Fees Structure (Medicare and Private Health Funds Rebates)
You do not need a GP referral to book an appointment at Blue Horizon Counselling.
Just dial 0403 866 997 or email info@bluehorizoncounselling.com.au
Cost per session:
Registered Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Relationship or Family Counselling
The Australian Psychological Society recommended fee for treatment by a clinical psychologist is $280 for a 45-60 minute consultation.
Link: APS Recommended Fee Flyer
*Skype/Phone Counselling payment must be made prior to the session.
1. Pay in cash or with a card via EFTPOS at your appointment;
2. Pay online with your credit card:
3 Pay via Direct Bank Credit
Medicare rebates available
Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment by registered psychologist under the Australian Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care Plan. you must obtain Mental Health Care Plan from you GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician in order to receive treatment through Medicare, prior to your appointment. A rebate is available for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Medicare rebates are available for up to ten sessions per calendar year for an individual receiving individual counselling. Rebates for sessions conducted via Skype or phone must meet the Department of Human Services location criteria for ‘remote or rural’ location.
Rebates are not available from Medicare for relationship counselling.
Please refer to the APS Fact Sheet “Medicare rebates for mental health services provided by psychologists” for further information regarding the process of obtaining a Mental Health Care Plan.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, your eligible Medicare rebate will be determined by the plan issued by your GP and your Medicare threshold.
Please use the following as a guide
| Registered Psychologist | between $56.00 to $238.35, most being $89.65 |
| Clinical Psychologist | Between $56.00 to $238.35, most being $131.65 |
Full payment is expected at the time of your appointment, with the rebate paid by Medicare after your session. Please note, non-attendance or late cancellation fees are not eligible for Medicare rebates.
DVA Card Holders
A Gold Card or White Card entitles the holder to DVA funding for services for all clinically necessary health care needs, and all health conditions. Only the person named on the card is covered.
You must obtain Mental Health Care Plan from you GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician in order to receive treatment at no cost to the Card Holder.
In order to be eligible to receive a rebate through DVA, you must have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP prior to your appointment and present your Gold or White Card at your initial appointment.
Limits apply to some types of services, and some require prior financial authorisation from DVA.
Private Health Insurance
Majority of private health funds offer covers for psychological services. Please check with your insurer your cover and any specific requirement they might have.
Cancellation Fee
When an appointment is scheduled, that time is dedicated to you and your therapy. We will send you a reminder sms a few days prior to your appointment and ask that you respond accordingly to confirm your attendance.
If you need to cancel or change an appointment, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. However, in this instance, we kindly ask for you to provide as much notice as possible. With ample time, other clients are able to adjust their scheduled to accept the now vacant appointment time. When we are unable to fill your cancelled appointment time, we will charge a cancellation fee based on the following advance notice time. Less than 2 full business days – 50% of the full fee ($132.50) and less than 1 full business day – full fee is charged ($265). These cancellation fees are charged as per the Australian Psychological Society recommendation.
Please note that you cannot claim the Medicare rebate for a missed session.