Who do I contact in a mental health emergency?

Upside Stories is not a crisis service.

In a mental health emergency, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For a 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Tell me about Medicare and Private Health Rebates:

What are Medicare rebates?

Medicare rebates cover part of your session fee for psychological treatment, paid by the Australian Government. Rebates are available only for sessions with a Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist. Unfortunately, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, and Coaches do not qualify.

How much are the Medicare rebates?

• $141.85 for a Clinical Psychologist with a Mental Health Treatment Plan

• $96.65 for a Psychologist with a Mental Health Treatment Plan

How much is a session with Upside Stories?

A 50-minute session costs $245. After the rebate of $141.85 for a Clinical Psychologist, your out-of-pocket expense is $103.15.

How do I pay for my session?

Our session fees are charged automatically during the session via online debit or credit card payment. Upside Stories will request your card details when you complete our intake form.

How do I qualify for a Medicare rebate?

You need a referral from your GP or psychiatrist with an up-to-date Mental Health Treatment Plan (< 12 months old) to qualify for a Medicare rebate. Note, you do not need a referral to book in.

How do I claim my Medicare rebate?

Once your session fee is processed, Upside Stories will lodge your Medicare rebate automatically on your behalf. The rebate will be deposited into your bank account linked to your MyGov account within 7 days, typically within 24-48 hours.

How long before I receive a rebate payment?

Medicare rebates can take up to 7 days, although the typical wait time is 24-48 hours.

How many sessions can I claim under Medicare?

An up-to-date Mental Health Treatment Plan (< 12 months old) with a referral from your GP or psychiatrist allows you to receive a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a psychologist if you have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Your initial GP or psychiatrist referral qualifies you for 6 sessions. After these, you need to see your GP or psychiatrist for a review which can enable 4 more sessions.

Do you accept private health rebates?

Yes, private health rebates may also apply. Please check with your insurer. You cannot use private health insurance to top up Medicare rebates. You must choose to use either Medicare or your private health insurance for psychological services.

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical Psychologist’s have advanced training in treating, assessing, and diagnosing mental health disorders. They complete at least 6 years of full-time university training in psychology, including a Masters in Clinical Psychology. This is followed by 2 years of supervised practice with a Psychology Board of Australia endorsed supervisor.

All Clinical Psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, in the same way that medical practitioners must be registered. This ensures Clinical Psychologists are competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct, ensuring you receive high quality, ethical treatment.

What is online therapy like?

Our convenient Telehealth appointments via secure video conferencing software, bring our practice to you. Much like a video-call, online therapy offers a relaxed way to connect, regardless of distance, mobility concerns, travel plans, or a busy schedule.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number of sessions. We work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Generally, six sessions are recommended to start. Therapy can range from 4 to 12 sessions for short-term treatment, with longer-term treatments for complex or longstanding concerns. Although we make recommendations, you decide what works best for you. Most clients start with weekly or fortnightly sessions, then move to monthly sessions when they feel more confident.

How long do sessions go for?

Sessions are 50 minutes. They cannot be extended if you join late.

Are my sessions confidential?

Everything you discuss with your psychologist is confidential, and will not be shared unless you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, or you’ve given approval to share information with another healthcare provider. Read our Privacy Policy for more details.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid charges on our individual telehealth sessions. Our fees for missed appointments or late cancellations are based on the Australian Psychological Society guidelines:

• No notice: Full fee

• Less than 24 hours’ notice: Full fee

• More than 24 hours’ notice: No fee

Cancellation fees are waived if the appointment is filled. Fees for missed appointments or late cancellations cannot be claimed through Medicare, WorkSafe, DVA, NDIS, or T.A.C. Cancellation fees do not apply to a free 20-min consult.