People make their way to counselling for all kinds of reasons. Some people feel a great sense of trepidation in booking their first counselling session, whilst for others this doesn't feel a hurdle at all. It is our job to ensure that you feel safe, informed and cared for as you begin this process. This includes providing you with information about how your privacy and confidentiality will be protected and what you can expect from engaging with our service.
We provide counselling under a number of different programs which are introduced below. There a different referral pathways and costs for each program. Regardless of which counselling program, it remains the same that each persons unique needs will be attended to and all of our social workers have a range of skills and therapeutic approaches to ensure that the process meets your needs.
GP Referral
As Accredited Mental Health Social Workers, we are registered providers of counselling through the Medicare funded Better Access Program which includes Mental Health Care Plan or Team Care Arrangement referrals.
When referred by a GP under these programs, you are eligible for a rebate from Medicare which subsidises your session cost. The gap payment will vary dependent on the referral type and whether you have reached the Medicare threshold for the year. The most common type of referral via a GP is a Mental Health Care Plan which enables access to 10 counselling sessions per year.
You can request that your GP refer you to us for service. We prefer that your referral be faxed to us in advance of your first appointment on 02 4911 9029.
Victim of Crime Counselling
The NSW Government offers a free counselling program to anyone who has been impacted by a violent crime in NSW. We are all approved providers of this counselling program and are specialised in trauma informed approaches and in domestic violence and sexual assault counselling.
Who is eligible?
People who have either been direct victims of a crime, or impacted by a violent crime, by witnessing it or helping someone experiencing violence are eligible. The act of violence does not have to be reported to police and people who have experienced violence in the past are also eligible. Common circumstances where people are able to access victim of crime counselling include, but are not limited to; domestic violence, sexual and indecent assault (at all ages), physical assault, home invasion, robbery, family members of homicide victims.
Eligibility for victim of crime counselling is assessed by an intake worker at the Department of Communities and Justice. Anyone can self refer or assist someone to be referred by calling Victims Services on 1800 633063. We can also assist current clients to transition to this counselling program where eligibility is likely and where the client wishes to do this.
Full information about the Victim of Crime counselling program and other supports they offer can be accessed at https://www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/
Health Funds, Open Arms, EAP & Private Clients
Anyone holding top cover with BUPA, HCF, Teachers Health, St. Lukes Health, UniHealth or Nurses and Midwives Health will be able to claim a rebate for their session. The rebate amount depends on the cover you hold with your Health Fund. You do not need a referral to commence sessions. Some of our therapists are approved to provide services for Defence Force veterans and their families under the Open Arms/BUPA program and session fees are fully funded with no cost to the client.
Some people just want to get started with counselling without the hurdle of a GP appointment or a referral process. This means starting counselling as a "private client". The difference is that you will not be able to claim a rebate for your service and will have to pay full fee. Individuals or couples are accepted as private clients.
We also offer EAP counselling to employees of a variety of organisations where a prior EAP arrangement has been negotiated. Please contact us via webform or phone to discuss utilising our EAP services.