Do I need a referral from my GP to see a psychologist?
No. You can make an appointment without a referral. However, in order to claim a rebate with Medicare,
you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). To be assessed for a MHCP, you will need to make an
appointment with your GP.
What is a Medicare rebate?
When you have a valid MHCP, Medicare will provide a rebate of $96.65 to cover some of the cost of a psychology session. Medicare provides this rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
If you are planning on claiming a rebate from Medicare, please bring your MHCP to your first session. Otherwise, just bring yourself.
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session will be an opportunity for you to share what has brought you to see a psychologist. Eloise will listen to whatever you bring to the session and where you are at, and together you will touch on a plan for sessions going forward. A lot of information about you may be covered, but Eloise will also talk a little about what counselling is and how it can help. Sessions are private and confidential. There are some exceptions to this which will be discussed at the beginning of your first session.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends entirely on you, your story, and your needs. To begin with, counselling can be most effective when it is regular and consistent. You and Eloise will discuss this and agree on a plan together.
How long do sessions go for?
A standard psychology session is 50 minutes. EMDR processing sessions are 90 minutes.
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, trauma-informed psychological intervention which uses eye movements (or alternative bilateral stimulation such as tapping) to treat a range of distressing symptoms. For further information, see this video authored by the EMDR Association of Australia (2019).
What if I cannot afford to pay the full fee?
Awakenings Psychology is able to provide a significant Medicare rebate or Private Health Insurance rebate.
Please see fees for more information.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, 24 hours notice (one business day) is required to avoid any fees or charges. Please see more information on the Cancellation Policy here.
Do I need to be a certain age to see a psychologist?
Generally speaking, no. Anyone can see a psychologist at any age. Eloise, however, specialises in working with adults. Therefore, bookings at Awakenings Psychology will only be accepted for people aged 18 years and over.
Can I contact my psychologist outside of hours?
No. Awakenings Psychology is not an emergency service. Should you require immediate support, please
contact emergency services or 24 hour counselling services:
Ambulance, Fire, or Police: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mensline Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
eHeadspace Support: chat here
Mental health triage in your area: directory here
Practice Hours & Location
We are open Monday - Friday with varied hours.
We are primarily based online, but do offer some face to face sessions in East Melbourne.
Please get in touch to learn more.
Contact
admin@awakeningspsychology.com