There are a number of options that may be available to you for payment for consultations including access to Medicare rebates, fully bulk-billed through Medicare, rebates from private health funds and private payment.

If a client is ever unsure if they can afford treatment, we are more than happy to discuss their situation and the options available to them.

Consultation Fees​​

The Australian Psychological Society has a Schedule of Recommended Fees for private practice psychological services. We understand that all of our clients are in different financial situations and that the full fee is out of reach for many people needing our assistance. For that reason our consultation rate is significantly lower than that recommended by the APS.

The consultation rate at Straight Up Psychology is $120 per session.

After hours appointments (including Saturday) are $150 per session.

Bulk Billing

Bulk billing is intended to provide assistance to individuals on low incomes with no out of pocket expenses for you. Our weekday (business hour) appointments for clients who are over 18 or who hold a Seniors Card, Health Care Card, Student Card or Carers Discount Card are bulk-billed.

To qualify, you must have a referral, in the form of a Mental Health Care Plan, from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician, prior to your first appointment.

Under the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, from January 1st 2013, the number of counselling sessions eligible people can receive through Medicare is 10 individual sessions per calendar year (Jan-Dec). Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions. You may also receive up to 10 group therapy sessions or skills classes in a calendar year.
 
Remember to bring your Mental Health Care Plan and Medicare Card, as well as your Seniors, Health Care or Carers Discount Card with you to your first appointment.

If you do not fit into any of the above categories but feel that you need to be bulk billed please discuss this at the time of making your appointment.

Please note that after hours appointments are not bulk billed.

Medicare Rebates

Appointments with a referral in the form of a Mental Health Care Plan are eligible for the Medicare rebate, helping you to pay for most of the cost of your treatment. After the Medicare rebate of $89.65 is applied, the gap payment or out-of pocket expense for a session is $30.35. Payment is due at the time of your session. Unfortunately we are unable to accept credit / debit card payments at this time and sessions must be paid for in cash.

Please note that after hours appointments made with a Mental Health Care referral are charged at $150 per session and eligible for the same Medicare rebate, with the gap payment or out-of pocket expense for a session being $60.35. 

Clients with a referral from their medical practitioner may be able to access Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year (Jan to Dec).

Remember to bring your Mental Health Care Plan and Medicare Card with you to your first appointment.​

Third Party Payment

In circumstances where payment is being made by a third party, for example WorkCover, DVA or FESS, you will require a referral in accordance with that organisations processes. An approved claim number or similar verification must be provided before treatment sessions can begin. An invoice will be sent to that organisation for payment.

If you have a claim with a third party that is currently under consideration, then you are responsible for making payments until your claim is approved. Once your claim is approved you can usually recover the money that you have already paid through that organisation. Please check your individual circumstances with the organisation you are dealing with.

Private Payment

If you intend to pay for sessions yourself and do not intend to claim a Medicare rebate, a doctor’s referral is not required and there are no restrictions on the number of sessions you can attend. Payment is due at the time of your session. Unfortunately we are unable to accept credit / debit card payments at this time and sessions must be paid for in cash.

Private Health Insurance

Rebates may be available for clients with Private Health Insurance with plans that cover psychology services. Clients will need to check, with their own health fund, their eligibility requirements and the amount that they can claim for each session. Payment will be required on the day of consultation. You will receive a receipt at the end of your session which can then be claimed with your private health fund.

You are able to access your allowable Medicare rebated sessions and then access further sessions using your private health insurance. However you are not permitted to use your private health insurance to cover any gap payments. You cannot claim both your private health fund rebate and your Medicare rebate on the same session.

Psychological Reports

Psychological reports are charged according to the AAPi Schedule of Fees. 

Cancellation Policy

Making an appointment means that we have arranged to see you at a specific time and we do not make that time available to other clients.

We understand that there are times when, due to emergencies or obligations for work or family, you may need to change or cancel an appointment. However, when you do not call to cancel your appointment we are unable to fill that session. In order to allow other clients that may need this time the opportunity to make an appointment, and also to ensure that the psychologists’ time is respected, we have a 48 hour cancellation policy.

If you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact us so that your appointment can be made available to other patients. You may cancel an appointment via phone or SMS/text message.

Cancellations and changes made with less than 48 hours notice will be charged at the full rate. If you fail to arrive for your scheduled appointment without providing notice, the full fee will be payable. Please note that this fee is not covered by Medicare or your insurance.

David Fillmore   Registered Psychologist

​​Straight Up Psychology