FAQ - First SessionFAQ - Counsellors and Psychologists What should I expect from a first session?Our counsellors are committed to
Counselling requires steps of opening up (safely), and so it is important to feel a degree of comfort with your counsellor after the first session. A trusting relationship with your counsellor is vital for longer term counselling. Are there rebates for seeing a counsellor?Since Private Health Funds vary widely, we recommend that you ring your Fund to verify your eligibility for rebates for counselling (as distinct from psychology), eg Medibank Private* members on ‘Bonus Packages’ may receive rebates for counselling. Ask for your counsellor’s provider number. When you quote this to you Health Fund, they will be able to reliably check your eligibility. (* Rebates can be claimed as part of the Medibank Private “bonus package”. The maximum customers can have in their bonus accounts is $500 for a Single membership and $1000 for a Family (it takes 5 years to accumulate these levels). Theoretically, if a member had $1000 in their account and they presented a Counselling account for $100, Medibank would pay the whole $100, meaning the client could access up to 10 fully paid counselling sessions.) For mental disorders, Medicare rebates cover up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a psychologist. For mild to moderate depression and anxiety, seeing one of our psychologists is generally the recommended option, as clients can be substantially helped in 6 to 10 sessions. Medicare Rebates do not apply to couples counselling as this is not considered a category of mental disorder. While counsellors regularly work with mental health disorders, they do not offer a Medicare Rebate for mental health counselling at this stage. I am ringing on behalf of someone else. Can you help?We often receive callers looking for professional counselling for someone. You may be a
If you are one of these, we understand you would like to know that the service you recommend is reputable and meets rigorous profession standards. We believe you can trust us. We try to put as much useful information as possible on this website. If you you have particular questions, please ring us and check us out. |
Enquiries: 9683 1444 Ring us and we will recommend the best counsellor qualified and experienced for your situation.
Bridges Counselling - a team of ten counsellors based in North Parramatta, specialising in:
We are open weekdays 9am - 9pm, Sat 8am - 6pm. Our 5-room counselling centre is centrally located close to Parramatta, Carlingford and Baulkham Hills. See Location page. |
