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FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
DO I NEED A REFERRAL?
You do not need a referral to attend counselling.   If however you wish to claim Medicare rebates you will need a Mental Health Plan and referral from your GP or psychiatrist.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
If you have a referral from your GP or Psychiatrist please bring your Mental Health Plan or referral and your medicare card details.  On arrival at your first appointment you will be asked to read and complete some paperwork regarding privacy and confidentiality, a consent form to contact your referrer and a copy of our cancellation policy.
CAN I CONTINUE ATTENDING COUNSELLING AFTER COMPLETING MY 20 MEDICARE SESSIONS?
Yes you can continue attending counselling however you can only claim a medicare rebate for up to 20Â sessions a year.
CAN I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO MY APPOINTMENT?
You are welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment however clients often find that they feel more free to talk about their situation when they attend counselling on their own.  I do not provide couple or family counselling.  If you are wanting to bring a partner or family member with you because you are seeking couple or family counselling I can refer you to a practitioner who can offer you this service.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER?
Clinical Social Workers, also called Accredited Mental Health Social Workers, have completed a four year degree in social work at university level.  They have then continued their training to specialise in mental health and counselling and have completed another two years of supervised practice in mental health.  Many Clinical Social Workers, like myself, have also completed a Masters in Counselling.  Clinical Social Workers are required to be accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers and maintain this registration through ongoing training and professional development.
SHOULD I SEE A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER, PSYCHOLOGIST OR COUNSELLOR?
When making a decision about who to seek counselling and support from it is important that you find someone who
you feel comfortable with and who has experience in working with the particular issues and challenges you are facing;
is a fully qualified professional who has received training at a University level. This may include a Bachelor and/or a Masters degree in counselling; and
is accredited by a recognised professional body in Australia such as the Australian Association of Social Workers, Australian Psychological Society or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
WHY DO YOU CHARGE A CANCELLATION FEE?
A cancellation policy allows enough time for another client who is on the waiting list to be offered an appointment. It also ensures business continuity and viability. You will have an opportunity to discuss the cancellation policy at your first session.
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