Appointments

How to make an appointment

To make an appointment, please phone our friendly reception staff on 03 9458 4845 who will explain all the necessary details to you.

What to expect

Each session is approximately 55 minutes in length.

At your first session your psychologist will take a detailed history and develop a treatment plan that fits with your therapeutic goals.  These goals will be reviewed at future sessions and may be modified as needed.

Medicare

All psychologists at Melbourne Psycho-oncology Service are registered with Medicare which enables you to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions. In order to claim the rebate you must have a current Mental Health Care Plan referral from your GP or psychiatrist.  Mental Health Care Plan referrals do not expire.

Under the current Medicare arrangements, you are entitled to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP will initially issue a referral for 6 sessions. This can be extended for an additional 4 sessions after a review from your GP. If you require more sessions, these can be accessed using your private health insurance or can be self-funded.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a foundation stone of psychological care. In order to protect your confidentiality, your psychologist will ask you to complete a consent form at the start of your first session. This form will explain the service offered and the times when we have a duty of care to breach confidentiality.

Getting a referral

If you wish to utilize Medicare rebates for your sessions you will need to make an appointment to see your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan prior to your first session.

If you are going to use your private health insurance or self-fund you do need a referral to see a psychologist.

Fees/rebates

Fees vary depending on the psychologist you see. Our friendly reception staff will explain all the details when you phone to make an appointment.

Medicare rebates vary depending on the psychologist you see and your Medicare safety net status.

Private health fund rebates vary from fund to fund and depending on your level of cover. Please contact your fund to determine if you are covered and the rebate amount.