Fees

The Australian Psychological Society sets guidelines that indicate the amount psychologists should charge for services—currently the recommendation for a 50 minute consultation is $238. For more information, please see: www.psychology.org.au/community/fees_rebates/

Joseph’s consultation fees are considerably below this recommended rate:

50 minute consultation

$150

Cancellation Policy

If, for some reason you need to cancel or postpone the appointment, please give at least 24 hours notice, otherwise the full consultation fee will be incurred – $150.

As you can understand it is nearly impossible to book a new client at very short notice, and if several clients cancel in one day then a large amount of income is lost. If you consider the situation in these terms, and also realise that a psychologist must pay substantial clinic room rental fees, then you can understand why we must charge a cancellation fee for missed appointments. Please note that Medicare or health insurance rebates are not applicable to cancellation fees.

Rebates

Most private health insurers offer rebates for psychological services—please enquire with your insurer to find out whether you are covered for this.

Part of the fee incurred for psychological services may be covered by Medicare—this occurs if you receive a referral from your GP. Under a Mental Health Care Plan, you are entitled to a rebate for part of the consultation fee (up to 10 sessions with a psychologist in a calendar year, as well as an extra 6 sessions in exceptional circumstances). If you are registered for the Medicare safety net, and have reached the threshold, most of the fee will be rebated.

Joseph is also registered as an ATAPS provider for both the Wentwest Medicare Local and Northern Sydney Medicare Local. For more information about ATAPS (Access to Allied Psychological Services) please see: ATAPS information brochure

For more information, please see: www.psychology.org.au/community/fees_rebates/