Our practice in Kirrawee is continuing to see clients with a broad range of presentations at flexible and convenient times. The practice is open six days a week, with after-hours appointments also available.

We have a team of 17 therapists at the centre: Clinical Psychologists/Psychologists/Psychologists-in-training/Social Workers & Psychotherapists all with different specializations (see enclosed). I hope that this will be of benefit when you refer patients under the Mental Health Care Plans/Better Access initiatives & ATAPS.

Medicare

Since the budget changes, from 1^st November 2011 and more recently the announcement from the Minister of Health and Ageing on 1^st February 2012, the standard number of allied mental health services for which an individual can receive a Medicare rebate will be 10 per calendar year. However, for the 2012 calendar year eligible individuals will be able to receive up to an additional six allied mental health services under 'exceptional circumstances'. This means that eligible individuals can receive up to 16 consultations where 'exceptional circumstances' apply.

Medicare Benefits under Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) have been removed and replaced by the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) items (721-731). Therefore the term 'EPC plan' is now obsolete.
There are no changes to the eligibility requirements for the CDM items, including the allied health services for people with chronic disease. This is simply a change to terminology to bring it up to date.  This will enable patients to have 5 further sessions per calendar year. 

Educational and Memory Assessments

Please note that we can also conduct IQ, Educational and Memory Assessments at this practice.

How to refer?

A client can call us directly to book in, or we can let you know who may be best for your client to see. The main number to call is 9545 4772 for intake.  For ease of referral we have included a referral pad, which can be given to the client to book in with. When they call the intake psychologist would match them to the most appropriate therapist for their problem.

Fees

We have a sliding scale of fees dependent on need.   Each therapist sets their own rate, based on the rebates they receive. We also have limited bulk billing places at the discretion of the therapist.  Our intake psychologists can advise you/the client if there are bulk-billing slots available, however, the client may not get their therapist of choice or after-hours appointments.

Treatment by our Psychologist-in-Training

We also have a Psychologist-in-Training who is seeing patients for up to 10 months of therapy for $20 per session. She is a psychology graduate working with us for a year to gain clinical experience. She will be supervised by a senior clinician and can also provide assessment services at a greatly reduced price.

Please find enclosed a brochure about our centre. Should you have the need to refer clients for the specialty services we provide please feel free to use our new referral pads.

Vera Auerbach

Clinical Psychologist & Principal