Rural & Remote Supports
It is important to us to support those in the broader community, including in rural and remote areas both in South Australia and further afield. We are very pleased that Medicare now provide rebates for online psychological therapy under Mental Health Care Plans.
Telehealth Psychological Therapy
Telehealth services are now available under Medicare for those living in areas of Australia classed as rural and remote. To determine if you are eligible for Telehealth rebates check this online searchable map.
The Modified Monash Model (MMM) is the system used by the Department of Health to determine remoteness and accessibility of locations across the country. For further information on Telehealth click here. Areas of this map covered by Telehealth are those rated MMM 4-7.
We are happy to provide psychological therapy for adults via teleconferencing, and for children over 15 years.
Dr Williams will also consult for paediatric sleep concerns and parenting strategies via teleconference.
It is our opinion young children benefit more from attendance from face to face therapy, and as such we do not offer Telehealth for children of young ages. Please discuss with us if you would like a Telehealth appointment for your child.
Mental Health Care Plans
Anyone can consult with a psychologist without a referral. However, when discussing their symptoms with general practitioners, many clients are referred to psychologists through the Better Access to Mental Health Initiative, the purpose of which is to provide psychological treatment for eligible clients. GPs, Paediatricians and Obstetricians develop Mental Health Care Plans for those clients; this paperwork is registered with Medicare and then provided to the psychologist. These plans give clients eligibility for Medicare rebates.
Mental Health Care Plans can be completed in the name of a parent or a child, and can be used with any Mental Health accreditedpractitioner irrespective of the practitioner name on the referral. They provide access to Medicare rebates for six sessions initially. For those who wish to continue to seek treatment, a further four sessions may be activated by the referring practitioner (e.g. GP). A rebate can be claimed for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year. Mental Health Care Plans do not expire, unused sessions roll over into the new calendar year(s) (however, the maximum number of rebates per year still applies).
Rebates
All psychologists in our clinic currently are Clinical Psychologists. As such, clients who consult with them who are referred from a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist with a Mental Health Care Plan receive a Medicare rebate of $126.50. Rebates can be lodged online once a receipt is received via email. A gap payment will also be required.
Private health insurance companies currently rebate Telehealth sessions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please contact us for further information regarding costs.