Do I need a referral from my GP to see a mental health social worker?

No. You can make an appointment without a referral. However, in order to claim a rebate with Medicare, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). To be assessed for a MHCP, you will need to make an appointment with your GP to obtain this. 

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What is a Medicare rebate?

When you have a valid MHCP, Medicare will provide a rebate of $81.65 to cover some of the cost of a therapy session. Medicare provides this rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

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What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

If you are planning on claiming a rebate from Medicare, please bring your MHCP to your first session. Otherwise, just bring yourself. 

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How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment simply log onto the website and book directly. You do not need to call me prior.  All first appointments need to book a "New Client Appointment".  Alternatively, you call or email Little Window Wellness directly to discuss first, but it may take Rochelle a few days to make contact as she is working part time. 

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What can I expect in my first session?

Your first session will be an opportunity for you to share what has brought you to seek help. Rochelle will listen to whatever you bring to the session and where you are at, and together you will touch on a plan for sessions going forward. A lot of information about you may be covered, but Rochelle will also talk a little about what counselling is and how it can help. Sessions are private and confidential. There are some exceptions to this which will be discussed at the beginning of your first session.  These sessions are a little longer and generally take 1.5 hours.

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How many sessions will I need?

This depends entirely on you, your story, and your needs. To begin with, counselling can be most effective when it is regular and consistent. You and Rochelle will discuss this and agree on a plan together. 

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How long do sessions go for?

The first session will normally last 1.5 hours and a standard counselling session is 45 to 60 minutes. 

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Are tele-health sessions available?

Yes. Tele-health and face to face sessions are offered. As of December, 2021, the Australian Government has made Tele-health a permanent feature of Medicare.  You can book a tele-health appointment directly through the website booking page.

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What if I cannot afford to pay the full fee?

You will need to pay for the full fee, unless negotiated prior to the session. 

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What if I need to reschedule or cancel?

You can manage this via the client booking system.  If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, simply log on and make your changes.  However, you must provide 24 hours notice to avoid a fee.  

 

As I hope you can appreciate the smooth and effective running of this practice also depends upon your courtesy and co-operation regarding attendance and the keeping of therapy appointments. It is very important that you allow sufficient notice if you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason.

 

The reason why we have a cancellation fee is that when you book an appointment, that time slot has been set aside for you and only you. It is not possible to fit another client in at the last moment, and consequently, the practice must bear the brunt of that fee.

 

In this matter, we reply upon your courtesy and hope that you let us know in advance if your plans change. Please note that cancellation fees apply to all cancellation circumstances but can be avoided by giving adequate notice.

• If you give less than one day notice (24 hours) an $80 cancellation fee is incurred. 

These cancellation fees have been set in accordance with the guidelines of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Please note that cancellation fees will not be eligible for the Medicare rebate. Your co-operation in these matters is greatly appreciated.

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Do I need to be a certain age to see a mental health social worker?

Generally speaking, no.  Anyone can see a therapist at any age.  However Rochelle is currently only seeing clients from 14 years upwards.   

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How does Little Window Wellness manage my confidentiality?

This Practice adheres to the Australian Association of Social Work Code of Professional Conduct https://ao.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/practice-standards  Your personal details, as well as the material you discuss in sessions, are treated with the utmost respect and kept in strict confidence.

In certain uncommon circumstances, mandatory reporting legislation or valid subpoenas require that confidentiality may be breached. For example, if your therapist were to receive a court summons, then they would be legally obligated to deliver all relevant notes to the court without further reference to you.

If you require more information about these issues please ask. If you have been referred by your Doctor, then he/she will be sent one or more brief reports concerning your treatment, as this is a routine requirement of the new Mental Health Care Plan procedure. However, any other personally identifying correspondence about your condition or treatment (between this practice and other health professionals or organisations) requires your consent.

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Can I contact my therapist outside of hours?

No. Little Window Wellness is not an emergency service.

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Should you require immediate support, please contact emergency services or one of the 24 hour counselling services listed below.

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