Question 1

What should I expect in my first session?

Accepted Answer

All sessions, including the first session are 50 minutes in length. Before the session, you’ll complete consent forms and a brief questionnaire to help us track your progress throughout therapy. Your psychologist will spend the first session getting to know more about you, your presenting issues, history and general lifestyle. At the end of the session, together you’ll agree on clear goals to work towards. Please raise any questions about therapy or uncertainties in your first appointment so we can address them for you. If you’ve been referred under a Mental Health Care Plan, a brief letter will be written back to your referring doctor.

Question 2

How do rebates work?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve been referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you’re eligible for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. The Medicare rebate for a standard consultation is $129.55 for a Clinical Psychologist and $88.25 for a Psychologist. If you have a MHCP, please bring it to your first session.   You can also choose to attend therapy ‘privately’, meaning the cost is completely out of pocket or that you’ll claim a rebate from your private health insurance. Rebates vary depending on the insurance company and your level of cover, so check your eligible rebate beforehand. If you plan to claim your sessions through private health insurance, keep a copy of your receipt so you can claim directly through your insurance company.

Question 3

What are the fees for therapy and how does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Initial and follow-up appointments are $206.35 with a clinical psychologist and $165 with a psychologist (approx. $76 gap under a MHCP). These rates are competitive compared to recommended rates. Fees are payable at the time of service delivery by EFTPOS, credit card or direct debit. We don’t accept cash payments. ​ Meetings at workplaces or schools incur a standard fee (within business hours) + $60 (travel fee). Teleconference meetings that don’t require travel attract a standard fee. There are no rebates available for meetings under the MHCP. ​ Fees for workplace consultations and workshops vary depending on the level of customisation and individual requirements of the business. To talk with us about your needs, use the contact form or book a 15-minute phone consultation.

Question 4

Do you have a cancellation policy and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Please be aware we have a strict cancellation policy. If you cancel your appointment within 48 hours, you’ll be charged a 50% cancellation fee. Our cancellation policy is in place because your last-minute cancellation may mean another client has missed out on an appointment time. Please be aware you can’t claim cancellation fees back from Medicare. You will not be charged if more than 48 hours notice is given or if you have an emergency. Please reschedule your appointment as early as possible if you think you may need to cancel.

Question 5

Do you accept patient referrals and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do accept patient referrals. Our clinical psychologists and registrars see clients for:   Depression Anxiety disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Personality disorders Chronic pain Adjustment difficulties Childhood traumas Bereavement.   We provide you as a medical practitioner with prompt and clear communication through initial appointment letters, review letters and discharge letters. We can also work collaboratively when patients require ongoing support from both a treating medical doctor and clinical psychologist. We welcome discussions about ongoing client management with referrers. Contact us for more information by calling 03 9917 3069 or emailing enquiries@innercollective.com.au

Question 6

What's the difference between a clinical psychologist, psychologist, counsellor and psychiatrist?"

Accepted Answer

Clinical psychologist Clinical psychologists must be endorsed and registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This means having completed at least a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (in Australia) involving clinical internships, coursework, supervision and research. Clinical psychologists undertake ongoing training through a supervised registrar program after graduation then professional development and peer supervision each year.   Psychologist General psychologists are registered by AHPRA and can vary in their level of training and education. Like all psychologists, they are required to undertake ongoing professional development and supervision every year.   Counsellor Counsellors vary greatly in their training and are not government regulated or mandated to undertake further training, supervision or professional development.   Psychiatrist Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialised training in mental health. They have at least five years of specialised training on top of their medical degree and training as a general doctor. Psychiatrists assess and treat complex mental health disorders and can prescribe medication. They often work closely with psychologists who provide therapy.   Health/Life Coach The coaching industry is unregulated, so coaches don’t require any training or a minimum education level. Anyone can call themselves a health or life coach.

Question 7

I’m on the waitlist to see you - what can I do?

Accepted Answer

We're sorry we couldn't match you right away to one of our psychologists. Unlike some other practices, The Inner Collective remains a small and select practice offering the highest quality of care. This means that demand for support can exceed our availability. You can explore free mental health or mindfulness resources, or access our affordable online courses while you’re waiting.   We’ll get in touch as soon as a place opens up, however we understand if you need to look for another practitioner. Depending on your situation, it may be best to get support straight away rather than waiting. Here are two links that can help you find a qualified psychologist: ​ The Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA) ​The Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Question 8

Are there other online mental health resources you recommend?

Accepted Answer

Here are some free online mental health courses, resources and apps that can help you manage issues such as anxiety and depression. You can also explore our mental health blog, free mindfulness resources and affordable online courses. ​ MindSpot Clinic ​This Way Up MoodKit Mood Mission Reachout Breathe WellMind   If you're in a crisis, please contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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