What should I expect from my first appointment?
After making your first appointment you will be sent an email confirming your appointment date and time. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan you will need to bring along this paperwork to your first appointment, as well your Medicare card.
At the beginning of your first session your psychologist will briefly run through important paperwork with you. The aim of the first session with your psychologist will be for them to get to know you and see how you might work together best.
How long are sessions with a psychologist?
Sessions are 50 minutes.
How many sessions will I need to come in for?
At Solis, we are committed to providing therapy to suit each of our client’s individual needs and preferences. The number of sessions will depend on the individual and your psychologist will discuss this with you in your first session.
Some people come to therapy for three or four sessions to speak about a specific issue in their life, such as adjusting to a new change or when deciding on a new career. Other people come to therapy to develop coping strategies to assist with anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns. Some clients will come for longer term work to assist in understanding longstanding patterns (such as relationship issues) that stem from experiences during their childhood, or to receive ongoing support.
Do you receive a medicare or private health rebate when you see a psychologist?
If you have a referral from a GP or a psychiatrist for a Mental Health Treatment Plan you will be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $87.45 per individual session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
After we have processed your payment we can process the rebate for you via Medicare Online. Medicare advises us that these funds will appear in your bank account within 1-3 business days.
If you have private health insurance you may be eligible for a partial rebate. Please check with your insurance provider for further information.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No, you do not need a referral to make an appointment. You may privately for your session. However, if you wish to claim the Medicare rebate for your session you will need to obtain a referral and bring a copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan.
What happens if I don’t feel like the psychologist was the right fit for me?
It is important that you find someone who is right fit for you and that you click with. At the end of your first appointment, we will discuss how you found the session and whether you wish to continue the therapeutic relationship. We are open to suggestions and are happy to discuss other options with you.