You can contact by phone, email or sms. A referral is not necessary, however, with a GP Mental Health Care Plan, or Non Directive Pregnancy Counselling referral, you can access a Medicare rebate. Currently (as of March 30 2020), this also allows consultations which are delivered by Telehealth (video conferencing) and telephone to access a Medicare rebate. Consultations must be at least 50 mins. I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker so let your GP know this when they refer.

Depending on caseload at the time, I can usually respond to queries within a week. I do not have a waiting list, so will let you know if I am not taking on any new clients at that time, and will suggest others to contact depending on your needs and concerns. For pregnancy related concerns, I will prioritise and aim to see people within a few business days.

Fees for service whether in person or via Telehealth are $150 (full fee individual sessions or couples $190 for pregnancy counselling sessions of 1.5 hours), or $110 (HCC holders or concession)

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I am registered with Medicare so these sessions can access a rebate with a referral from a GP.

You will need to request a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Currently as of Jan 2025 you can access 10 rebated sessions under the Better Access to Mental Health scheme in a calendar year.

Alternatively, if your concern is pregnancy related, you may seek out a referral for Non Directive Pregnancy Support Counselling for a rebate under this scheme. There are 3 rebated sessions in a 12 month period under this referral. Here is some further information about this: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/4A80759F9ACB7106CA257BF0001D74C1/$File/FS-Pregnancy%20Support%20Counselling%2031-10-13.pdf

Fees are payable at the completion of the session and the rebate will be processed and deposited into your account within a 24-48hr period.

I can also see people without a GP referral but this means you pay the fee upfront without the rebate.

While it is helpful to have a conversation to discuss someone you are supporting and ways to help, it is best that the person themselves makes the booking. This way I can discuss their support needs in more detail and find out how best I can assist. It also avoids unnecessary delays by being able to discuss availability more directly.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, there are a few funds that will cover you for counselling. These are Teacher's Health, Uni Health, and Nurses and Midwive's Health and Bupa. For all of these, Top extras cover is required.