What can I expect my first session to look like?

 

Every session may look different. The initial session focuses on introductions, rapport building, and overall information gathering, such as gaining an understanding of your background, as well as what is bringing you to therapy and your main concerns. We will also explore what you would like to get out of therapy and your goals.

 

The first appointment is an opportunity for both you as the client and myself as the therapist to see whether we feel we would be the right fit to work together. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts and positive predictors of progress in therapy, and so it is important for the client to feel comfortable and safe with the psychologist.

 

We also know that every psychologist has their own unique approaches and skills to therapy, and so it is important to explore other options and perhaps referrals to other services if I as the therapist feel I am not equipped to best support you with your concerns and goals. This is where we can collaborate and problem solve together to best support your therapeutic needs.

​

Do I need a referral?

​

No, you do not need a referral and can simply refer yourself.

 

However, if you do have access to Medicare and you have a referral from your GP such as a Mental Health Care Plan, you are eligible to receive a rebate from Medicare for each session. A typical Mental Health Care Plan referral from your GP allows you to access up 6 to 10 psychological therapy sessions per calendar year. 

​

How much does a session cost?

​

The session cost is $220 AUD per appointment. 

 

If you do have a Mental Health Care Plan referral from your GP, you will be able to receive a Medicare rebate of $98.95 per appointment (up to 10 per calendar year), which means your out-of-pocket fee would be $121.05 per appointment.

​

Payment is completed via bank transfer for both online and in-person appointments. An invoice for payment will be emailed to you on the morning of your scheduled appointment for payment to kindly be completed prior to your session. 

​

For Medicare rebates, Abelina will process these for you after session and once payment has been received. You would typically receive your rebate from Medicare within 1-2 business days. 

​

How many sessions will I need to attend?

​

This question can be difficult to answer as every individual is different depending on what they are coming to therapy with, their history, and also their motivation for engaging in therapy.

 

Most people can benefit greatly from 6-10 sessions to help them re-gain some tools to cope better in life, while it is also completely normal for some individuals to be in therapy for many months or even years. I do encourage having open discussions around your progress with therapy throughout our sessions together to help us keep on track with your goals and also to explore what else might support you on your journey.

​

How long does a session go for?

​

A psychologic therapy session is 50 minutes in length for both online and in-person appointments. 

​

What happens if I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

​

It is completely normal and understandable that things in our daily life or personal emergencies can come up at times, which may mean that you need to cancel and reschedule an appointment.

 

In support of business reasons, as well as allowing sufficient time to offer available appointment slots to other clients who may be on the wait list, a fee of $110 applies for less than 48 hours notice of cancelling a scheduled appointment, and a full fee of $220 applies for less than 24 hours notice or for not attending a scheduled appointment. ​​​