Who can refer to Steps 4 Success?
As well as self-referrals, almost anyone can refer to us. Main referral sources include:
• Doctors (including General Practitioners and Psychiatrists)
• Family Members
• Lawyers
• Employers and EAP
• Insurance Companies
• NDIS (Self Managed and Agency Managed)
• Rehabilitation Providers
• Job Agencies
• Physiotherapists
• Social Workers
How much will treatment cost me?
If referred by a doctor under Medicare, Medicare currently covers a percentage of the cost of Steps 4 Success consultations if the psychologist is fully registered with AHPRA. Under this type of referral a client is able to access sessions in a calendar year. If it is Workers Compensation or to do with a Motor Vehicle Accident and you are referred by your doctor and sessions have been approved by your insurer the cost is covered by the insurer. In addition to this if you are agency managed or self-managed under NDIS you will have a plan that can cover psychological intervention to support your functional capacity.
Please note that Steps 4 Success fees vary according to the service. If for example a court report is required, an assessment is needed and as preparation of such a report takes significant time, charges for this service are higher and on a different fee structure than a standard one hour counselling consultation.
Please feel free to contact us so we can discuss what your position is in relation to accessing a service and how much this will cost you.
Do you Bulk Bill? i.e. is there a fee for the service?
Unfortunately bulk billing is not available at Steps 4 Success. If you are financially disadvantaged please speak to your GP regarding different options.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to access our counselling/psychological services. You will need to see your doctor if you wish to claim rebate from Medicare or if it is Worker Compensation or MVA.
Can I claim a rebate when I see a Psychologist?
In some circumstances it is possible to claim a rebate from Medicare when you see a Registered Psychologist. To obtain a rebate, you first need to see your doctor and obtain a Mental Health Care Plan for your mental health issue. This plan will enable you to obtain a rebate from Medicare for your counselling service. Please note that not everyone is eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan - please discuss your eligibility with your doctor. When claiming a rebate, you will need to pay the full fee at the time of your appointment, after which we can reimburse your rebate through Medicare straight back into a bank account.
Medicare rebates are also now available when you see a registered psychologist for telehealth appointments (either video link or telephone).
In what circumstances can I not claim from Medicare?
Medicare only covers the services of a Clinical or Registered Psychologist who provide counselling to an individual. Relationship therapy for couples is not covered by Medicare.
What does the Medicare rebate provide?
Eligible clients can obtain a rebate for up to 6 sessions initially, and a further 4 sessions (with a doctors review) in a calendar year. When you see a Registered Psychologist, you will be entitled to a Medicare rebate of approximately $96.65 per session and if you have reached your Medicare threshold in a calendar year your rebate can be substantually more than this.
Can I claim from my private health fund?
Many private health funds in Australia cover psychology services as part of their extras cover. Please make your own enquires with your Health Fund to determine whether or not your policy covers you and to what extent. Every policy is different. Please note that you can NOT claim through both Medicare and Private Health for the same session.
