Frequently Asked Questions

  • You will need a few basic pieces of equipment to participate in a telehealth (phone or video) session:

    A computer or mobile device

    An integrated or external microphone. Most mobile devices and computers will have a built-in microphone that should work fine. If the patient’s device does not have one, they’ll need to find a separate microphone.

    An integrated or external camera. Like with microphones, many devices now already have an integrated camera. However, if the patient is using a desktop computer or older laptop, they might not have a built-in webcam.

    Internet Connection, Having a solid internet connection is a crucial piece of having a successful telehealth visit. Ideally, the internet speeds should be at least 15Mbps download and 5Mbps upload.

  • Web-based therapies, such as video calls, phone calls, and chats have become more and more common.

    Thanks to the internet, you can access many types of therapy from the comfort of your own home. Just like face-to-face psychologists, our psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency ( AHPRA ), and are individually picked by MindPact.

    Research has shown that videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP) can be as beneficial as face-to-face therapy.

  • Psychologists are educated in the science of how people feel, behave and react. They provide help with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and eating disorders.
    Whilst the term ‘therapist or counsellor, can be used by anyone, Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
    Psychologists must have a minimum of six years of university training, engage in ongoing education, and adhere to strict ethical standards.

  • Therapy, also called counselling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviours, beliefs, feelings and relationship issues. Beginning therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life possible—no matter what challenges you may be facing. Through therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviours and habits, resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, and more.
    On the whole, you can expect that your therapist will be someone who supports you, listens attentively, models a healthy and positive relationship experience, gives you appropriate feedback and follows ethical guidelines. Good therapy should be tailored to you and your experiences.

  • Once you book a telehealth appointment our admin staff will send you some basic information to complete via email or mobile link. If you enquire via our contact form, our friendly team will get in contact with you to have a brief chat about why you are coming to see us to ensure we can provide the best possible service for you.

  • You’ll most likely spend the first part of your therapy session getting to know one another. Your therapist will ask questions about why you’re seeking therapy, what kinds of needs or issues you’d like to address in your treatment together as well as what you’ve done to manage your mental health in the past. If you are new to counselling, we will explain how it generally works and develop a plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

  • The length of therapy can vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Some people come to therapy with a specific issue or concern that can be rapidly worked through in six to eight sessions. Some people come to therapy to explore issues that seem to run a little deeper.
    As opposed to working from a one size fits all formula, we will develop an individual plan that’s flexible, meets your needs and delivers the outcomes you’re looking for in the quickest possible time.

Rebates

  • MindPact is a private psychology practice, therefore we are funded through patients paying fees. We also receive referrals through workers’ compensation, the NDIS and motor vehicle claims and in these instances the insurer pays for part of the sessions. You can discuss the fees and rebates with us when you make your next appointment.

  • Our fees are less than the Australian Psychological Society’s recommended fee which is currently $280 for 50 minutes. The standard fee payable on the day of consult will vary depending on whether you’re paying privately, have an MHCP or are covered by Private Health/insurance. Workers’ compensation and motor vehicle accident patients are charged to the insurer at the nominated rates if a claim has been approved, or the insurer has approved funding for treatment on a “without prejudice” basis while a claim is being assessed. Until insurer funding is approved, the client has responsibility for settling fees. In some instances, a GP Mental Health Care Plan may be appropriate until insurer approval is secured.

  • A Medicare rebate can be obtained by seeing your General Practitioner and asking them to complete a GP Mental Health Care Plan (GPMHCP), providing a rebate of approximately $90. To be eligible for the GPMHCP your GP must assess that you are suffering from a mental health problem and complete the GPMHCP paperwork before you attend a psychology session with MindPact.

  • Medicare allows for 10 rebated sessions in a calendar year (from the 1st January to the 31st December each year). Medicare requires that you see your GP every six sessions for a review to continue being eligible for sessions.
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth Government has made available an additional 10 sessions of treatment per annum available.

  • Medicare does not allow you to claim from both Medicare and your private health insurer at the same time. Often the Medicare rebate is higher than what is available on private insurance, so most patients prefer to use their annual sessions under Medicare and then use their rebate under private insurance.
    Most private health covers include psychological treatment and provide a rebate which depends on your premium level. It is advisable to check with your health insurer as to whether your specific policy covers psychological treatment

  • The workers’ compensation system and the motor vehicle claims systems have provisions to pay for medical expenses which include psychological treatment. This may be because the injury itself has been difficult to cope with, or because the reason for the claim is stress-related. Funding approval for such treatment is at the discretion of the insurer.

  • Contact our office directly and we will seek approval from the insurer on your behalf. A referral from your treating General Practitioner is often required by the insurer to show that the reason for attending is related to your claim.
    A representative of the insurer will be asked to sign a written approval form to confirm that they agree to fund your sessions.
    In situations where the insurer has not agreed to provide funding for an open claim, the client is responsible for settling fees. Sometimes, a GP Mental Health Care Plan is appropriate in these cases.

  • Cancellations or rescheduling made 24 hours or more before the scheduled appointment will not incur any charges. However, cancellations or rescheduling made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment will result in a $50.00 charge. These changes aim to ensure the availability of services and maintain a reliable scheduling system. Clients are encouraged to provide advance notice to allow for appointment reallocation. For any questions or concerns, clients can reach out to the administrative team at info@mindpact.com.au.