Question 1

What does a Psychologist do?

Answer

A Psychologist is a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn. We consider what has set in motion current difficulties and apply evidence-based approaches and tools to support each individual to develop skills. Sometimes, I say, a Psychologist is a like a coach for the mind - being by someone's side (to give encouragement and guidance) as they navigate their way toward their goals. There is often a misconception that Psychologists "fix" people. As a Psychologist, I can't "fix" anyone - I can only offer professional and targeted intervention and support so that each person is able to solve the problems that are affecting their life. Whilst I am not a Handyman or a Magician, I use my 'tooklit' to support each person to gain insights and find solutions to meet their needs.

Question 2

What can I expect at the first session?

Answer

If you have a MHTP referral or an NDIS Plan, you must bring with this documentation to the first session (initial appointment). The first session is about understanding your history, current needs and struggles, and goals for intervention. Topics discussed include family, social, developmental/school/work, social, medical/health, and lifestyle. Having a full picture of what's happening within and around you is the first step in building perspective, understanding and planning the therapeutic journey with you. The first session is typically 60-90 minutes. For NDIS Participants, after this session, a Psychological Therapy Plan will be developed which addresses one's NDIS goals.

Question 3

How many sessions will I be attending?

GPs can issue up to 10 sessions subject to Medicare rebates per calendar year.
For NDIS funded individuals, the number of sessions will be based on their NDIS goals and allocated NDIS funds/budget.

To ensure that we are on track, goals for each session are discussed and we agree to a plan. I offer each person some recommended reflections or exercises to complete between sessions (what I like to call 'me-work'). We are both "doing the work" as part of a collaborative therapeutic partnership.

Answer

Every person's needs and current situation are different and so the frequency and number of sessions will reflect that:

Question 4

How much do sessions cost?

Private and Mental Health Treatment Plan Fees

The initial appointment is 75-90 minutes and is $262.50
Ongoing (standard) appointments are 50 minute appointments are $175
$87.45 Medicare rebate; $82.55 Co-payment
Fee reduction is available for people experiencing financial hardship. Please discuss with Connectfully. Your confidentality is assured.

NDIS Fees (consistent with the NDIA Price Guide 2020-21)

60 minute appointments are $214.41
The NDIS Participant or Nominated Representative of the Participant is responsible for ensuring the allocated NDIS Budget can cover Connectfully's proposed Psychological Therapy Plan for the agreed number of Sessions.
Fees may be negotiated to be less than the NDIS price guide on a case by case basis.

Important Message about Hourly Rates

Your money and my time are both valuable.
My hourly rate covers both: (1) our direct time together (minimum 50 minutes) AND (2) my indirect time (assessment and documentation of therapeutic plan; session and resource preparation; planning and collaboration with your consent with other relevant Service Providers; ongoing monitoring and assessment of progress; adjustments to the therapeutic plan; liaison and updates to GP if required).
Specific assessment and report requests are individually quoted for.

Answer

You do not need a referral to book in with me. However, having a referral can reduce the fees payable:

Answer

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please advise me no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment. Connect fully reserves the right to charge 50% of the full appointment fee should a client not show up to an appointment or does not cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of the appointment. A reminder text message or email is sent to you at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment so you can confirm or cancel your appointment. COVID-19: If you have any symptoms of being unwell and/or someone in your household is awaiting results of a COVID-19 test, please cancel your in person appointment (Telehealth or rescheduling are alternative options).

Answer

Let's get curious! Please check in with your child or teen about their reluctance to attend. Do they think they're in trouble? Are they worried they won't know what to say? Are they worried they'll be judged for what they share? Do they think I'm a Doctor? (I'm not). It's important to find out what's getting in their way and try to solve that. No one wants to be dragged to an appointment and it certainly is confronting to have someone they don't know asking all sorts of personal questions. Share my website with your child - hopefully they see I'm in this to help people and really want to understand. I'm non-judgemental and care about each person finding their unqiue way forward. If your child or teen is still feeling rather stuck, please reach out to me on email. I'm happy to offer a few more tips.

Answer

Assessments are individually quoted because it depends on whether or not:

Answer

All notes from sessions are entered into my client management system. All data drives and S3 storage are encrypted using secure and industry compliant encryption technology. I do not share your information with anyone unless I have your written consent to do so. Your information is confidential. However, I may be required legally to break this confidentiality if there is a potential risk or safety concern for you and/or another person.

Answer

Please book online here OR complete the form below OR email connect@connectfully.com.au

Question 5

Do I need a referral?

To receive a Medicare rebate (for up to 10 sessions per calendar year), a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is required from a GP, Psychiatrist or Pediatrician.
Depending on your Private Health Fund, you may be eligible for a rebate and no MHTP is required. You would need to check your eligibilty with your Private Health Fund directly.
Note: You cannot claim for both a Medicare and a Private Health Fund rebate for the same session.

NDIS Participants For Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS Participants, you have the choice to use Connect fully (note: we are a non-NDIS Registered Provider who adheres to NDIS requirements). It is the responsibility of the NDIS Participant or Nominated Representative of the Participant to ensure their:

NDIS Plan has an allocated NDIS Budget for Capacity Building - Imrpoved Daily Living.
NDIS Budget can cover Connect fully's fees.
NDIS Plan is provided to Connect fully at the initial appointment so that a Pscyhological Therapy Plan can be developed which addresses the NDIS goals.

Question 6

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Question 7

Help! My child or teen isn't keen to attend.

Question 8

How much do assessments cost?

A school visit is required.
Standardised questionnaires (and in how many domains) will be undertaken.

I'm transparent about what is included in my Holistic Assessment quote, which at minimum always includes:

Parent and child consultation* (up to 90 minutes)
Consultation with Teachers and/or review of exisiting reports (up to 30 mins each)
Baseline report writing (approx. 90 mins)
Follow up (review) consultation* (up to 60 mins)

Estimated example charges:

Assessment consulation and baseline report: $525
Standardised questionnaires: billed at cost + admin fee of $30 applied
Standardised assessment administration: $175 / hour
Estimated charge for additional report writing: $262.50 - $525

Question 9

What happens to the information I share with you and that you collect?

Question 10

Do you have questions?

Answers to Common Questions