Faqs

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What you can expect from your first appointment 

I understand that talking to a new person about emotional things can be challenging and may provoke distress. I will strive to put you at ease in your first appointment and provide gentle support. Your initial appointment, which lasts approximately 50-55 minutes, includes an opportunity for you to talk about your experiences and the impact they have had on you. I also conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current life situation and relevant psychological and social factors. This assists in the development of a treatment plan tailored to your specific issues and goals. The importance of a comprehensive assessment cannot be overlooked: just as you would like your doctor to recommend a treatment based on a sound understanding of your symptoms and your health history, it is helpful for me to gain a clear understanding of you and your life in order to devise the most effective plan for helping you. The therapy I provide is more than just listening, it is focused on identifying and changing those things that are making this time of your life even more challenging for you.   

Are appointments face-to-face or online?

Appointments can be either, depending on your preference. Some clients like to have a mix of both.

Cost 

The fee per 50 minute one-on-one appointment is $250 per face-to-face appointment and $230 per online appointment.  If your GP has referred you under a GP Mental Health Care Plan you may be able to claim a rebate of between $135 and $210 per session from Medicare. Please request a copy of this plan and a written referral and request your GP fax it to 8367 5134 or email it to kathyrooneypsychologist@gmail.com    

I acknowledge the service of all Australian veterans.  DVA Health Cards (Gold, or White Card with Mental health inclusion) are accepted as payment upon receipt of an appropriate referral from a specialist medical practitioner or GP.  If you have a White Card it is my understanding that you can request mental health be added if you are, or ever have been, a full-time member of the ADF. This includes reservists who have had at least one day of continuous full-time service  or if you have worked in Disaster Relief Service, Border Protection Service, or were involved in a serious service-related training accident. Please see the following website for further information https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-treatment/injury-or-health-treatments/mental-health-care/free-mental-health-care#how-to-get-treatment

We welcome DVA clients. DVA Health Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a correctly completed GP referral

The cost of group sessions depends upon the number of sessions for which the group runs. They average out at around $50 per session, for which a rebate of around $33 may be claimable if a valid referral under a GP Mental Health Care Plan has been received. In addition to individual sessions, people with appropriate referrals may be able to claim a Medicare rebate on up to 10 group therapy sessions each year.  

Location

Face-to-face appointments are offered at Erina whilst Telehealth appointments are offered using the Zoom platform.

Other websites that may be of interest

https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/ The Cancer Council provides information about cancer, treatments, and coping with the impacts of both the diagnosis and the treatment. It also has information about a wonderful probono program through which people can access free legal, financial, small business accounting, and workplace assistance. They also have helpful tip sheets.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Beyond Blue provides information and support services for people experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as their families

https://thiswayup.org.au/ This Way Up provides online self-help programs

https://thehappinesstrap.com/ This website has an online program which can assist people in learning to respond differently to thoughts and feelings which are making it harder for them to live the life they want to live and be the person they want to be. It also has quite a few free resources.

https://www.bcna.org.au The Breast Cancer Network Australia provides great information on services available to people with a cancer diagnosis. Whilst it is aimed at people with a breast cancer diagnosis, much of the information may be valuable to people with any cancer diagnosis.

https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/ Bowel Cancer Australia provides support services and information about treatments for, and adjusting to life after, a bowel cancer diagnosis

https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/ Head and Neck Cancer Australia provides information about head and neck cancers, including podcasts and support groups

https://lungfoundation.com.au/ Lung Foundation Australia provides information for people with lung cancer, including how to access support groups and exercise programs

https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/ Ovarian Cancer Australia provides life webinars, access to specialist nurses and connects people with other people with ovarian cancer

https://www.pcfa.org.au/ Prostrate Cancer Foundation Australia provides information and support services