Fees & Rebates

Referrals

Self referrals are most welcome. A written referral from your GP is required in order to claim Medicare rebates. Please ensure you obtain valid referral documentation (see below).

I work by appointment only and clients must be motivated, willing and able to initiate and participate in their therapy. You are not a passive recipient in therapy. It is not something that is “delivered” to you that will magically make you feel better, change your behaviour or solve your problems. Therapy is helpful and effective when you participate collaboratively in session and complete homework tasks. You make progress by engaging in therapy – a bit like consulting a personal trainer to improve your physical fitness or a music teacher to learn how to play guitar. 

*Rebates

Clients with Private Health Insurance that covers Psychology may claim rebates. Check with your Fund. These rebates can not be claimed at the same time as Medicare rebates.
I am registered with the Health Insurance Commission (HIC) to provide Medicare-rebated Clinical Psychology Services for individuals referred by their GP or psychiatrist with:

1) Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) – for an assessed mental disorder. Rebate = $141.85 per consultation. A rebate can be claimed for a maximum of 10 consultations per calendar year. The initial referral is for up to a maximum of 6 consultations. After 6 consultations, a GP consultation and re-referral is required to continue therapy.

IMPORTANT: Clients must provide a current Medicare card and valid referral documentation before or at the first consultation, that includes patient name, date of birth & address; symptoms or diagnosis; statement that a Mental Health Treatment Plan has been completed; current medications; number of sessions referred for; GP name, signature & provider number; and date of referral.

The following mental health problems are valid reasons for referral according to Medicare: alcohol use disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, attention deficit disorder, bereavement disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, drug use disorders, eating disorders, mixed anxiety and depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep problems. (Relationship therapy or stress/anger management are not valid reasons for referral under a MHTP, according to Medicare). Please note that Psychologists are not permitted by Medicare to provide invoices for claiming rebates when valid referral documentation is not provided.

2) Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) for adults with assessed eating disorders that meet specific criteria. Rebate = $141.85 for up to 40 sessions for 12 months from date of referral. GP or Psychiatrist reviews and re-referrals are required after each 10 consultations. An assessment and review with a psychiatrist and recommendation to continue therapy is required after 20 consultations. Clients must provide a current Medicare card, valid referral documentation and copy of the Eating Disorder Plan, before or at the first consultation. An Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) also entitles you to attend up to 20 sessions with a dietitian who I can liaise with. This allows for necessary multidimensional treatment and promotes a more effective treatment outcome.

3) Non-directive Pregnancy Support Counselling to help women explore concerns about a current or recent pregnancy (rebate = $68.45 per session for a total of 3 sessions).

4) Psychology Services for patients with a chronic medical condition and complex care needs (rebate = $58.30 for up to 5 consultations per calendar year).

*Please note Medicare rebates can only be claimed when valid referral documentation and Medicare card is provided to me at the initial consultation and updated when required. Rebates are not claimable on cancellation fees. Private Health Insurance and Medicare rebates cannot be claimed simultaneously.

Contact Lesley Russell on 0412 638 749, email lesley@lesleyrussell.com.au or complete my enquiry form.