Question 1

Do I need a referral for therapy?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral for therapy.

However, if you want to claim Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan and Referral Letter from your GP.

Question 2

How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan to access Medicare rebates?

Accepted Answer

Medicare provides up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year for therapy. You will get back $98.95 per session. To access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP. Mental Health Care Plans are also known as Mental Health Treatment Plans.

When organising an appointment with your GP, book a longer appointment as this gives your GP time to complete the plan properly.

Tell your GP you would like to see a psychologist. They will complete the MHCP and referral letter. You can give Tara Psychology's details to your GP for the referral letter; however, a referral letter does not need to be made out to a specific psychologist.

The referral letter will include:

• GP provider number, signature, and date
 • Client's full name, date of birth, and address
 • Client's symptoms or diagnosis
 • List of any current medications
 • A statement that the client has a MHCP or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan
 • Number of sessions approved for psychology services (the initial course of treatment will be 6 sessions)

You can upload the referral letter (and MHCP if you have a copy) to our secure client management system during the intake process.

Your GP can also send us the referral letter (and copy of MHCP) via secure email or eFax: (03) 7054 3600.

Medicare rebates can only be processed with a valid referral letter, which must be provided before your first session.

Question 3

Do you process Medicare rebates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can process Medicare rebates. Once a valid Referral Letter has been received and payment for your session has been processed, your Medicare rebate will be submitted electronically. Rebates are typically deposited into your bank account within 24 to 48 hours.

Please ensure your bank details are up to date with Medicare. You can check or update them by logging into your myGov account and selecting Medicare. Alternatively, you may provide your bank details in the online intake form, and the rebate will be deposited into that account.

Question 4

Are your therapy sessions online or in-person?

Accepted Answer

Both in-person and online therapy sessions are available. In-person sessions are located in Footscray and telehealth is available Australia-wide via a secure video platform.

If you are eligible for the Medicare rebate, the rebate can be applied to both in-person and telehealth sessions.

Question 5

What are your operating hours and location?

Accepted Answer

Tara Psychology is located at 80 Paisley St, Footscray 3011. Ample paid parking is available next to the Footscray Library, and limited 2 hour free parking along the street. The practice is a 5-minute walk from the Footscray train station.

Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm.

Telehealth appointments are available every day.

In-person appointments are available Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm.

Question 6

What can I expect during my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is an opportunity to share what you're struggling with and clarify your goals for therapy. We'll explore key areas of your life like relationships, family, work, school, and anything else impacting your wellbeing. It's also a chance to discuss how therapy works, including privacy and confidentiality, so you feel informed and safe throughout the process.

Assessments - Adults	Fee
Autism	$1,500 – $2,000
ADHD	$1,200 – $1,700
Combined Autism & ADHD	$1,800 – $2,300
Psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessment	$1,100

Assessments - Child/Adolescent	Fee
Autism	$2,000
ADHD	$1,700
Combined Autism & ADHD	$2,300
Educational & Learning Assessment	$2,200

Assessments - Other Services	Fee
Cognitive Assessment (WAIS-5 / WISC-V)	$1,100
Academic Assessment (WIAT-III)	$1,100
Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment	$1,100
Initial Consultation – Assessment	$210

Clarity through science. Strength through care.

Fees and Rebates

Therapy Fees

Rebates

Medicare Rebate

Private Health Insurance

NDIS Participants

Reduced-Fee Sessions

Rebates for Assessments

Cancellation Policy

Assessment Fees

Payment Options for Assessments

Book an Initial Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions