Seeing a therapist can be overwhelming, but we’re here to answer any of your questions.
Do I need a referral before making an appointment?
You do not need a referral to book an appointment to see us.
A GP referral – also called a Mental Health Care Plan – may allow you to claim the Medicare rebate for the number of sessions which are listed on the referral.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
To see whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, you will need to make an appointment with your GP. PW Consultants recommend letting the medical centre reception know that this is reason why you are attending, as some GP practices require a double appointment to complete the a Mental Health Care Plan.
When your GP is assessing if you are eligible for sessions, they will obtain some background from you about the reason you would like to seek therapy. Be as open and honest as you feel comfortable being with them. The more information they know, the more they will be able to assist you.
Can I use my Mental Health Care Plan for Henry and Ensaf?
You will only be able to use an eligible Mental Health Care Plan for appointments with Ensaf.
How does a Mental Health Care Plan work?
A Mental Health Care Plan may entitle you to claim the Medicare rebate for up to 20 sessions per calendar year.
As part of treatment under a Mental Health Care Plan, your therapist will check in with your GP after your first appointment. After you have completed all sessions on the referral, your therapist will provide your GP with an update on your mental health and therapeutic progress and may request a re-referral of your Mental Health Care Plan to assist your GP to determine whether further sessions are suitable.
How do I claim the Medicare rebate?
Providing your details are up to date with Medicare, (bank details, address etc), you do not have to do anything to claim the Medicare rebate. At PW Consultants, we will automatically process your Medicare rebate at the end of each session.
Please note: You will need a valid Mental Health Care plan and to have paid in full for your session prior to us being able to process your rebate.
Do you bulk-bill?
We do not provide bulk-billed services, however we do offer some referral pathways where there are no out of pocket costs for our clients. To learn more about these, please contact us.
I have an NDIS plan, can you work with this?
Practical Wisdom are able to work with individuals who have an NDIS package that is self and plan managed. Please contact us to discuss how your plan can be best used and answer any of your questions.
How much do the sessions cost?
As each person, each couple and each family is unique, the fees varies. Please contact us for details.
Payment is required in full, by the end of each session. For NDIS clients, Practical Wisdom follows the procedure and the Commission’s guidelines regarding session fees
Can I claim the cost of the sessions under my private health insurance?
Whether you can claim your session and how much you can claim under your Private Health Insurance will depend on your private health insurance coverage and policy. PW Consultants recommend that you check your cover and entitlements with your health fund prior to your session.
Please note: It is not possible to claim the Medicare rebate and your private health rebate for the same session.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, your therapist will take you through information about the process of therapy and their background. They will then ask you questions about what has brought you to therapy. During this first appointment, your therapist will also explore your goals for therapy.
Your first appointment is also a chance for you to get to know your therapist, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need at any point.
How long do sessions go for?
Individual sessions are generally 50 minutes in length, with another 10 minutes allowed for fee processing and appointment booking.
Family Therapy sessions run for up to 90 minutes.
How many sessions do I need?
The number of sessions you will need to attend will depend on your situation and what you are wanting from therapy.
Your therapist will collaborate with you about your progress and prognosis throughout your therapy and you will be both consulted and informed at all stages of the process.
Can I get an after-hours appointment?
Ensaf provides appointments on Saturdays for Family Therapy.
What days are you available?
Henry is available on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
For Ensaf’s availability and bookings, please contact us.
I’m nervous about this experience.
It’s normal to find the process of therapy daunting, especially if it’s your first time coming to a therapy appointment. At PW Consultants, we strive to make sure our clients are fully informed and feel comfortable at each stage of the process, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss any concerns or worries before making the first step. We’re here to help!