FAQs:
Length of sessions
Sessions are of 50 minutes in duration and occur at 333 Walcott Street, Coolbinia.
Parking
Parking is available at the rear of the clinic and there is also free on-street parking close by.
How do I book my first appointment?
This can be done by using the GET IN TOUCH option on this website, or by emailing, calling, or texting as per the contact details provided. I will then make contact to discuss your needs and schedule an initial appointment.
Office Hours
I see clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00am, and offer late afternoon appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30pm, and on Wednesdays at 4:30pm.
Please note that I am not at the clinic on Fridays, weekends, or Mondays. If you make contact over this period, I will get back to you when I am next in the office.
What to expect
At your initial appointment I will briefly outline the service and explain important issues such as confidentiality. The rest of the session will comprise of assessment questions to ascertain why you are here, what you hope to gain from therapy, and to work out a plan moving forward. Therapeutic work will begin in subsequent sessions.
Number and frequency of sessions
This will depend on your individual needs. I usually recommend fortnightly sessions unless you are going through an acute crisis and require weekly appointments. Some people will find that 6-10 sessions is enough. Others with more complex needs will require more.
Telehealth sessions
A telehealth appointment can be arranged in lieu of a face-to-face appointment where it is clinically appropriate. Telehealth sessions are conducted via videoconferencing over a secure service. You will require access to a computer, tablet, or smart phone, and a reliable WIFI connection.
For people living in rural and remote areas telehealth sessions may be claimed through Medicare’s Better Access initiative if you have a current Mental Health Care Plan. There may be other circumstances under which you may be eligible to claim Medicare rebates for telehealth sessions. Please contact the clinic to discuss this.
Referrals
You do not require a referral to see me but without a referral via a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, or referral from a psychiatrist, you will not be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate.
Confidentiality
Counselling sessions are confidential, and all information collected about you remains private and is only released with your written consent. In rare circumstances psychologists may need to breach confidentiality if there is perceived significant risk to safety, or if under court subpoena. Wherever possible, I will endeavour to discuss such circumstances with you before taking any action.
Please note that if you are referred under a Mental Health Care Plan, I will need to write an update report at specified intervals to the referring doctor, as per Medicare requirements.
Fees and rebates:
As of April 2024, my fee is $250 per 50-minute consultation or therapy session, payable on the day of your appointment. Payments can be made by Visa or Debit card and are processed via a secure online electronic payment system on the day of your appointment. *Please note, the Australian Psychological Society National Schedule of Recommended Fees for 2024-2025 is $311 for a standard 50-minute consultation.
Medicare rebates are available if you are referred by your doctor on a Mental Health Care Plan. The current Medicare rebate for sessions with a clinical psychologist is $141.85 per session, leaving a gap of $108.15. You are entitled to claim up to 10 sessions through Medicare in each calendar year. Please note Medicare rebates are not available for couples counselling.
If you intend to use Private Health Insurance, an invoice with the required item code can be issued on request. This will enable you to lodge a claim with your Private Health Fund. Please note that it is advisable to check with your Insurer in advance as to what rebate you will be entitled to, as this will depend on your level of cover.
Please note that I do not provide services under NDIS.
Cancellations:
Please contact me as early as possible to reschedule or cancel appointments, otherwise the following cancellation fees will apply:
- Cancellation under 24hrs prior to appointment: $100 cancellation fee
- Non-Attendance: full fee charged if you fail to attend an appointment
Emergency Situations:
Please note this is not an emergency service and I do not provide out of hours or weekend support or emergency cover.
Messages cannot be attended to urgently. Website enquiries, emails, texts, and phone messages are NOT monitored outside of office hours or on Mondays, Fridays and over weekends.
If you require emergency mental health support for any reason, including experiencing self-harming and suicidal thoughts, please act immediately by contacting your GP, attending the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital, or calling Emergency Services on 000.
You can also access support by calling:
- Life Line: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
- Crisis Care: (08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (Free Country Call)
- Samaritans: 135 247 (8am-8pm AWST)
- Samaritans Youthline WA: 1800 198 313
- Beyondblue: 1300 224 636
- Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788 (Perth Metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel Region)
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Jo New
Clinical Psychologist
Psychology BSc (Hons); Master of Psychology (Clinical), MACPA
Have other questions?
