WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT OR FAIL TO ATTEND?

By using our services, you aggree to our cancellation policy.  You are informed of our cancellation policy when you make your first appointment, details can be found on our business cards, our website, your sms & email reminders, and signs in our waiting room.  Our SMS and email reminders are automatically sent out 3 days (72 hours) before your appointment time.  Please make sure we have your correct mobile number and/or email address listed if you wish to receive these appointment reminders. 

If you need to cancel or change an appointment, we require 48hrs notice. If you give 48-25hrs notice, you will incur a fee of $55.  If you give us less than 24hrs notice, or if you fail to attend your appointment, you will be charged for the cost of your consultation (which can be up to $130). Medicare and other agencies do not pay for cancellation fees and payment is your responsibility. This policy is enforced with no exceptions to allow us to continue to offer a bulk-billing service. 

Payment plans can be arranged if your absence or change is unavoidable.  Do not let unpaid cancellations fees stop you from continuing treatment, we don't mind if you pay $5 per week off your account but we do mind if you do not take responsibility for your non-attendances as they do end up costing your psychologist money.  Thank you for your understanding.   


WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE APPOINTMENT?

Many therapies last between 6-16 sessions, depending on the severity or complexity of your situation. During your first appointment, we will discuss your current situation, thoughts and feelings and how you ended up where you are today. You may be asked to complete one or more questionnaires to assess your situation more specifically and to provide us with information on which we can gauge your progress over the course of therapy. At the end of the first session, we will discuss your treatment options and discuss your treatment goals.


WILL THE MATERIAL WE DISCUSS REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?

Psychologists will not divulge information about you unless:
1. you specifically authorize (normally in writing) the release of that information;
2. the release of that information is to protect you or others from harm; or
3. the release of that information is required by law.
 

CAN I GET ACCESS THE CONTENTS OF MY FILE?

In accordance with the current privacy legislation, you can obtain access to the information contained in your file in certain circumstances. A fee applies for this service and you may be required to make an appointment to discuss the contents (e.g. results of a psychological test).  


WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INFORMATION THAT IS DISCUSSED / COLLECTED?

Information about you is collected as part of the treatment process. This may include your personal details, assessment results, and progress notes. This information is stored in a locked filing cabinet and is only accessible by the qualified psychologists and reception staff at Psychology 4 Change. It is unusual for another psychologist, other than your treating psychologist, to access your file. We all respect that the information contained in your file is private and confidential. Permission will be obtained from you if your treating psychologist is to discuss your information with any other person (this includes a partner also in therapy or any other health professionals).

 
 HOW MUCH WILL EACH APPOINTMENT COST? 

Patients with a Mental Health Care Plan can be Bulk Billed through Medicare and there is no fee for sessions. Private patients will be charged as follows: 
Pensioners / Concession / Students / Low-Income (< $30,000 p.a.): $ 85.00
Full Rate: $130.00

 
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

If you wish to attend Psychology 4 Change as a private patient, you are responsible for payment of your (or your child’s) account. You many be eligible for a rebate from your private health fund if you have extras or ancillary cover for psychological services. Please check with your health fund to see if you are eligible for a rebate. You may also need to check that your treating psychologist is a provider for your health fund. Private health insurance rebates can be claimed at our office, so that you only need to pay the gap amount. If you have a mental health care plan and also private health insurance cover, you are required to choose which system you are going to use as you cannot receive both a Medicare rebate and a private health insurance rebate for the same consultation. If you require further treatment after your Medicare rebates have run out, it may be useful to use your private health insurance after this time. This is just a suggestion and you will need to take into account your level of cover to make this decision. 

 
THIRD PARTY BILLING

Some people are eligible for third party billing (e.g. TAC, WorkCover, Victims of Crime, DVA, their employers, or other agencies). This means that someone, other than yourself, will be responsible for paying for your consultations. All third-party billing agencies only cover the cost of your consultations if you have a current claim and a written referral from your GP. It is your responsibility to ensure that a current referral, your claim number and billing details are brought to the appointment, otherwise you will be required to pay the bill on the day.