Common Counselling Questions and Answers

Guidelight Gold Coast Counselling and Psychology

Counselling Questions and Answers

At Guidelight we are committed to providing high quality psychological services to every client and organisation we serve.

Our approach is always respectful and collaborative.  

Our treatments focus on changing behaviour without medication

To help you with questions you may have regarding our service we have listed below answers to many of the common questions we are asked. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us:

• Do I need a referral from a doctor?
• How long will each session be?
• How many sessions will I need?
• Are my sessions confidential?
• Am I eligible for a Medicare rebate?
• Am I covered by my Health Insurance?
• How and when do I pay?
• What happens if I can’t attend or make an appointment?
• What services don’t you cover?
• What is the difference between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Counsellors?

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

Individuals do not need a referral to see a psychologist. Private health insurance rebates may be available if you have Extras Cover. Please check with your insurer.

If you are referred by your GP through a mental health plan (item 2710) or referred by your Paediatrician or Psychiatrist you will be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 12 sessions per year.

If you are referred by a third party, such as an Insurance company, WorkCover, Solicitor or rehabilitation program, referral information must be made available at the time of making the appointment.

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How long will each session be?

Appointments are usually 50-60 minutes long.

The initial appointment may be longer to allow us plenty of time to understand your needs and to get to know you.

The initial session is charged at the same rate as a standard consultation.

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How many sessions will I need?

This varies and generally depends on the severity and duration of the problems you are facing.

Typically people attend between 6 to 15 sessions but simple issues may take only a few sessions. More complicated or longstanding issues can take longer.

It is up to you how long you need our support but our goal is always to provide the skills, knowledge and strategies for you to be able to cope without therapy.

We will work together on a flexible plan that you are comfortable with.

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Are my sessions confidential?

Your privacy is protected at all times. Psychologists are bound by the legal requirements of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 and follow strict guidelines for professional conduct that include confidentiality.

Your client file, which includes your personal information and session notes is kept in a secure location and is only accessible to authorised employees. You can ask to see the information that is kept in your file at any time.

Any information disclosed to your psychologist in sessions also remains confidential. We are however obliged to release information if it is subpoenaed by a court or if our failure to disclose the information places you or another person at risk. We can release information if we have your consent.

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Am I eligible for a Medicare rebate?

The simplest way to access Medicare funding for psychological services relates to the Better Access to Mental Health Items introduced in November 2006.

These items are for people who are suffering from a diagnosable mental illness (such as Depression, Panic Disorder) that is impacting on their everyday lives.

You will need to see your GP who can assess whether you are eligible. If appropriate they will draft a Mental Health Care Plan.

Alternatively, you can be referred to us by your Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. A Medicare rebate is available for up to 12 sessions per year.

The government set rebate for a one hour consult with one of Guidelight Psychology approved registered Psychologists is $78.40.

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Am I covered by my Health Insurance? 

You will need to check with your private health fund whether your plan covers your session costs and to what level. Most funds offer a rebate on their extras cover policies.  

You can be reassured that we qualify as a fully accredited and credentialed firm for any rebates that your private health fund policy may offer you.

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How and when do I pay?

Clients are expected to pay at the end of the session unless prior arrangements have been negotiated with the psychologist.

Cash, cheque, eftpos or credit card can be used to pay for our services. A receipt will be issued so you can claim with Medicare or your private health insurer. More information about fees and payments.

What happens if I can’t attend or make an appointment?

A cancellation fee may apply. For more information please read our Cancellations Policy.

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What services don’t you cover?

We do not offer individual psychology expertise for infants (children under the age of 9), unless the matter is part of a family therapy session.

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It is important that you take some care in understanding whether the service being offered will meet the level of care you expect and pay for.  

To make an appointment please feel free to phone us or contact us by email.

After hours and Saturday counselling appointments now available.

5527 0123

you will make positive changes within 7 days
or your money back

Please note our fee information and cancellations policy.

Our services include:

• Gold Coast Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
  Confidential counselling appointments are available for individuals, couples and families to work with our psychologists on a range of issues and concerns including the leading issues in today's world such as stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Learn more about our Gold Coast Psychotherapy and Counselling Services and how they can help you.

• Business or Organisational Services
  Our qualified professionals are experienced and skilled in all types of people problems and workplace solutions. As organisational psychologists we are qualified and skilled to assess and deal with organisational human resource issues. Learn more about our Gold Coast Organisational Psychology Services.

Guidelight psychologists get results. Just one session with any one of our counsellors will have you looking at your life differently and making positive changes within the next 7 days.

After hours and Saturday appointments now available.

5527 0123

Peter Doyle B. Psych (Hons) MAPS

Guidelight Psychology
Gold Coast Counselling and Psychology Services
Level 2, Stradbroke Plaza
66 Marine Parade
Southport
Phone: 07 5527 0123
Fax: 07 5527 0987

If you have any other counselling questions or psychology questions contact us.

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