Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?
To access our services, although it is preferred, you do not require a formal referral from a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. 
How do I access Medicare rebates on therapy sessions?
You may be eligible for a rebate for up to 10 Psychology sessions per calendar year if you are referred by your Psychiatrist or GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). The current Medicare rebate is $89.65. Both a referral letter and the MHTP is required to have a Medicare rebate processed for eligible services. Remind your referrer of this, to save you having to return to them.

NB: Medicare does not currently offer rebates for clinical assessment (this includes consultations regarding potential assessment).
How do I access Private Health Fund Insurer rebates on therapy?
If you have private health cover you may also be covered for private psychology therapy sessions. Please check with your health fund to determine your level of rebate.

NB: Private health fund rebates for clinical assessment may be offered. Please check with your fund for your level of rebate. 
Can I claim both a Medicare and Private Health Insurer rebate on therapy sessions?
Please note that you may not claim from both Medicare and your private health fund for the same session.​
I need support for dealing with Family Court issues.  Is this available?
If you are dealing with matters in the Family Court, and require a psychologist to advocate for you or your child’s best interests, it is best to discuss this with your lawyer.  There are specialist psychologists who work in this area, and who will be able to provide the unbiased support that will help.  This practice does not become involved with the Family Court.  
How much does it cost to have therapy sessions?
The Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) current recommendation for a standard 46-60 minute session is $280.00. However Pilbarra Psych & Assessment have opted to charge at a lower rate:
Adult session fees are currently $240.00 for a standard 46-60 minute session. 
Children (and parent consultation/feedback) session fees are currently $250.00 for a standard 46-60 minute session.
I do not live in Karratha, can I still receive services?
Yes, we offer both therapy and assessment services in person and via video-tele-health. We use an industry recognisesed encypted telehealth platform that ensures client confidentiality remains in tact.
​What is the process for accessing therapy for my child/adolescent?
Your child’s therapist may wish to meet with you alone initially. This will allow some time to discuss your concerns for your child/adolescent, and for their therapist to understand your child’s history and family background.  In a subsequent appointment with your child/adolescent, the therapist will get to know your child/adolescent and understand their perspective.  From that time, you and the therapist will develop a treatment plan together. If your child has a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from their doctor, only sessions with the child present will attract a Medicare rebate. 
Why is email the preferred contact method?
As there are never enough hours in the working day, and we recognise how busy your life can be, email allows us to get back to you sooner than we could should we have to wait to catch you between our clients and your daily obligations.  
What is the process for psychometric/clinical assessment?
To commence the process, you will be invited to have a consultation with the psychologist to discuss your hopes and goals of psychometric assesment. At this consultation, you will be able to discuss your worries and gain futher information on the prescribed process for assessment should it be deemed appropriate. Fees for the recommended assessment will be discussed with you as this consultation. 

Child/adolescent assessments will require an initial consultation alone with a parent/guardian. Subsequent appointments can then be arranged for the therapist to meet your child/adolescent. 

Assessment consultation fee's are charged at the standard 46-60 minute session fee of $240.00 for adult assessment consultation and $250.00 for child/adolesent/parent assessment consultation.  
Are there cancelation, missed appointment, or rescheduling fees?
You will receive appointment reminders via email and text messages three days prior to your up coming appointment. We ask that you give 48 hours at a minimum when canceling or resheduling your appointment with us to avoid cancelation fees. Appointments that are cancelled, rescheduled (within 48hrs) or missed (on the day) for any reason will be charged 100% of the consultation fee.

NB: Medicare, Private Health, and Insurers do not rebate for late cancelation/rescheduling or missed appointment fees.

You are welcome to request to have your appointment via telephone or video link should you be unable to present in person for your session time. 

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