What happens with referrals - how do I get a referral?

You can obtain a referral from your GP, typically in the form of a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). An MHCP allows for up to 10 rebate-able sessions within a calendar year: 6 sessions initially and an additional 4 after a review with your doctor. While you're welcome to attend more sessions beyond this plan, please note that rebates won't be available until the next calendar year.

However, there's good news! Medicare offers a Safety Net to help manage costs.

Medicare Safety Nets (as of 1 January 2023):

“Once the relevant annual threshold of out-of-pocket costs has been met, Medicare will pay up to 80 per cent of any future out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital Medicare services for the remainder of the calendar year”.

Please remember that individual circumstances can vary, so it's important to check how the Medicare Safety Net applies to your specific situation. For more information, you can refer to the Medicare Safety Net fact sheets available at http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-EMSN-1Jan2023

Are medicare rebates available?

Yes, Medicare rebates are available when you have a Mental Health Care Plan (as mentioned above). The Medicare rebate for general psychologist consultations is $89.65. You'll need to pay the full session fee upfront, and the rebate will be processed after your appointment. For more details, please check your Medicare Safety Net online.

Duration of therapy

"How long is a piece of string?!"

This question doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer because everyone is unique. Therapy is tailored to your individual needs, which can take time to determine.

We typically recommend starting with 6 sessions and then reviewing your progress. Your psychologist will regularly discuss your treatment with you, so feel free to discuss any changes or new goals you'd like to focus on.

Please note that therapy for complex trauma, trauma, and dissociation often requires more time. It's best to discuss these specific needs with your therapist.

How long does a session go for?

The APS recommends therapy sessions to be a minimum of 45 minutes. At Bloom Psychology, our sessions are 50 minutes long. The additional 10 minutes at the end of each hour allows us time for administrative tasks, taking a short break, and preparing for the next client.

Exceptions:

• Initial sessions: These are 90 minutes long to allow ample time for you to share your concerns and for us to understand your needs.

• EMDR processing sessions: These are also 90 minutes long to ensure there's enough time for your processing and to help you feel ready to continue with your day afterward.

Do you have a waitlist?

Absolutely! We understand that effective treatment often requires time, and waiting can be challenging. Our waitlist is carefully managed to ensure everyone is accounted for, helping to ensure you don’t slip through the cracks.

What are your fees?

Our fees are based on the APS National Schedule of Recommended Fees for 2023-2024. The standard fee for a 46 to 60-minute consultation is $300. However, we offer a rate of $250 for a 50-minute consultation. For 90-minute consultations, the fee is $350.

Cancellations

Our psychologists dedicate themselves to maintaining scheduled appointments. We recognize that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we kindly request that cancellations be made with at least 2 business days’ notice.

Appointments cancelled within this 2-business-day window will be charged the full fee. Similarly, appointments that are missed without prior cancellation will also incur the full fee.

If you know in advance that you won't be able to attend your appointment, please reach out to us as soon as possible. We maintain a waitlist of clients eager to secure earlier appointments, and they would greatly appreciate the chance to receive support sooner.

What to expect in initial sessions 

Meeting someone new for the first time can be nerve-wracking! We strive to create a welcoming environment, especially during your initial session. Think of it as an initial consultation or assessment, similar to what you'd have with any healthcare provider.

During these first sessions, we'll ask you a variety of questions to get to know you better. We'll inquire about your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, family background, job or study, and aspirations. Some of these questions might resemble those you'd encounter when getting a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

We understand that some questions might feel intrusive or overwhelming at first. Please know that our aim is to understand you better and tailor our approach to your needs. If any questions make you uncomfortable, feel free to let your psychologist know. You're not obligated to share details that you're not comfortable disclosing.

It's important to mention that, as part of our duty of care, there are specific questions we're required to ask during our initial meetings. This helps us conduct a risk assessment and ensures we provide the highest level of care and treatment to everyone.   

What to expect from therapy overall

Therapy is a journey—it's not always straightforward, but it can be incredibly effective and fulfilling. Think of it like going to the gym: you show up daily or weekly, push yourself a little each time, and in the short term, it might be hard to notice changes. However, when you look back at your progress over time, you'll feel proud of the effort you've invested.

For some people, this journey may span years, but it's time well spent investing in a better life for yourself.

Accountability in sessions partnership relationship building

Like any successful partnership, the therapeutic relationship thrives on trust, mutual respect, and healthy boundaries. As therapists, we're committed to doing our best to support you. We understand that the time we spend together, whether it's an hour a week or every fortnight, may feel short.

Let's consider a rowboat analogy: Rowing a boat requires teamwork. We both have our oars in the water, but without clear communication, we might steer off course. If one of us decides to take a break from rowing, it's essential to communicate that to the other; otherwise, we risk going in circles. And if there's a hole in the boat, it affects both of us—we sink together.

Therapy is all about open communication and recognizing the need for breaks. These breaks are essential for sustaining us throughout the entire journey.

Goodness of fit in therapy relationships

Finding the right therapy relationship can be a bit like finding the right pair of shoes—it might not feel perfect on the first try, and that’s completely okay! Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and sometimes it takes time to find a therapist whose approach truly clicks with you.

If you have concerns about how things are going or feel the fit isn’t quite right, please don’t hesitate to bring it up during a session. Openly discussing these feelings can help us make adjustments and tailor the process to better suit your needs—or, if necessary, help you explore other options.

As Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) wisely reminds us, “we’re not a pot of Nutella—not everyone will love us!” And that’s okay. If you’re looking for something different, keep searching. When you find your “Nutella” therapist and put in the work, it can be life-changing. You’re worth the effort it takes to find the right fit.