Services
I offer an initial 15 min free screening session to check that I am able to assist you in your goals. This also gives you the opportunity to decide if I'm a good fit for you, as it is important that you find a therapist you feel comfortable confiding in. Following this, if we are both happy to proceed, we can book our first assessment session.
You can choose between face to face sessions in Stirling WA, or online via Zoom.
During the assessment phase will explore your presenting difficulties/symptoms, relevant background/history, and identify your goals (what you would like to be different by the end of therapy). The assessment usually takes 1-2 sessions, however it can sometimes take more depending on the complexity of the issue. At the end of the assessment phase we should be able to identify the root of the issue, and will then consider which therapy would best suit your needs.
We will then commence the therapy sessions. The aim of these sessions will be to identify and formulate the key factors underlying and maintaining your difficulties, and then explore coping strategies to break the patterns identified. The number of sessions you are likely to need will depend on your individual needs, but most therapies can be delivered between 6-20 sessions. We will agree to a number of sessions at the beginning and will reassess your progress throughout to decide if you might benefit from reducing or increasing the number of sessions.
Fees
The initial 15 min screening session is free.
All subsequent sessions are 50 mins in duration and cost AUD $220 per session.
Payments to be made via bank transfer 24 hours prior to your appointment date.
Any additional costs (e.g. if you request a letter to be sent to your GP) will be discussed prior to completion.
Medicare
Medicare provides rebates for a maximum of 10 psychology appointments per calendar year. You may attend additional sessions if needed; however, these will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
A current referral from your GP is required in order to claim Medicare rebates. If you plan to claim a Medicare rebate, it is your responsibility to ensure that a valid referral is in place before your appointment. Once approved, either your GP clinic, or yourself can email me your mental health plan or bring it into the clinic with you.
Following the completion of your initial six sessions under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you must see your referring doctor for a review to obtain a new referral for up to four further sessions. Rebates are the same for telehealth and face-to-face appointments. The Medicare rebate per session is $98.95, with a higher rebate available if you have reached the Medicare Safety Net.
If payment is made on the day, Medicare rebates can be claimed online on your behalf, or you may submit your receipt to Medicare at a later time.
Please note that psychology sessions can be claimed through either Medicare or private health insurance, but not both for the same appointment.
Private health rebates
You may be eligible for a rebate from your health fund, which varies depending on your health fund and your level of cover. However, please check with your health fund to determine your level of cover.
A referral from your insurer is not usually required.
You cannot use your health fund rebate at the same time as your medicare rebate.
Donna O Connor’s provider number at the Stirling clinic is 1968135B.
PAYMENT METHODS
After booking, you will receive an intake form via email. This form allows you to provide relevant details and securely save a credit card for automatic payment processing. If you would prefer to pay by bank transfer, please inform me in advance. Please note that bank transfer payments must be received and cleared by the day before your session; otherwise, the card on file will be charged.
Payment for your session will be processed automatically at the time of your appointment.
Session fees are reviewed from time to time, and any fee changes will be communicated to you by email.
GST is not applied to therapy sessions.
To make enquires about availability or to book your free 15 minute consultation:
Cancellation Policy
While I appreciate that there are many valid reasons why clients may need to cancel their appointments at short notice the following policy applies:
Cancellations made within 24 hours notice of your appointment does not allow enough time to offer your slot to new clients. I hope you can appreciate that this means the full cost of the session is incurred.
If you are having therapy paid for by your health insurer, you will be personally responsible for paying any unattended appointments or appointments cancelled within 24 hours.
Emergency support
Therapy is not recommended during a mental health crisis. Stabilisation is what is required during these times; therefore I am unfortunately unable to provide emergency support. If you or someone you know is in need of urgent mental health support, please contact your/their GP, alternatively you can contact:
Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) on 1300 555 788 (WA metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel region)
To request a police welfare check for someone you are concerned about please call 131 444.
If the risk of harming yourself or others is immediate, please contact 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible, where you will be seen for an assessment of your mental health needs.