We want you to feel comfortable seeing your psychologist here at the Good Mood Clinic. Here is a guide on what to expect and how to prepare for your therapy appointment.
Opening Hours
| Clinician Appointment Times | |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 9.00am to 5.00pm |
| Friday | 9.00am to 4.00pm |
| Saturday | By Appointment |
| Reception Open Times | |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 8.00am to 4.00pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
What to Expect
During your first one or two appointments, your therapist may spend the majority of the time gathering information about your current difficulties and background. You may also be asked to complete one or two questionnaires.
There is usually no standard treatment duration and the number of consultations required to get the changes you want will vary from person to person. However, after the assessment has been conducted your psychologist can give you an informed estimate and discuss your options with you.
In our experience, those who do well are those who can set aside time to put new skills into practice, who implement the new skills outside of session and who openly discuss any difficulties they may be having with treatment so your psychologist can help with problem-solving. Our psychologists are equipped to assist you with both short-term and longer-term support and therapy.
As a general guide, short-term skills-based therapy may usually be around 6 – 10 sessions, whereas therapy which helps you identify and begin to resolve longer-term or more deeply ingrained beliefs can require a longer commitment and it is common for clients to attend for between 6 months to 1 year. This is a realistic time frame for people wanting to make a significant change and break long-term patterns.
FEES (January 2022)
Dr Justine Corry – $450 per session
Dr Gemma Gladstone – $400 per session
Payment options include direct deposit, credit or debit card.
CLAIMING APPLICABLE REBATES
Medicare Rebates
Some people may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. If you have been referred with a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP or Psychiatrist, you are eligible for a rebate of approximately $129.55 per session for up to 20 sessions in a calendar year. You may be eligible for more rebateable sessions, this will depend upon your particular situation and can be discussed with you in conjunction with your doctor.
Private Health Fund Rebates
If you are a member of a private health fund offering rebates for psychological services (usually under extras / ancillary cover), then you may be able to claim a proportion of the fee – subject to your level of coverage. You may need to check these details with your specific health fund, as some health funds now require that their members first utilize the rebate provided through medicare. However, it is important to remember that a medicare referral is something which needs to be initiated by your medical health care professional for a mental health condition. It is, therefore, best to check with your health fund first, and also to discuss referral options with your doctor. This practice currently does not have HICAPS.
Please note: If you have been referred by a doctor and you are claiming the Medicare rebate (under the MBS) for your sessions, you cannot use your private health insurance ancillary cover to top up your Medicare rebate. If you are in this position, you need to decide whether you use your private health fund cover or Medicare, as you cannot use both at the same time. However, if you do have appropriate private health insurance, you will be able to make use of
CONFIDENTIALITY
This Practice adheres to the Psychologists Board of Australia Code of Professional Conduct http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au Your personal details, as well as the material you discuss in sessions, are treated with the utmost respect and kept in strict confidence.
In certain uncommon circumstances, mandatory reporting legislation or valid subpoenas require that confidentiality may be breached. For example, if your psychologist were to receive a court summons, then they would be legally obligated to deliver all relevant notes to the court without further reference to you.
If you require more information about these issues please ask. If you have been referred by your Doctor, then he/she will be sent one or more brief reports concerning your treatment, as this is a routine requirement of the new Mental Health Care Plan procedure. However, any other personally identifying correspondence about your condition or treatment (between this practice and other health professionals or organizations) requires your consent.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The smooth and effective running of this practice also depends upon your courtesy and co-operation regarding attendance and the keeping of therapy appointments. As you can appreciate, it is very important that you allow sufficient notice if you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason.
The reason why we have a cancellation fee is that when you book an appointment, that time slot has been set aside for you and only you. It is not possible to fit another client in at the last moment, and consequently, the practice must bear the brunt of that fee.
In this matter, we reply upon your courtesy and hope that you let us know in advance if your plans change. Please note that cancellation fees apply to all cancellation circumstances but can be avoided by giving adequate notice.
- If you give less than 3 working days (Monday to Friday) notice, then a 50% cancellation fee is incurred. For example, if your appointment is on Tuesday then notice is required on Thursday.
- If you give less than 2 working days (Monday to Friday) then a 100% cancellation fee is incurred.
These cancellation fees have been set in accordance with the guidelines of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Please note that cancellation fees will not be eligible for the Medicare rebate. Your co-operation in these matters is greatly appreciated.
For more information or to book an appointment please contact us today.