Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to book a counselling appointment or psychological assessment. However, if you do wish to receive a Medicare rebate for your counselling appointments then you will need to obtain a referral with a Mental Health Treatment (MHTP) from your GP/doctor, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
How do I book an appointment?
If you would like to discuss booking a counselling appointment or an assessment, please contact us via the Contact page, email us, or give us a call.
How and when do I pay?
For counselling and assessment appointments you and/or your child/adolescent attend, fees are payable on the day of your appointment. For assessment 'appointments' that do not require your attendance (e.g., a questionnaire sent electronically to you and/or your child/adolescent's teacher) and report writing, payment is required before the assessment and report writing takes place.
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The fee you will be charged will vary depending on the type of appointment/assessment (e.g., initial interview appointment, counselling appointment, cognitive assessment, academic assessment, etc.). We will discuss the payments process during your initial interview appointment.
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We only accept payments through our practice management software (Halaxy).
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For assessments, please note that all fees must be paid before your feedback appointment for it to go ahead and the report to be released to you.
Is Touch The Sky Psychology a registered NDIS provider?
Touch The Sky Psychology is not a registered NDIS provider and only accepts self-managed NDIS client referrals.
Can I get a rebate from Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
A valid referral from a GP/doctor, paediatrician, or psychiatrist will give you access to up to 10 rebatable appointments per calendar year. The current Medicare rebate is $96.65 per session. The full fee is paid by you and then the rebates will be processed directly back into your nominated bank account.
Most psychological assessment services, however, rely on private funding, with limited Medicare rebates available (MHTPs cannot be used for assessments). Individuals under the age of 25 and who are receiving care from a paediatrician or psychiatrist might qualify for a Medicare rebate under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and eligible disabilities, which can be used for assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals with a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder, including autism, or an eligible disorder.
If you have private health insurance you may be eligible for rebates for counselling and/or psychological assessments, depending on your level of cover. It is recommended that you check with your insurer to determine your rebate entitlements. If you are eligible for a rebate, you will have to pay the full fee of the counselling appointment or assessment and we will send you an invoice for you to claim.
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Please note, a rebate can only be claimed once per appointment (either through private health insurance or Medicare - not both).
What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We require 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If between 24 and 48 hours' notice is given, you will be charged 50% of the appointment fee. Cancellations and rescheduled appointments within 24 hours will incur the full appointment fee.
How can I prepare for the initial interview appointment?
Once you've booked your initial interview appointment you will be sent a consent and background information form to be completed before the appointment. You may also wish to compile and send information, reports, letters, documentation, etc. relevant to why you are seeking counselling or the assessment. This can save some time during the appointment and helps to clarify the reason for the referral. If you have any questions, please contact us.
What should I tell my child/adolescent in preparation for an assessment?
You may wish to explain to your child/adolescent that they will be taking part in some activities which will help us understand them better, including how they learn. It is best to avoid using the word 'test' or 'assessment', as this can cause anxiety and impact how they engage in the assessment.
How can I prepare my child/adolescent on the day of an assessment?
Try to ensure your child/adolescent is well-rested, has had a good breakfast/lunch, and has some understanding of the assessment. If your child/adolescent wears glasses, please make sure they bring them with them. You may also like to send your child/adolescent in to the assessment with a water bottle and/or snack.
