FAQ's
What is Psychology? Psychology is the study of the human condition of our behaviours, thoughts and feelings. Being human is formulated through biological influences, upbringing, demographics, social contexts, norms and cultural influences as well as environmental factors. All these plus more, influence our ideas and shape how we form opinions and in turn how we behave, think and emotionally respond to situations. When we form a richer and deeper understanding of our own psychology, we can help gain greater insights and understanding into our behaviours and in turn others and the world around us.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist? A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specific training in prescribing medication for mental health concerns . Psychologists are focused on mental health treatment and assessments only and cannot prescribe medication.
What does Psychology treatment involve? Firstly, your Psychologist will need to gather required background information, and formulate a treatment plan based on your therapy goals and presentations. Treatment outcomes are not a guarantee as there are many varying factors that impact treatment outcomes. It is important that you are wanting and willing to engage in therapy and feel heard and understood by your Psychologist.
What approaches will be used in my treatment? Your psychologist will explore if you have previously engaged in Psychology what did you find beneficial or not. Treatment will draw on any of the following evidence based strategies and interventions; Psycho-education, motivational interviewing, CBT, MBCT, (structured with focuses challenging cognitive distortions and changing unhelpful behaviours.) relaxation strategies, skills training (problem solving, anger management, social skills training, communication training, stress management, parent management training), Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative therapy, ACT, SFT, Schema, EMDR, DBT, SFBT, Schema, Psychodynamic.
Does my Medicare Mental Health Referral cover the costs for me to see a psychologist? No. Private practice Psychologist tend not to bulk-bill. Psychologists are specialised in their field with extensive training and study - reflective of the gap payment associated. Medicare only provides a rebate, it does not cover the total cost of the appointment. This means you will have an out-of-pocket expense which is the gap between the fee for service and the rebate you receive from Medicare.
Can I stop my therapy at any time? Yes. You can cease treatment at any time. If you are referred by a GP under a Medicare Mental health plan your Psychologist is required to report back to your GP. When you are ready to disengage it can be beneficial to discuss this with your Psychologist so a maintenance plan can be put in place to support you outside of therapy. If you choose to disengage without a closure, your Psychologist has a duty of care to make a number of attempts to reach you prior to closing your file and notifying your GP.