FAQ
Q: How much does counselling cost?
A: Counselling starts from $195 per consultation during business hours. Additional charges apply outside of business hours. If you have a current mental health care plan from your doctor, the rebate is around $92. Other counselling sessions involving couples and families attract fees starting from $250 per session.
Q: How long do I have to wait to see the counsellor?
A: The counsellor will be able to see you within a week or two depending on availability. Unfortunately, at times, he is heavily booked in advance and may not be able to see new clients within a reasonable time frame.
Q: Do I have to pay upfront or can I pay later or by invoice?
A: All fees must be paid on the day, prior to your session. Please ensure that you have your payment ready before you see the counsellor.
Q: Do you accept cheques?
A: We do not usually accept cheques initially but after clearance or in specific cases we may. We prefer payment by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or cash.
Q: Can I claim any of this money back?
A: Yes. If you are in a private health fund you can claim a rebate depending on your cover.
Q: Is Bulk Billing available? Can I claim any money back through Medicare?
A: Yes, Bulk Billing is available. See above - Question 1. You can also contact us for more information about this.
Q: Can anyone make an appointment and see Anthony?
A: Yes, in most cases anyone can arrange an appointment with Anthony. However, we will assess you over the phone (or email) to see if it's appropriate for you to see him. We also receive many referrals from doctors, psychiatrists and other psychologists and mental health professionals.
Q: How long does a counselling session last?
A: Counselling sessions usually run for 50 minutes or thereabouts. Sometimes younger people wish to finish their session earlier.
Q: Do you offer group therapy or anger management classes?
A: No. All therapy is on an individual basis. We have found this approach to be more effective.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: Everyone asks this question. It depends on the nature of your concerns, issues, etc, and how motivated you are. In most cases, clients report that they see some positive changes after 3 sessions or thereabouts. Others again report that they see changes after 6 or more sessions while others attend one or two sessions and are happy with the outcome.
Q: What about crisis or urgent counselling?
A: No, we do not provide crisis counselling or provide services to clients needing urgent psychiatric attention. The client can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or their mental health team at their local hospital.
Q: Is counselling guaranteed?
A: Unfortunately No. Counselling is not guaranteed.
Anthony always assesses how the sessions are going and will let you know if he feels that you are benefiting from counselling or not. If he feels that you are not benefiting from counselling he will talk to you about other options that may be more beneficial for you.
