Frequently Asked Questions

Nicole offers online, on-site and face-to-face options depending on what suits you best. Speaking to a psychologist online can feel a little strange at first, but most people find that after the first session, they feel entirely at ease with the online platform. Nicole’s clinic is warm and welcoming and she will talk you through the most appropriate option for your personal circumstance.

You may be eligible to claim psychological services from your Private Health insurer depending on your level of cover. To claim a rebate you need to ensure that you are covered by ancillary benefits insurance (extras cover). You cannot use your private health insurance cover to top up the Medicare rebates for psychological services. If you are eligible for Medicare rebates then you need to decide which service you will use to cover the payment for psychological services you receive. We recommend speaking to your Private Health insurer to see how much you will be reimbursed for each counselling session. You will be provided with a Tax Invoice and Provider Number that will enable you to claim directly from your Private Health insurer should you have appropriate cover and wish to do so.

Nicole is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and has a Medicare provider number, enabling you to claim a Medicare rebate for your counselling sessions,  when under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A Medicare rebate may be obtainable under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Program if you are referred by your General Practitioner (GP) with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). In order to obtain a MHTP, it will be necessary to book an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health concerns. Your GP will either give you a hard copy of the plan, or email it to Nicole with a letter of referral. You can also request MHTPs from a Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. These documents will entitle you to a Medicare rebate. All you need to do is email Nicole or bring these documents to your first consultation in order to receive your Medicare rebate. An initial MHTP allows you to obtain six Medicare rebated sessions. After the initial six sessions a review is required to determine your eligibility for an additional four sessions. The number of psychological therapy sessions that eligible clients are able to receive through Medicare is 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Provided you have a MHTP in place, once the fee is processed we submit an electronic Medicare claim on your behalf. The rebated amount is reimbursed back into your nominated bank account.  Alternatively, you are welcome to send your receipt to Medicare directly if you prefer to manage this process yourself.

We take confidentiality very seriously as we understand how important it is for therapy to be safe and effective. The information you share will be kept confidential, and we will abide by the Code of Ethics for Psychologists. The only limitation to confidentiality is if there were serious concerns for your safety or the safety of someone else. In these rare cases, Nicole will discuss her concerns with you first before attempting to contact your Doctor or next of kin.

Individual sessions are 50 minutes and Couples Sessions are 60 minutes. Nicole may recommend a longer/double appointment or shorter session depending on your needs.

Providing you provide more than 48 hours’ notice of your cancellation you will not be charged any fee. Missed appointments without the minimum 48 hours’ notice will be charged a full fee.

It is a rather confusing space with all these terms sounding very similar. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. After qualifying as a doctor, they have continued their studies to specialise in psychiatry and can prescribe medications. A psychologist has completed a minimum of 6 years of academic study and/or an internship or supervised practice. A registered Psychologist will be a registered with AHPRA and typically with MAPS enabling you to claim Medicare rebates and some Private Health insurance gap payments. Psychologists are trained to assess and treat mental health concerns by providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Psychologists will measure and report back progress and abide by strict ethical regulations. Counsellors also complete academic training. However, there is more variation in terms of which pathway they have taken to become a counsellor.