Fees & Rebates
The APS National Schedule of Recommended Fees 2024-2025 has set the standard consultation fee at $311.
Coral Coast Psychology has set fees well below this to make it more affordable. Our fees are reviewed annually.
LISTED BELOW ARE SOME OF THE WAYS PEOPLE THAT COME TO US
Better Access to Mental Health Program - Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
If your GP does a Mental Health Care Plan, you will be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $141.85 (for a Clinical Psychologist) per individual session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You are also able to access this program through a referral from a Psychiatrist.
Payment needs to be made in full. Once received, we can claim the Medicare rebate on your behalf via Medicare Online which means the Medicare refund goes into the bank account you have registered with Medicare. People tell us this usually happens on the same day but Medicare advises it can take 1-2 business days.
Consultation Service
(55-minute session)
Terrina Mitchell
Clinical Psychologist
Fee
$215
Medicare rebate
Better Access Program
$141.85
Out-of-pocket $73.15
Private Health
If your GP has not referred under the Better Access to Mental Health Program, or if you decide you want to see a psychologist without getting a referral, you may be able to claim a rebate through your private health if you have extras cover. The cost of the consultation is $215. Please contact your health fund to find out what they offer as each fund is different.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
If you hold a valid DVA card and have a referral from your GP requesting treatment for a condition recognised by DVA, we are able to claim the cost of your consultation directly from DVA. There is no cost to you.
Workcover
If you have a Workcover claim number and psychology sessions have been requested by your treating GP, Psychiatrist or claim manager, we bill Workcover directly for your sessions. There is no cost to you.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Some people have an employer that offers Employee Assistance Programs. This program allows workers to access a limited number of sessions with a psychologist. We require written authorisation from the employer stating the number of sessions they are agreeing to fund. There is no cost to you.
NDIS
We are not an NDIS registered provider, however we do help a lot of people who are accessing the NDIS. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed we are able to bill directly. There is no cost to you.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Cancellation Policy
When you make an appointment, the time has been reserved especially for you. We understand that things change. If, for some reason, you need to cancel or postpone your appointment please give at least 48 hours’ notice otherwise you may be charged a cancellation fee.
*Cancellations made with 24-48 hours’ notice where we are unable to fill the appt
Fee: $85
*Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice
Fee: $215
Sudden illness or other exceptional circumstances will be taken into consideration in charging fees for late cancellation or non-attendance. However please understand that when you do not give notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you have prevented someone else from taking this appointment time.
FAQ
How long is a psychology appointment?
At Coral Coast Psychology each appointment will be 50 minutes to 1 hour, and the time is reserved especially for you.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and how does the Better Access Program work?
Clients may be referred by their GPs under the Better Access to Mental Health Program. A MHCP needs to be in place to access this program. Not all clients are eligible for a MCHP and it is at the doctor’s discretion.
If you are eligible, you can claim a Medicare rebate for 6 sessions with a psychologist. The psychologist then provides feedback to the referring GP and it may be possible for you to access additional sessions. You are able to claim a rebate for a maximum of 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. We can process the Medicare rebate for you once you have made payment.
Do you bulk bill?
No.
Can I claim my sessions on private health cover?
If clients have private health cover, it may be possible to receive a rebate from your health fund provider for psychology services. It is not possible to receive both a Medicare rebate and a Private Health Fund rebate for the same session. However, clients may choose to alternate between privately funded sessions and Medicare rebated sessions to make therapy more affordable – or may choose to use Private Health Fund rebates if they exceed the maximum of 10 Medicare sessions per calendar year, or if they are not eligible for a MHCP referral initially.
What is a ‘Better Access Mental Health Care Plan’?
A mental health care plan is a support plan your doctor writes with you about treating a mental health condition. Your doctor will need to diagnose you with a mental health condition to create the plan, so they will ask you questions about what’s been happening and how you’ve been feeling. They will probably ask you to fill out a questionnaire. They will ask you about your goals, what you would like to get out of seeking help, and then write a referral that needs to be sent to your psychologist.
This appointment with your doctor can take more time than a normal consultation so it can be a good idea to let the receptionist know you would like a longer appointment when you make the booking.