Payments & Reimbursements
Payments & Reimbursements
What To Expect
Prior to your first appointment, you may have received a referral (mental health care plan) from your general practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist. This will make you eligible to receive a medicare rebate for 10 sessions per calendar year. Without a mental health care plan, you can still see a psychologist. If you have private health insurance extras or compensating organisation cover (such as workcover), you may be eligible for a rebate.
During you first appointment, your psychologist will briefly go over important paperwork with you. This will include completing a basic personal information intake form and a consent form covering aspects of confidentiality, fees and other important information regarding you sessions. If you have been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, the details of your mental health care plan will be discussed. Sessions are approximately 50 minutes.
The remainder of your first session and following sessions will be spent discussing / exploring the issues that brought you here. Through collaborative, supportive and flexible approaches (see here), we gather background history in order to help understand more about what may be triggering and maintaining your current issues.
After your appointment, payment will be made at reception and if you have a mental health care plan, your rebate will be processed. The rebate takes 24 hours to be reimbursed into your bank account. For third party claiming, an invoice will be provided that allows you to process your claim. Future appointments are booked during this time.
Bookings & Referrals FAQs
How do I book an appointment with MRPS?
You can schedule your appointment with MRPS by calling our clinic on 9746 2717 or emailing reception at reception@mrps.net.au. If our friendly reception team are unable to take your call at the time, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist at MRPS?
A referral is not required to see a psychologist, but it will enable you to receive a Medicare rebate. A referral to see a psychologist is called a 'Mental Health Care Plan', and this entitles you to 10 sessions, per calendar year, to be covered under the Medicare scheme. You can receive this care plan from your GP or psychiatrist.
How do your psychologists differ?
Our psychologists are all fully trained, well versed in multiple approaches, and have several years of experience in the field. They differ on areas they work in, their area of specialties, and their main clientele.
What are the waiting times for a new appointment?
Waiting times vary for each psychologist and for the time of the year. Generally, we are able to book new clients in for an appointment from within one week to three weeks. During the long wait times, we have a waitlist program that ensures any cancellations go to those who need to wait.
Do you do after-hours appointments?
Yes. We have appointments ranging from 5pm-9pm during some weeknights, and early morning appointments from 7am-9am on some weekdays.
If I need to reschedule/cancel my appointment, how do I do this?
We understand things can pop up that restrict you from attending your scheduled appointment. If you contact reception, they will be more than happy to process any cancellations. Please be aware cancellation fees may exist depending on the nature and timing of the cancellation (see below).
Do you provide psychological assessments and reports?
Yes we do. The type of assessment will depend on which psychologist will be assigned to you, so it is advised you let the reception know you require assessment/reporting prior to booking. Please be advised that fees may apply.
Payment & Reimbursment FAQs
What will my session fee be?
The session fee depends on each practitioner and client but generally ranges between $155-$218. Special cases are charged at the full Australian Psychological Society recommended scheduling fee.
How can I pay?
MRPS accepts a range of credit and debit cards, as well as cash, cheque and direct debit. We also accept payment over the phone using eftpos.
Are there discounted fees?
Yes, we are able to offer discounted fees but only with proof of a medicare Health Care Card.
Can I claim through private health insurance?
You can claim through your private health insurance if it covers psychological counseling as extras cover. The amount rebated depends on your insurance policy, and the claiming process is done privately between the client and insurance company. It is recommended to enquire beforehand to your eligibility with your insurer.
Can I claim through a third party such as WorkCover or TAC?
Our practitioners see clients referred through third parties, and are able to provide reports and invoices required for these services. Nevertheless, reimbursement from these organisations must be completed in the same way as above, the client paying the full fee and being reimbursed from the insurer.
I have forgotten to attend my appointment or canceled too late, is there a cancellation fee?
Yes. Cancellation fee timeframes differ for each psychologist and are between 2-24 hours. Payment will also differ, being partial or full fee for the session. This will be discussed in the first session. These fees are not medicare rebatable.
How much will I get back from medicare?
Your rebate will depend on the psychologist but will range between $80-$130. If you have reached the medicare threshold, this will be much higher, covering the majority of your fee (i.e.: 85% of your fee).
How long does it take to receive my rebate?
Rebates should come through no longer than 24 business hours after being processed.