Frequently Asked Questions
Administration Questions
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
We prefer cashless payments (credit or debit card, processed on secure servers through our practice management software Halaxy). Card payments are subject to a card fee. Alternatively, payment by way of bank transfer is accepted. This will only be offered to clients who are prompt with payments.
Q: Do you have a Cancellation Policy?
Yes, due to the high demand for appointments, we need to adopt a cancellation policy for short notice cancellations and no show appointments. If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice you may be charged an $80 cancellation fee. If you fail to show up for your appointment without notice you will be charged the full fee. Of course, we are understanding of exceptional circumstances and encourage you to contact us to discuss any needs for last minute cancellation.
Q: How long is an appointment and Can I book a longer appointment?
A standard session is 50 minutes. Double session consults (usually 100 minutes, or 1 hour 40 minutes) are often useful in certain circumstances. This includes for your initial consult, or for more in-depth therapy such as EMDR processing.
Q: Why are appointments 50 minutes rather than 60 minutes
Your face to face session time with your Psychologist is 50 minutes. However a full clinical hour (60 minutes) is blocked out for your session. This allows your Psychologist time at the end of session to attend to paperwork such as session notes, finish or commence letters to your GP or other health professionals involved in your care, and follow up emails to you (with resources). This is another way of reducing the cost to you. For example, if you require a short letter that can be done within the 'clinical hour' then that can be completed at no cost to you whereas if the additional 10 minutes was taken up with therapy your therapist might need to charge their time to complete this task.
Q: How can I get a Medicare referral?
You need an appropriate referral from a GP, Psychiatrist Or Paediatrician. Generally the easiest path Is:
1. Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a longer consultation.2. At that appointment, discuss your concerns with your GP and whether you are eligible for a A 'Mental Health Care Plan'.
4. Ask the referral to be addressed to The Change Room Psychology 3. Contact us to book an appointment time and either send your GP Plan through to us via email or have your GP send via email or fax.
Q: How Many Sessions Can I Have With A GP Mental Health Care Plan And Get The Medicare Rebate?
You can access a total of 10 sessions in a calendar year (or current 20 sessions under Covid Provisions) but you must go back to your doctor after certain sessions for reviews and to obtain a contiuning referral (currently the requirement is to return to the GP after session 6, and after session 10 when accessing the additional 10 'covid' sesisons). Your psychologist will track your session count and remind you when you need to renew your referral with the GP.
Q: How Is My Medicare Rebate Paid To Me?
If you are registered with Medicare for rebates it will be paid in to the account you nominated. If you are not registered with Medicare you can register your bank account details with us, or with Medicare directly by:
· Going to the myGov website and signing in to access your Medicare online account
· Using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. You can download it to your mobile device. For information, go to the Australian Government Department of Human Services website and search for ‘Express Plus’.
· Calling Medicare on 132 011 (call charges may apply).
· Going to the myGov website and signing in to access your Medicare online account
· Using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. You can download it to your mobile device. For information, go to the Australian Government Department of Human Services website and search for ‘Express Plus’.
· Calling Medicare on 132 011 (call charges may apply).
Q: How much is the Medicare rebate?
Currently $96.65 - as at July 2024
Q: Can I get the Medicare rebate 'on the spot'?
Yes. You can have it refunded into your savings or cheque account (if you have registered with Medicare) after you have paid the full amount of the consultation. Medicare generally processes this refund overnight and deposits it into the account that you have registered with Medicare.
Therapy Questions
Q: What kind of problems can you help me with?
Please see professional profiles of the psychologist of your choice to view their areas of expertise here.
Q: Is what I say to a psychologist confidential?
It is typical to have some concerns about your privacy and confidentiality when sharing intimate details about yourself. Psychologists are required to uphold the Psychologists Board of Australia (PBA) endorsed Code of Ethics. What you say to a psychologist is confidential and will not be passed on to anyone else (such as a family member, friend or employer) without your consent, except where: it is subpoenaed by a court; failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or if disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law. Where you have been referred by your GP, your psychologist will need to provide a brief report to your GP regarding your progress because of the medicare better access (mental health care plan) rules and regulations. If you have concerns about the level of detail in these reports, please discuss with your psychologist.
Q: How is my health data recorded and managed, and is it safe?
Our record keeping and health documentation is maintained on the Halaxy Practice Management System, approved by Australian regulatory authorities. Halaxy undertakes that: “Halaxy does not use patient data to market anything to patients, and we do not provide patients' data so that they can be marketed to” and Halaxy’s full position on data security (including their privacy policy) can be accessed here. Clients are welcomed to read Halaxy's privacy policy to inform their own assurance accordingly.
Q: What should I expect from the first session?
In the initial session, your psychologist will typically ask a number of questions to build an understanding of the particular matters that have brought you to therapy. He or she will gather background information, discuss your expectations and establish objectives for the therapy, in collaboration with you.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
The counselling process is different for each person. The number of sessions you will need depends on your unique circumstances. Some people resolve their issues in just a few sessions, whereas others require treatment over a longer term. This matter will be discussed with your psychologist after the first session.
Q: Is Seeing a Psychologist Typical, Shouldn't I be able to work it out for myself?
Many people from all walks of life come to therapy. You may feel that you've been trying for a long time to solve your current problem or symptoms with little change and this is a good sign that intervention would be helpful. We also see many people who simply require a 'sounding board' or an 'outside perspective' to assist them get their own probleming solving skills back on track. Whilst it can be normal to feel worried about seeking help, we now know that trying to 'snap out of it' or telling yourself to 'move on' is simply not helpful and in fact can lead to more difficulties down the track.
Q: Do you see WorkCover, ComCare and Insurance clients?
Yes. Amy has experience working with people experiencing workplace issues or who have been injured in accidents.