Getting Started
Deciding to seek support is a big step toward prioritising your wellbeing. We don’t want the logistics of accessing the support you need to get in your way. Here’s what you need to know.
Booking Your First Appointment
Booking an appointment at Healthy Connections is the first step toward positive change. We understand that taking that initial step can be challenging, which is why our Intake Officer is prepared to assist you every step of the way. Their expertise ensures you’ll have the guidance you need during this time. Your journey towards wellness starts here, and we’re excited to be alongside you during this time.
Therapy Session Fees & Rebates
Fees for both initial (80-minute) and follow-up (50-minute) sessions vary depending on your appointment time and clinician. Payment is due at the time of consultation through cash, EFTPOS, or credit cards (MasterCard or Visa). If eligible, Medicare or Private Health rebates may be processed in our office.
* Please note that all initial sessions are 80 minutes long and higher fees apply.
** An additional after-hours fee of $20.00 applies to all appointment at and after 5pm and all Saturday appointments.
*** Medicare rebates are available if you are referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Eating Disorder Plan (EDP). Your General Practitioner (GP), Paediatrician, or Psychiatrist may provide you with a referral under one of these Medicare plans.
Fees for psychological services at HCCP are lower than the APS recommended rate of $300.00 for a standard 50-minute consultation. (Australian Psychological Society, National Schedule of Recommended Fees, 2023-2024)
How to access therapy at Healthy Connections
You do not need a referral to access psychological therapy for yourself, your child, your loved one, or your family.
Medicare
Talk with your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist about your eligibility for referral under the various Medicare programs for psychological therapy. If eligible, you will need to provide us with a valid referral letter. Medicare requires the referral to include: date of referral (must be on or before your appointment to access a rebate), your name and date of birth, diagnosis or request for assessment, request for psychological treatment, and number of sessions requested. You or your referring practitioner may send through your referral prior to your appointment and we will confirm that all required information is included. You are also encouraged to contact Medicare to confirm your care plan has been activated. As a courtesy, we offer onsite Medicare claiming. Please bring your Medicare card and a physical bank linking to a savings or cheque account, as these are required by Medicare to complete the claim.
Private Health Funds
Many Private Health Funds offer rebates for psychological services, including relationship therapy, based on your coverage level. To learn more, reach out to your health fund directly. As a courtesy, we are able to process some private health fund rebates in our office. Please ask our friendly Client Care team.
NDIS
Healthy Connections is committed to supporting NDIS participants. We are able to support clients who are self-managed or plan-managed. Please contact our Client Care team to learn more about how we can work with you or your clients to achieve NDIS goals.
Rescheduling Appointments
Regular attendance at appointments is crucial for your psychological therapy to be effective. Skipping appointments interferes with progress in many ways, so we will do all we can to ensure you have regular, reliable sessions and we ask you to do the same. If you need to reschedule an appointment, our Client Care team will work with you to find another time that minimises any disruption to your therapy.
We understand that unavoidable situations arise that may require a change to your appointment. Our Late Notice Policy outlines what happens if a request to reschedule or not attend an appointment is made with less than 36 hours’ notice.
Notice provided, or non-attendance of an appointment, with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged the full fee. Notice provided within 24 to 36 hours of the scheduled appointment will incur a 50% fee, unless the appointment can be filled. We can be contacted through email, text, or phone.