50 minutes. If you'd like a longer appointment, please book two sessions.
Often people have six (6) to ten (10) sessions. Some people find they have a few close together, then have a few more a month or two later. Some people enjoy the benefits of having regular and more long-term support from a psychologist.
The first appointment (50 minutes) is a counselling session with a psychologist and involves a holistic and comprehensive assessment where:
- We discuss your goals for therapy and your presenting concern/diagnosis;
- A tentative treatment plan is developed, including the recommended approach to support the therapeutic outcome;
- You're provided with initial strategies and therapeutic suggestions to start working on.
Yes. We keep this appointment time especially for you, if you miss an appointment or don't give the required notice, you will be charged 100% of the cost of your session. For more information, please refer to our Fees and Rebates page.
We have a missed appointment policy. We charge 100% of the session cost if you fail to attend or cancel less than 24 hours before the appointment.
We set aside that appointment time for you. Unlike a GP, we don't have other clients in a waiting room that we can see. Some other professionals can fill that time with other billable work, however this is not possible in a psychological practice.
We try our best to book another client in your place if given sufficient notice however, if given little or no notice, we are unable to do this.
Discuss your concerns with your Doctor and if they feel it's appropriate, they can write you a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. The GP could also assist eligible individuals to apply for a Chronic Disease Self-Management Plan (CDSM) or Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC).
You can also contact Medicare directly to find out more about the available Medicare Rebates for psychological support.
A total of ten (10) sessions can be given per calendar year however, after the sixth session you must go back to the doctor to obtain a continuing referral.
In addition, it may be possible to access ten (10) group therapy sessions.
A total of five (5) sessions. Please discuss with you GP if you are eligible.
Unfortunately we do not offer bulk bill sessions.
The rebate is currently $93.35* but is subject to change.
Please bring your GP Mental Health Treatment Plan referral letter, your bank account details and Medicare card to your first appointment. Your session needs to be paid in full on the appointment date and then we will assist you with submitting your Medicare patient claim. Medicare will provide the rebated funds into your account typically within two (2) business days.
No, you must pay the full amount on the appointment date and then we can apply for the Medicare rebate.
No. You can usually only use one type of rebate for a consultation. You can choose between using the Medicare rebate OR Private Health Insurance Fund Rebate. Some Health Funds offer different options, therefore ask your Health Fund if your cover pays for the Medicare gap fees.
No, it take up to two (2) business days to appear in your bank account.
Yes. As long as you use them for different sessions. For example you could get a Medicare Rebate for a session and the next session you could use your Private Health Insurance.
You don’t need a referral but check with your health fund to ensure you are covered for psychology sessions.
Yes. We have HICAPS and most health funds are covered by HICAPS. Bring your private health insurance fund card to your appointment.
No. You only need to see the doctor if you are eligible for the Medicare rebate available through a GP prescribed Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Yes. The concession rate is available for healthcare/concession card holders. You may experience a waiting period for these sessions as there is limited availability.
As the Director of Asami Engagement Psychology, Lisa is a general psychologist who combines over 20 years’ experience in complimentary medicine and counselling with a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours & Counselling Major) and Masters of Organisational Psychology.
Lisa is trained to administer and interpret a number of tests and assessments that can help diagnose a condition or tell more about the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. These tests may evaluate intellectual skills, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, vocational aptitude and preference, personality characteristics, temperament, strengths and values. Discuss with Lisa the suitability of a required assessment, as there many different kinds of psychological assessments.
Some clinical psychologist specialises in using assessment instruments and writing professional reports. It may be more suitable to access a clinical psychologist for specific psychological assessment.
There are other psychologist who are more experience in assessment and court reporting. If that is the nature of the intervention you are seeking please discuss with Lisa first before booking in an appointment.
Yes. Please ask your GP and/or case manager/Employer for a referral for psychological services as we may need your claim number/employment details before confirming an appointment.