What does a Psychologist do?

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From Lindy: 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.

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What can I expect at the first session?

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If you have a MHTP referral or an NDIS Plan, you must provide this prior to or 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.

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How many sessions will I be attending?

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

• GPs can currently issue up to 20 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. We offer each person some recommended reflections or exercises to complete between sessions (what we like to call 'me-work'). We are both "doing the work" as part of a collaborative therapeutic partnership.

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How much do sessions cost?

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2021 Private and Mental Health Treatment Plan Fees

• The initial appointment is 75-90 minutes and is between $270 - $300.

• Ongoing (standard) appointments are 50 minutes and the fee is $180.

• $87.45 Medicare rebate; $92.55 ongoing co-payment.

• Fee reduction is available for people experiencing financial hardship. Please discuss with Connectfully. Your confidentiality is assured. Appointment times may be restricted to weekdays.

2021 NDIS Fees (guided by the NDIA Price Guide 2020-21)

• The initial appointment is 75-90 minutes and is between $270 - $300.

• Ongoing (standard) appointments are 45-60 minutes and the fee is between $162 - $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.

• NDIS Review Reports if requested are charged at $214.41/hour (capped at $360).

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) some of 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.

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Do I need a referral?

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You do not need a referral to book an appointment or see a psychologist. However, having a referral can reduce the fees payable:

• To receive a Medicare rebate (for up to 20 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.

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What is your Cancellation Policy?

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If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please advise us 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).

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

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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 this website with your child - hopefully they see we're in this to help people and really want to understand. We're 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.

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How much do assessments cost?

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Assessments are individually quoted because it depends on:

• The complexity of investigation required to meet the child's needs.
• Whether or not a school visit is required.
• How many (if any) standardised questionnaires (and in how many domains) will be undertaken.

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

• Parent and child consultation*
• Consultation with Teachers and/or review of existing reports
• Baseline report writing
• Follow up (review) consultation*

* subject to Medicare rebate Estimated example charges:

• Assessment consultation, follow up and baseline report: $750-980
• Standardised questionnaires (completed online by parent / teacher / child): billed at cost + admin fee of $30 applied
• Standardised assessment administration (requiring attending an appointment in person): $180 / hour
• Additional report writing: $180 / hour (capped at $500)

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

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

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How do I book?

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The easiest way to book an appointment is direct through our online booking portal. However if you would like more information or would like to discuss anything in more detail, please email connect@connectfully.com.au or text or call us on 0410 639 323.

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