People attend therapy for various reasons. Sometimes there is a clear mental health concern, such as anxiety or depression. Much of the time, however, the agenda is less clear: we just know that things aren’t feeling good, or could feel better, and want something to change. Therapy can provide a space to think deeply about life, psychology, and relationships, and get a fresh perspective.
If you're interested in booking an appointment, please either call or email and Abbie will get back to you as soon as possible. She can offer sessions via telehealth or in-person at her consulting rooms in Brunswick East.
Please note that this is not a crisis service, and if you are in crisis or in danger, you should seek assistance immediately via the links provided.
Sessions are charged at $230 per hour. A concession fee may be charged for those with financial challenges or a healthcare card. Please feel free to discuss this with Abbie prior to your first session.
Many people attend therapy with a referral from their GP under a “Mental Health Care Plan” (see details here). If you are attending under a valid mental health care plan, you will be eligible for a rebate of $141.85 per session.
Note too that private health care insurers offer rebates for psychological services under “extras” cover. Please contact your insurers directly to find out more about your cover and conditions for service.
Please be advised that under Victoria law, it is a requirement that practitioners keep client documentation for seven years. These files will be kept in a locked filing cabinet or in a password protected computer-based file. Files are not protected from courts under Victorian law and therefore must be made available if subpoenaed. Abbie will have to notify appropriate authorities or support service organisations if significant risk to yourself, or others is identified. All other communication will be done in consultation with you and only after direct consent has been given.
Abbie utilises a note taking tool called Heidi to accurately and efficiently capture the details of clinical discussions and the outcomes of appointments. More information can be found here. Your consent is crucial for Abbie to use this technology. Please understand that your information will be handled with the utmost care, and Heidi's use is aimed solely at improving your healthcare experience.
Often there are good reasons for cancelling appointments however unlike brief medical appointments it is tricky to fill a cancelled psychology appointment that runs for 50 minutes.
For Monday appointments, please notify by Friday. Cancellation fees are out-of-pocket. If you're running late, call to avoid fees. If you're unwell, please reschedule or choose Telehealth (video or phone).