Fees & Rebates
Everything about what a session costs, and how to bring that cost down. If anything here isn't clear, call me and ask.
Individual Counselling
$185 per 55 min session
Couples Counselling
$195 per 55 min session.
Online sessions by video are the same length and the same fee.
What you'll actually pay
With a mental health treatment plan from your GP, Medicare rebates a significant part of each individual session back to you, for the first 10 individual sessions each calendar year. That brings the cost of ongoing therapy down considerably.
Medicare adjusts the rebate each July. Call me on 0410 461 588 and I'll tell you exactly what you'd be out of pocket at today's rate. It takes a minute and there's nothing to commit to.
You won't be waiting on the money. I take payment on the day by cash or card, and my terminal processes the Medicare rebate on the spot, so it's back in your account within a day rather than weeks later.
How to get a mental health treatment plan
Book a longer appointment with your GP and say you'd like to talk about a mental health treatment plan.
Your GP will go through how you've been doing and write the plan with you. It usually takes one appointment.
They'll give you a referral. Bring it to your first session with me, or email it ahead.
After your first six sessions, go back to your GP for a review before we continue.
Most GPs do this often and won't find the request unusual. If asking feels difficult, you're allowed to say "I'd like to see a counsellor and I've been told I might be eligible for a rebate" and let them take it from there.
How many sessions you get
Ten individual sessions per calendar year, in courses. Your first referral covers up to six. After those, your GP reviews how it's going and can refer you for the rest.
The count resets each January. If we're partway through when the year turns over, we'll sort out the new referral together.
Which GP you'll need to see
Since November 2025, the plan needs to come from your usual GP, the practice where you're registered with MyMedicare, or the GP who has provided most of your care over the past year. A one-off appointment at an unfamiliar clinic won't attract the rebate.
If you don't have a regular GP, it's worth registering with one before you start.
What the rebate doesn't cover
Couples counselling. Mental health treatment plans cover individual sessions only. Couples sessions are $195, paid in full.
Sessions beyond your ten for that calendar year. You're welcome to keep going at the full fee, and plenty of people do.
After a car accident
If you're making a motor injury claim through the Insurance Commission of WA, counselling is usually covered as part of that claim. I invoice your insurer directly, so there's nothing for you to pay and nothing to claim back.
You'll generally need a referral from your doctor, and your claims officer approves the treatment, which means it isn't limited to the ten sessions Medicare allows. Call me with your claim number and I'll talk you through how it works.
Psychological injury after a crash is common and it's taken seriously by the scheme. If you're not sure whether what you're experiencing counts, ring and ask.
Employer assistance programs
Some workplaces offer an employee assistance program that covers counselling sessions. If yours does, mention it when you call and we'll work out whether it can be used.
Private health
Whether your private health extras cover counselling depends on your fund and your level of cover, and it varies enough that it's worth ringing them to ask directly. The question to put to them is whether they cover counselling with an accredited mental health social worker.
You can't claim Medicare and private health for the same session, so it's one or the other.
Payment
Cash or card on the day. My terminal processes the Medicare rebate at the same time, so you don't have to lodge anything yourself.
Cancellations
If something comes up, let me know at least 24 hours ahead so I can offer your time to someone else. Appointments are hard to come by and there's usually someone waiting for one. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up, the full session fee applies.
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see you?
Only if you want the Medicare rebate. Without one you're welcome to book at the full fee, and you can start a plan later.
Can I claim on private health as well as Medicare?
Not for the same session, it's one or the other. Whether your extras cover counselling at all depends on your fund, so give them a call and ask whether they cover an accredited mental health social worker.
How do I get the rebate back?
I process it through my terminal when you pay, so there's nothing for you to lodge. It's usually in your account within a day.
Does the rebate apply to online sessions?
Yes. Video sessions attract the same rebate as sessions in my room.
What if I can't afford the gap?
Call me and say so. There are things we can look at, including spacing sessions further apart, and if I'm out of reach financially I'd rather help you find someone who isn't.
Do you bulk bill?
No. The rebate reduces the cost of each session but doesn't cover it in full.
Still deciding?
Call me on 0410 461 588. We'll talk about what's going on and whether I'm the right fit, and I'll answer anything about cost before you commit to anything.