FAQ

How do I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment in a number of ways; online, contacting the clinic by email or telephone.  Should you wish to take up the 15-minute FREE meet and greet offer – please contact the clinic by email or mobile.  Please note: this offer is only available for initial telephone or telehealth appointment. 

We offer a range of sessions available; face to face, telephone, telehealth or walk and talk. 

If your General Practitioner has written a Mental Health Care Plan – please bring this to the first session and/or request your GP send this by secure ARGUS messaging.  This will enable you to claim the Medicare rebate for up to ten sessions per calendar year.

Can I be bulk billed through Medicare?

Bulk billing is at the discretion of the organisation and needs to be discussed and/or authorised prior to the appointment.  Please contact Sue directly to discuss your individual circumstances.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a very broad term and the Concise Oxford Dictionary (9th edition) gives at least two definitions of counselling, which appear to be conflicting and adds further to potential confusion.  Therefore, Cultivate Counselling and Consulting utilised this meaning;

“the process of assisting and guiding clients, especially by a trained person on a professional basis, to resolve especially personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties.”

Other terms for counselling include; psychotherapy or therapy.  “Counsellors” is a generic term, please check the qualifications of a person who lists themselves as a “Counsellor”. 

What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)?

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are recognised providers with Medicare Australia and other programs, delivering clinical social work services in mental health settings and utilising a range of evidence-based strategies.

AMHSWs work with people across the lifespan (including children, adults and older persons) and provide a unique contribution to the mental health space in their holistic approach to working with a person. The advanced training that is expected of AMHSW prepares and provides them with the skills for working with people with very complex presentations and co-morbidities. AMHSWs are highly trained and educated professionals, meeting some of the highest standards of professional regulation in Australia. Source AASW website.

Can a third party pay for the session?

There are a range of third-party options and these require authorisation prior to making an appointment and can include; Employee Assistance Program, Victims of Crime, WorkCover, Transport Accident Scheme, Open Arms, National Disability Insurance Scheme.  Please contact your organisation, supplier or case manager for assistance.

Should you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sue to discuss further.