Our Policies at ASSIST
Please find following the policies and processes for arranging your appointments and therapy with ASSIST. Our Frequently Asked Questions page also details valuable information on various elements of treatment, psychology and Medicare rebates. Review this material and raise any issues with your psychologist.
What is Counselling / Therapy?
Counselling/therapy is a discussion or structured technique with a qualified professional which typically helps people to:
- Gain professional support and skills in dealing with their concerns
- Manage their concerns in healthy ways
- Define what they would like to happen in their future
- Develop a plan for achieving their goals
Different people seek different outcomes from counseling/therapy. Therefore, it is important that you talk to your ASSIST psychologist about your expectations of counselling/therapy.
No professional can guarantee that counselling/therapy will meet your expectations. Counselling relies heavily upon the person involved – for example, his or her responses and openness, the particular issues etc. Most people experience positive and constructive outcomes from counselling/therapy, but not everyone does. We are all unique, with different perceptions and expectations, therefore the outcomes of counselling/therapy can vary.
How do I get the best possible outcome from counselling?
- Arrive on time for each scheduled appointment
- Be prepared to share your thoughts and feelings openly with your counsellor/therapist
- Complete any agreed homework tasks
- Ask for explanations about any issues or terms you do not understand
- Freely give feedback to your psychologist about your counselling/therapy experience
You can choose to end counselling at any time, though we will often recommend a certain number of sessions as this has been found to be helpful in achieving good outcomes for clients. Please let us know when you are considering ending your meetings with us. You are welcome to return at any time in the future.
How are appointments arranged and what fees are payable?
Appointments can be made by phoning the Wesley Medical Centre on (07) 3371 0231 and the Oasis Specialist Centre on (07) 3216 9033 or contact us here.
Counselling/therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes in duration and cost $140-00 per session. Telephone calls or email discussions longer than 15 minutes may also be debited against your account. Cost of written reports and/or psychometric testing, if required, will be negotiated.
In certain instances, counselling/therapy fees may be reimbursed by some private health funds or Medicare. A Mental Health Care Plan (Item number 2710) from your GP MUST be in place prior to your first session in order to receive your Medicare Rebate of $81.60. Speak with your GP about a referral.
Please note that when you make an appointment to see us, we have allocated this time to you. We hope you understand that if you forget your appointment, arrive late, or give less than 48 hours notice of your inability to attend, you will still be charged up to the usual fee for this session.
Cancellations or rescheduling appointments within 48 hours will incur a cancellation fee of $35-00 and sessions cancelled within 24 hours will incur a $70-00 (50%) fee, in order to cover costs of your missed sessions. However some circumstances may be negotiable.
Payment is expected at the time of the consultation.
Credit card, cash, cheque and EFTPOS facilities are available.
Professional Supervision for provisionally registered psychologists is $100 per hour.
What records are kept, and can I have access to them?
Writing file notes enables us to assist you by reflecting on the information and processes shared during the session. At all times, the records and their contents remain the property of this practice, but they are accessible to the individual gaining treatment upon request. ASSIST reserves the right to provide you with a summary of your record. The records are generally retained for 7 years but the practice reserves the right to shred records at any time after the end of the client relationship.
Will my information be kept confidential?
The vast majority of matters discussed with us are kept strictly confidential within this practice. However, there are certain situations where confidential information is released:
- You give us your consent to release confidential information to a third party
- We are required to do so by a Court Order or a legal duty
- We need to discuss your case with a professional supervisor for further clinical advice/recommendations
- We refer you to another professional counsellor, clinician or medical practitioner
- We need to discuss your clinical history with your GP, former clinician or therapist who has provided services to you
- We form the opinion that such disclosure may prevent a serious crime or harm to either yourself or another person.
We look forward to ASSISTing you to ASSIST yourself.