Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist. You are welcome to book an appointment and pay appointment fees privately. However, if you do want to claim Medicare rebate, you need a referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.

How do I get a mental health care plan?

Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a longer consultation. At that appointment, discuss your issue with your GP, ask for a ‘Mental Health Care Plan’, and ask to be referred to Into Balance Psychology and Wellness. Contact Into Balance Psychology and Wellness to book an appointment.

How many sessions can I claim the Medicare rebate with a Mental Health Care Plan?

The Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) entitles you to up to ten sessions in a calendar year. An initial MHCP is usually for six sessions, after which you will need return back to your GP for a review in order to access a further four sessions. Your psychologist or admin team will remind you of this before the sixth session.

How long are appointments?

Generally, appointments are 50 minutes in duration. Longer appointments may be scheduled in some circumstances. Please discuss your needs and preferences with your psychologist.

How many sessions do I need?

The length of treatment will vary and depend on your clinical needs, personal goals and preferences; clients with severe and complex mental health issues may require long-term therapeutic support while others may experience noticeable improvements in four to six sessions. You and your psychologist will collaborate together to determine the length of treatment that feels right for you.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Into Balance Psychology and Wellness has a strict minimum 24- business hour cancellation and rescheduling policy. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please notify us by phone no later than 24 business hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. This gives us enough time to offer your appointment to other clients. If you cancel or change your appointment within 24 business hours of your appointment, you will be charged the full fee for your booked consultation. Please note that Medicare and private health funds do not provide rebates for cancelled or unattended appointments.

What do I do if I have an emergency and need to contact my psychologist after hours?

Unfortunately, Into Balance Psychology and Wellness is not a crisis service and us unable to provide care or respond outside of business hours. You are welcome to contact the clinic anytime during business hours to make or change an appointment. Your psychologist will be able to respond to you directly during their available workdays, however if you are in a crisis situation, please contact one of the below support services:

• If you are experiencing an emergency or immediate safety concerns, please contact 000

• Home | Lifeline- Lifeline, crisis support and suicide prevention: 13 11 14

• Mental health counselling | Suicide Call Back Service- Online, phone and video counselling for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts: 1300 659 467

• For specialist mental health services, contact North-East Area Mental Health Triage Service: 1300 859 789

• 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention. - Beyond Blue- Beyond Blue, online and phone counselling for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety and their families: 1300 224 636

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (free, private, and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people 5-25 years)

• Home | 1800RESPECT- 1800RESPECT, sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service (including information in 28 different languages): 1800 737 732

• MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 (free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime)

• Your local GP can provide you with additional support

Perinatal supports/ Resources:

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) – 1300 726 306 (supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood)

• COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence | COPE- Parent helpline services, resources and information. Ready to COPE App: Free pregnancy app and app for new parents - Ready to COPE

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby | Pregnancy Birth and Baby- Pregnancy, birth and baby helpline-1800 882 436, for advice & guidance from maternal child health nurses.

• Maternal and Child Health Line – 13 22 29 (for Victorian families with children from birth to 6 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days)

• Nurse on Call – 1300 60 60 24 (immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• The Raising Children Network – providing support for parents and carers with evidence-based resources for children and young people from pregnancy through to 18 years