Question 1

How do I make a booking as a new client?

Accepted Answer

For all new clients, please ensure that you fill out our enquiry form which can be found here. 
 
Ongoing clients have access to a client portal to book appointments online when suits them.

Question 2

How do I refer patients to you?

Accepted Answer

Please address referrals to:

Ana Ristov                                         
Lively Lifestyles Psychology       
Suite 117, 320 Victoria Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002
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We find it incredibly helpful if you can provide your patient’s email address. Often it can be tricky to get hold of someone on the phone and we can play phone tag, which really delays our intake. Email can be very handy in these situations.

Question 3

Do you only work with Perinatal or Fertility patients?

Accepted Answer

No, Ana supports women through many walks of life! While Perinatal and Reproductive Psychology has been a long-term passion and focal point in Ana's career,  she is able to support many other psychological backgrounds and clinical presentations. If you are not a fertility or perinatal patient, and you are wishing to see Ana for psychological support, please feel free to enquire about availability via email.

Question 4

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

Accepted Answer

You do not require a referral to access psychological services.

You are, however, required to obtain a referral/mental health care plan from your GP or psychiatrist should you be wanting to claim a Medicare rebate.

Question 5

How do I receive a Medicare rebate?

Accepted Answer

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 $98.95 per session.
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A dated and signed MHCP referral letter from your GP is required to receive the rebate. It must be dated on or before your first appointment. 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.

Question 6

Can I claim sessions through my private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After payment, we will issue you a receipt that you can submit to your private health insurer for reimbursement.

Some private health funds provide rebates for psychological services; however, coverage varies depending on your individual policy. We recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm your level of cover, rebate amounts, and any annual limits that may apply.

Please note that full payment is required at the time of your appointment, and any eligible rebate can be claimed by you through your insurer.

Question 7

What is the 'Pregnancy Support Counselling' Rebate?

Accepted Answer

Ana has completed additional training to provide perinatal non-directive counselling, which attracts a Medicare rebates.

Eligibility
Any person who is currently pregnant or has been pregnant within the past 12 months, and who has concerns relating to that pregnancy, may be eligible for up to three (3) non-directive pregnancy support counselling sessions per pregnancy, with Medicare rebates. A GP referral is required to access these rebates.

What is non-directive counselling?
This is a form of counselling based on the understanding that, in many situations, people can resolve their own problems without being provided with a solution by the therapist.
The service involves the therapist undertaking a safe, confidential process that helps you explore concerns you have about your pregnancy. This includes providing unbiased, evidence-based information about all options and services available to you (including terminations), where requested. Your partner may attend therapy sessions, with consent.

Medicare Rebate
Rebates are available for up to three sessions per pregnancy at $72.55 per session.

Referral Process
Any GP can refer eligible clients to Ana via a signed and dated referral letter or note. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is not required. GPs are not required to have completed non-directive pregnancy counselling training in order to refer. Please note - a new referral is required for each pregnancy or if the client wishes to see a different provider.
 
For more information, click here

Question 8

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number and frequency of your sessions will vary. For most people, the best outcomes for therapy occur from attending regular sessions. Initial treatment usually involves six weekly or fortnightly sessions. If there are long breaks between sessions, therapy may be less effective. After initial treatment, many people need less frequent sessions.

Ana recommends you book between three and six sessions to start your therapy journey.

Question 9

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

While our primary rooms are located in Suite 117 at Epworth Freemasons Hospital, at the current time we are only offering online-based telehealth services. This is done via secure video platform.

Fees