Referrals
Self-Referral
It is not essential that you have a referral to see a clinician at The Charles Street Clinic. Clients may call and book an appointment at any time without a referral and pay privately. Please feel free to discuss your options with the reception staff before your appointment.
Referral by Medical Practitioner
Referrals from Medical practitioners can attract a Medicare rebate for your psychology sessions. Under Medicare guidelines, specific requirements for a valid referral are; having a valid Medicare card and obtaining a valid Medicare referral from your GP, or specialist (Paediatrician or Psychiatrist).
From a general practitioner, the referral letter should be dated within the past 12 months and accompanied by a Care Plan, such as a Mental Health Care Plan, Enhanced Primary Care Plan, or Eating Disorders Plan. The referral will specify the number of sessions that can be claimed through Medicare, with a maximum of up to 10 sessions per calendar year. After the first six sessions, you will be required to return to your referring doctor to seek a re-referral for the following four sessions.
When referred by a psychiatrist or paediatrician only a referral letter is required.
More information can be found at Services Australia.
Referral by Third Party
If you are being referred by an agency, then please contact us directly so we can establish appropriate referral and contact information to meet your needs.
Fees
Fees vary depending on the clinician, duration and purpose of the session.
Standard Consultations
$200-280 per session, depending on the experience and qualifications of the psychologist.
Assessments and Reports
Costs vary based on the complexity and nature of the assessment. Please contact us to discuss what you are seeking.
Specific Programs, Courses and Workshops
For programs associated with NDIS, we follow NDIS pricing guidelines.
For Workshops and Courses, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Rebates
Private Health Care Rebates
Private Health Fund Rebates for speech therapy and psychology sessions are available to most funds. Check with your Private Health Care Fund prior to sessions if you are eligible for a rebate.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national system that provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Further information about the NDIS can be found at www.ndis.gov.au. The Charles Street Clinic is a registered NDIS provider. Please contact us should you wish to talk about how you can use your funding to access our service.
Medicare (Mental Health Care Plan)
Medicare rebates for clients referred by a GP or Medical Specialist (eg Paediatrician, Psychiatrist) using a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan are currently the following (1st July 2024):
Medicare rebate for Registered Psychologist – $96.65
Medicare rebate for Clinical Psychologist – $141.85
Conveniently, our diary booking system is integrated with Medicare, which means we can send your receipt to Medicare Australia on your behalf at time of payment.
Please note that the following are not covered by Medicare (i.e. a Medicare Rebate cannot be claimed):
- cancellation fees
- missed appointment fees
- reports and letters
- some psychological assessments
- sessions provided by provisionally registered psychologists.
