Why Counsellor’s do not offer Medicare Rebates.

Often clients who are enquiring about my counselling services asked about Medicare rebate.

To be eligible to receive a Mental Health Plan, a person needs to visit a GP, have a mental health assessment. To diagnose a mental disorder the GP uses a clinical diagnostic manual to determent if a person symptom fits a mental illness criterion. Thus, to evaluate how that is affecting your daily life. Whether your issue is psychological, behavioural or physiological.

Although, there are some people who may be suffering from a severe case of Mental disorders and may require a clinical diagnosis, prescription medication and other medical treatments. The majority of clients might greatly benefit from evidence-based therapies and interventions to address their challenges and difficult experiences that may be causing discomfort. Whether is anxiety, depression, life transitions, work, business, relationship stress.

You need to be diagnosed with a Mental Disorder to be in title to the mental health plan and also the Medicare Rebate.

Mental Health Plan is provided by a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. There is a specific number of sessions per year and, once your plan is completed your mental health professional will send a report to the GP. These records are archived in the person’s health records.

 Also, If you need further assistance, you will need to pay the full amount unless you granted a discount. Most psychologists charged about $241.00 for a 45-60 minutes session.

For some clients having a diagnosed mental disorder on their records is not an issue, and is perfectly fine. However, many patients are not aware of this process. Thus, is important to notice that these records may be available to employers particularly when applying for government positions, or for legal situations.

Privacy and Confidentiality are at the core of The Counselling profession, and the counsellor is not required to release the client’s information unless a client is in danger to self or others.

Counselling support is not included in the Medicare Mental Health Plan. Although GP’s regularly referrer clients to my private practice,

I am a registered Professional Counsellor, I have been trained extensively, and I  offered a holistic approach to counselling for Women, Young People and Couples.

I work with clients who are determent and ready to improve their quality of life. Those who want to restore their mental wellbeing, those who want to prevent a more severe mental illness. My ideal client is the one who is not only interested in improving but has a reason why and is committed to transforming their life.

Your story matters, I believe that an honest conversation, in a safe and non-judgemental environment can facilitate Healing of the Mind, Body and Spirit. Difficult experiences do not need to be pathologized or numb; they need to be heard and understood. I am committed to my clients to support them and build their mental capacity and resilience that can help to break free from habits, beliefs systems and limitations.