Frequently Asked Questions

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At Birdsong Psychology we aim to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Your first session is an opportunity to share the reasons for your visit including any specific issues or symptoms of concern. Your psychologist will seek to understand what is happening for you and any factors that may be contributing to this. 

Still sounds daunting? Rest assured that sessions run at your pace and there is no pressure to share anything you do not feel ready to discuss. 

Not at all. At Birdsong Psychology you are more than welcome to book a private consultation without having to visit your GP. 

• You may be eligible for a rebate from your Private Health Insurance Provider depending on your cover. Please speak to your provider to check if you’re covered for psychological services. 
• To access Medicare, you will need a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP prior to your first appointment. Please refer to our Session Fees section for more information. 

For many clients, sessions may attract a rebate from Medicare if you have been referred by your GP with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. We are not a bulk-billing service. Please refer to our Session Fees section for more information. 

A Mental Health Treatment (Care) Plan is written by a GP and entitles you to 10 Medicare rebated sessions per year. To get a Mental Health Treatment Plan, book in to see a GP and discuss your mental health difficulties. They will decide if you are eligible and would benefit from a Treatment Plan. They can forward your referral to us via our email or you are welcome to bring it in to your first appointment.

Please refer to our Session Fees section for more information. Please read the cancellation and reschedule policy. Payment is taken at time of appointment with rebate processed after the session.

 If you are seeking psychological support due to a workplace injury, please ensure that on intake you provide your claim number, case manager contact details, date of injury, and approval for sessions (if this has been provided). Please note, that attending under Workers Compensation - SIRA will still require a referral from your treating doctor. Fees are charged in accordance with SIRA guidelines.

 Our cancellation policy is in place due to the high demand for appointments. We kindly ask that cancellations be made at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.

• Cancellations made less than 48 hours before your appointment will incur a fee of half the session cost.
• If you cancel within 24 hours or on the day of your appointment, the full session fee applies.

Please note: This policy applies to business days only. For Monday appointments, cancellation must be made by close of business Thursday to avoid fees.

Appointments will be conducted over the phone or via videoconferencing with a reliable internet connection. 

If the connection is interrupted, or lost, the consultation will be continued by telephone or another appointment time will be booked. 

Birdsong Psychology is not a crisis service. For emergencies, contact 000 or NSW - Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511, Lifeline 13 11 14 or 13Yarn (13 92 76).