Care Plans

Care plans are provided to you by your doctor and usually include a referral to an allied health professional for a specified number of consultations. These consultations are funded by Medicare as part of the Federal government’s mental health initiative. Under this initiative, psychologists use “Focussed Psychological Strategies” such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and others to help their clients.

 

You must obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your doctor to claim a Medicare rebate. This will entitle you to receive six counselling sessions. After the six sessions, if more sessions are required, the care plan may be extended to include another four sessions. The medicare rebate on a standard counselling session with a clinical psychologist is $141.85. 

​

Illness

At Altogether Psychology Services, we prioritise the health and well-being of all our clients and team members. To ensure a safe environment for everyone, particularly those who may be immunocompromised, we kindly ask that you do not attend your appointment if you feel unwell. 

​

If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, please get in touch with us to reschedule your session. If you arrive for an appointment and are visibly unwell, we must ask that you leave the premises. In such cases, we can arrange a phone session or help you reschedule your appointment. 

​

At Altogether Psychology Services, we are committed to providing the best care possible. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supportive space for all our clients. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

​

Pregnancy Support Counselling

To be eligible to claim a medicare rebate for this service, you will need a referral letter from your doctor.

​

Flexible Appointment Times

Appointments times are tailored to suit your needs, with evening, weekend, and some public holiday appointment times may be available. To book your appointment, please phone 07 5491 5766.

​

Disabled Access

We have wheelchair access for people with a disability.

 

Fees

Fees For Katherine Mellor: A standard consultation usually lasts for one hour. EFTPOS facilities are available for payment. If you have a Care Plan in place you will receive a Medicare refund of $141.85 on the standard consultation.

​

Fees for Neil Mellor: A standard consultation usually lasts for one hour. EFTPOS facilities are available for payment. If you have a Care Plan in place you will receive a Medicare refund of $85.20. 

​

Your fee includes session preparation time, photocopying, note recording and other administrative tasks.

We can process your Medicare claim at your session, provided we have your doctor's referral. Bulk billing is available for patients with a doctor's Mental Health Care Plan and a current Health Care Card.

​

Late Cancellation and Non-Attendance Policy

Because your appointment time has been set aside, especially for you, we require 24 hours notice if you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This gives us time to offer the appointment to someone who may be waiting for an appointment. Fees may be charged if no notice is given. This policy is in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society guidelines. 

​

Offsite and Home Visits

Depending on your needs, offsite and home visits can be scheduled with prior notice. Areas visited include the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland.

 

Confidentiality

As psychological care providers, both Katherine and Neil are bound by confidentiality. What is discussed in all sessions is strictly confidential, and
without your consent, your information will not be disclosed to anyone. However, under some circumstances, they may be unable to maintain that confidentiality.

 

For example, in situations where there may be potential harm to yourself or others, or if the law demands it, they have a duty of care to disclose the information. Katherine and Neil will discuss any concerns of this nature with you before disclosing to another party.