GP and Health Professionals

Here are the things to know if you plan to refer a patient for counselling.

Areas of Interest

Areas of therapeutic interest and expertise include:

  • Adolescents/young people and their parents

  • Disability (adjustment, grief and loss issues)

  • Eating and Body image issues

  • Mood disorders (Anxiety, Depression and Bipolar)

  • Sexual abuse, assault and trauma related issue

Psychological Approach

Naturally the approach is tailored to the needs of the client. However, after thorough assessment and a strong therapeutic approach,  I draw on Cognitive Behaviour, Dialectical Behaviour and emotion focussed processing therapies to treat a range of conditions and experiences. 

Mental Health Care Plan referrals

As a Medicare provider, patients referred with a Mental Health Care Plan will be eligible for rebates for 6-10 sessions per colander year. A patient under a plan, can obtain 6 rebated sessions but will need GP review before accessing a further 4 sessions. 

A provider requires an initial referral letter as well as a review letter to provide rebated sessions for a patient and this letter needs to be made out to the treating psychologist (with the correct name and contact details). 
Mental Health Care Plans expire after a year. 

OTHER REFERRAL TYPES

Patients can be referred without  a mental health care plan. Some private health funds also provide rebates though this depends on the patient’s policy. The person seeking counselling would need to make contact , discuss and consent to treatment though a GP, other health professional, carer, parent, friend or partner is welcome to contact on their behalf to seek information initially.