Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist

No, referrals are not necessary to have an appointment.

I do encourage you to seek a referral from your GP or psychiatrist as you may be eligible to receive a rebate.

Are Medicare rebates available for psychological services?

Yes. The majority of psychological services are eligible for rebates from Medicare. In order to be eligible, you will need a referral from your GP before having your appointment.

You may also be eligible to access support  through your Private Health Insurance, WorkSafe or TAC

What is the rebate from Medicare?

The rebate under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is $98.95 under the Better Access initiative.

How do I get a referral?

1. Book an appointment with your GP

   • You will need to book an appointment with your GP to get a referral. Many GP clinics require a double appointment so that they can allocate time to create the plan. As part of the referral process, you will need to inform your GP of the psychological issues that you are experiencing. Please note that you only need to describe your symptoms, you do not need to share your history or what has triggered the symptoms should you not wish to do so. After learning about your symptoms, the GP will develop a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), which enables you to claim rebates from treatment at Athena Phythian Psychology.

2. Bring your referral and MHTP to your initial appointment:

   • It does not matter whether the referral is addressed to me or not, you are able to claim the rebate from any Medicare registered psychologist. I must receive a copy of the signed plan in order to process the rebate for your appointment. You can bring it in person however I recommend that the GP email it.

3. You can settle your account either via direct deposit or EFTPOS, on the day of the appointment.  I then issue you with an invoice ready for lodgement by you, online at Medicare.

Are other rebates available for psychological services?

Yes. I am registered with a range of third-party groups that provide rebates for counselling services provided by a psychologist.

• Traffic Accident Commission (TAC)

• ​WorkSafe Victoria

• ​Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)

• ​National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

What happens in a counselling session?

In the first appointment, I will invite you to share what it is that you want to talk about, and what it is you want to achieve. I will listen to your issues without judgement and explore how the problem developed and what things you have already tried to overcome the problem. I will then introduce strategies and skills that have been researched and found effective in the treatment of the problem you've raised.

How often do I need to come to counselling?

This is an individual decision that will be addressed in the initial session as it can be dependant of a variety of factors such as severity, urgency, finances, availability. Usually clients choose a frequency of once a week or fortnight for the first couple of appointments to establish a foundation of skills and strategies.

How many counselling sessions should I have?

There is no required or minimum amount of sessions. The number of sessions can range between a "one-off" to ongoing support. Clients usually begin with 3 sessions and we frequently reassess whether our work is leading to the goals set at the initial appointment.

Treatments under the Medicare Better Access Scheme usually consist of a referral for 6 sessions and a subsequent 4 sessions should additional sessions be needed. The Better Access Scheme is currently limited to 10 sessions a calendar year.

What does my session fee cover?

The session fee covers a single counselling appointment in addition to several other activities. For instance, the fee covers record keeping, case notes from the session, communication with any involved health professionals such as GPs, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, and, treatment planning. Athena Phythian Psychology does not stop working on your mental health after you have left the room. I maintain the highest professional standards to ensure lasting and effective change.

How do I pay for my session?

I accept the following payment methods for counselling services: Direct Deposit, Cash or EFTPOS on the day of the appointment.

All details to assist with payment are included on the invoice.

Will counselling be confidential?

Yes, anything discussed within the counselling session will remain private and confidential. These confidentiality provisions, however, are limited where there is a need to:

- Protect a child or children.

- Prevent or lessen a serious or imminent threat to life, health or property.

- Prevent the commission or likely commission of a crime.

- Prevent violence or a threat of violence to a person or property.

Any issue that you raise that may lead to disclosure to another party will be discussed with you before action is taken. Any action taken is designed to protect you and the public.

Does the psychologist take notes in the session?

Yes, I will often take notes during the session to assist treatment planning. I sometimes will provide you with a record of the strategies or skills practised in a session. Many clients find having the strategies and skills helpful as they can refer to the notes in between appointments. All written notes are confidential and stored securely by our staff.

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