Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a session cost?
Initial Consultations $250
Subsequent Consultations $205
Our fees are set in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated (AAPi).
Please note the APS recommended fee for seeing a psychologist in 2023 at $300.00/hour.
Clients with a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan are able to access a rebate of $93.35.
If you have reached your Medicare Safety net for the year, your rebate may be higher. You can check whether you have reached your medicare safety net through your myGov.
Fees are subject to annual reviews in conjunction with the APS/AAPi recommended schedule of fees.
When do you offer appointments?
Mondays - evenings
Tuesdays - evenings
Wednesdays - 8.30am-5.30pm
Appointments can be made via Telehealth or in-person.
To make a booking you can use our Online Client Portal by clicking here.
How do I get there?
We are located inside Epworth Freemasons Hospital.
Parking: There is paid carpark at Epworth Freemasons & street parking (fees may apply).
Public Transport: Tram number 109 stops directly out the front of the Epworth Freemasons Hospital, on Victoria Parade.
When do I need to make a payment?
For In-Person Appointments:
Full payment is required on the day of consultation via the Power Diary Booking App (automatic online payment system) or Credit Card via EFTPOS machine. Please note, cash is not accepted as a payment method.
For Telehealth Appointments:
Full fee must be paid for prior to the commencement of the appointment.
Please note, Lively Lifestyles Psychology does not offer a bulk billing service.
How do I receive a Medicare Rebate?
To receive a Medicare rebate, you will need to visit your GP who will assess your eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). If you are approved for a MHCP, you will then be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year.
The rebate amount is approximately $93.35 per session.
A dated and signed MHCP referral letter from your GP is required to receive the rebate. Please bring the referral letter to your first appointment. If you don't have a MHCP, then the full-fee is required.
Please be aware that the Medicare rebates offered with Mental Health Care Plans are for the treatment of individuals only and do not apply to Couples Counselling. There are no Medicare rebates for Couples Counselling.
Do I have to have a referral from a doctor?
No. You can certainly see a psychologist privately.
However, if you would like to access a Medicare-rebate for your psychology sessions, you will need a valid referral from a GP for a MHCP.
Will my Private Health Insurance pay for anything?
Some private health funds do cover psychological therapy, however you need to find this information out directly from your private health fund/policy. They may inform you how much you may get back and what your budget for psychological services may be. If your service is covered by private health, your invoice will still need to be paid in full on the day of your appointment and claimed back through your insurer.
What is the 'Pregnancy Support Counselling' Rebate?
Pregnancy support counselling through the Medicare scheme is available for clients with a current or recent pregnancy (within the last 12 months) who have any concerns, such as decisions about the future, adjustment following the pregnancy, or general issues related to a pregnancy.
The rebate amount is approximately $68.45 per session.
A referral to this service is required via GP. The pregnancy support counselling rebate only covers 3 sessions, although you may continue privately, or be referred again under another appropriate initiative such as a MHCP. Speak to your GP about the suitability of other Medicare services.
For more information, click here.
I made an in-person appointment but I'm not feeling well. What do I do?
If you are feeling unwell (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of sense of taste or smell or temperature); have been potentially exposed to COVID-19; are awaiting COVID-19 testing results or have tested positive for COVID-19, you can reschedule your face-to-face appointment to a Telehealth service.