Frequently asked questions

No you do not need a referral from a doctor to make an appointment.  You can simply contact us to make an appointment.  However, with a Mental Health Treatment Plan referral from your GP you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychologist sessions per calendar year (i.e., Medicare Australia will refund a significant proportion of the psychologist’s fee). Your GP will determine if you meet the criteria for such a plan (e.g., anxiety, depression, sleep problems etc). Alternatively you could use private health insurance to cover some of the fee if you have the level of cover that includes psychology services. If you do not have private health insurance, nor wish to obtain a GP referral, you can still make an appointment and just pay for the sessions.

Please note that relationship (couples) counselling is not covered by Medicare.

To make an appointment with Gold Coast Psychologists And Counsellors, simply contact us directly.  Further information about the practice is also available.

With a GP Mental Health Plan referral to a psychologist, you will receive a Medicare rebate for part of each session fee for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year.  If you elect to use your private health insurer, the rebate will depend on your individual private health fund and your level of cover (check with your fund).  Psychologists and counsellors set their own fees so it’s best to check at the time of your initial enquiry.

Please note that this practice does not bulk bill.

This means there is always an upfront cost that may be offset by claiming back a portion of the fee via a Medicare rebate if you have a current Mental Health Plan from your GP, or claiming back from your private health fund if you have psychology services as part of your private health fund cover.

Please allow at least one hour for an appointment.  Each session is 50 minutes duration plus 5-10 minutes administration time.  Longer appointments (e.g., up to 90 minutes) may be available with prior arrangement.

The first appointment is primarily focussed on understanding what is happening for you and determining how we may be of assistance. The total number of sessions required will naturally depend on the nature of your concerns. Many people are often able to resolve their concerns, or make significant progress, in six sessions or less. More complex issues may require a longer time frame.

Wait times can vary and certain times of the year may be busier than other times.  It’s best to contact us to determine if there is a wait for your first appointment. You may request to be placed on a list in case there is a cancellation so you may be seen sooner than anticipated for your first appointment.

Please give us a call – we’d love to hear from you! There is also loads of information on our Resources page.