A GP referral is not necessary to access counselling services, and self referrals are welcome.
A GP referral can be helpful though because you will be able to claim a Medicare Rebate towards the costs of each session. This program is called the Medicare Better Access initiative and is for individuals with a diagnosed mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. This program provides for up to 10 rebatable sessions per calendar year.
Couples therapy as such is not covered under the Medicare Better Access program. However if you are an individual with a Mental Health Care Plan which indicates your relationship with your partner is contributing to your distress, it may be appropriate for you to involve a partner or family member in some sessions with you. Please discuss with Ingrid directly. Some Private Health Funds provide cover for couples therapy - you will need to check with your fund provider.
If booking an appointment with your GP to request a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan, please request a longer GP appointment at time of booking.
You can contact Ingrid by phone or on- line to make an appointment. T; 0450 008 264.
GP referrals can be faxed to F: 03 8640 0656.
FEES:
Sessions are generally weekly or fortnightly, dependent on each individual/couples need. Sessions usually run for 50 - 60 minutes.
This is NOT a Bulk Billing practice however Health Card concessions may be available on request. Please discuss with Ingrid.
From October 2024 fees are $180 per session. Medicare rebate for eligible referrals is $85.20 per session and can be claimed automatically utilising the in-office Halaxy encrypted fee and Medicare processing.
Some Private Health Funds provide rebates for counselling and therapy under social work services. Medibank, BUPA and Teachers Health Fund currently offer this for individuals and for some covers, for couples therapy also. (Dependent on your specific individual level of cover). Check with your health fund provider to see see if this is available to you.
TRAINING
Ingrid works as a Clinical Social Worker and is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. She holds memberships with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) are required to complete additional training and assessment as well as two years post graduate supervision providing focused psychological therapies, which Ingrid has achieved. Ingrid has also completed 2 years of post graduate training in family therapy and trained to advanced level in attachment based emotion focused couples therapy (registered internationally with ICEFT and locally via MCEFT.
She is eligible for membership with the relevant organisations and upkeeps all annual supervision and training requirements to maintain these.
