Question 1

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t need a referral in order to see a psychologist at Tranquil Hearts Psychology. You can submit a self-referral here.(https://www.tranquilheartspsychology.com.au/intake-form-1)

However, if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate, you will need to see your GP for a referral and Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

You do not need to consult your GP if you are a Private Paying client or if you choose to use your Private Health Fund cover.

Question 2

What are the fees/rebates?

Accepted Answer

At Tranquil Hearts Psychology, the session fees with a Registered Psychologist are $220 for a 50-minute session. Sessions booked after hours (past 5pm) incur an additional $20 fee.

Please note that the Australian Psychological Society’(https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs)s National Schedule of Recommended Fees is $318 for a 46-60 minute session.

You are able to get a rebate if you have the following:
 • Medicare - this will entitle you to a rebate of $98.95 per session with a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year if you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral your GP. You will receive an invoice to lodge a claim via MyGov/Medicare following the appointment completion.
 • Private health insurance - please check with your health fund provider whether you are eligible for benefits.

* Please note that you cannot claim BOTH Medicare and Private Health Fund for the same session. You may choose to use all 10 Medicare sessions and then claim subsequent appointments via private health funds.

Question 3

How do I prepare for my first session?

Accepted Answer

What do I do before my session?
Once you book your first appointment, you will receive a confirmation email and SMS.

For telehealth appointments:
Please read and complete the necessary information at least two business days prior to your first appointment. The appointment can not proceed until the documents have been returned.

What do I do on the day of my session?
There’s no right or wrong way to prepare for your first session. Just bring yourself!

For telehealth appointments:
You will receive a link to your video session 24-48 hours before your session - all you need to do is click on the link at the time of the session. Initial sessions are 80 minutes long, and subsequent sessions are 50-minutes long, so please ensure that you have adequate privacy and a safe space for the duration of this time. We’ll take things at whatever pace you’re most comfortable with.

Question 4

What can I expect from my first session?

Accepted Answer

It is very normal to feel nervous and wonder how your session will go. At Tranquil Hearts Psychology, we focus on making your therapy journey collaborative, so your psychologist is trained to guide and support you in the process.

The session will start with introductions, and discussions about consent, confidentiality and privacy agreements. Your psychologist will also want to understand more about you and what has brought you to therapy - this might look like exploring your presenting concerns, background history and therapeutic goals.

It is also common that you may feel that you haven’t gone through your concerns in detail after the first session. You will have opportunities to do this in subsequent sessions and your psychologist will regularly check in with you to see if there are other areas you would like to explore further.

Question 5

How many sessions do I need?

Accepted Answer

Therapy may be suitable for anyone who feels that they have difficulties regulating their emotions, are not living their desired quality of life or simply needs a yarn with a trusted person.

Therefore, there is no set number of sessions each person needs, and it depends on a range of factors including what the presenting issues are, severity, personal circumstances and goals for therapy.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that things come up and appointments sometimes need to be moved around. If you would like to move/cancel your appointment, please provide at least 48 hours' notice by sending an SMS to 0451 856 786 or emailing tranquilheartspsychology@outlook.com

If an appointment is missed or cancelled within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment time, a 50% session fee to your credit/debit card details will be charged at the time of the appointment and any future appointment/s will be put on hold until paid. Please note that cancellation charges are not Medicare claimable.

Why is there a cancellation policy?
Please understand that any late cancelled or non-attended appointments impact:
 • The client who is delaying their therapy progress
 • Another client who is on the waiting list to see the psychologist urgently
 • The psychologist who spent time preparing for the session

Question 7

What is a telehealth appointment?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth psychology services means that you are able to receive psychological services from the comfort of a safe space that you decide, including your own home or office.

Zoom, a video communications platform, will be used for sessions. You do not need your own account to join the session. A private link for your session will be sent prior to your scheduled appointment time - all you need to do is click on the link at the time of the appointment from a device that has a front-facing camera (e.g., phone, tablet, computer/laptop with a camera).

Your psychologist will also be joining from a private location to ensure that the session is confidential. No recordings of the session is allowed to protect confidentiality.

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