info@psychologymelbourne.com.au
1300 161 639
While we find video counselling can be more effective, telephone counselling does provide access to expert psychological help, without having to leave home or the office.
You can attend your session using your mobile phone or our highly secure telemedicine platform (with the video camera switched off). If using your mobile phone, make sure it is fully charged before your session and have headphones available if the sound quality is poor.
To arrange a phone counselling appointment, call our reception team on 1300 161 639 or email them at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.
Research shows that in expert hands, phone counselling is just as effective as face-to-face counselling and client outcomes are identical to those for conventional therapy.
Psychology Melbourne is a recognised expert in remote counselling, including phone and secure online counselling. In a 2-year project with Medibank Private and Telstra Health, we delivered remote phone and online counselling to more than 200 clients in rural Queensland.
We have made it as easy as possible to attend your session using our highly secure telemedicine platform (with the video camera switched off). Or you can use your mobile phone.
To use our secure telemedicine platform, all you need is a smartphone, laptop, computer or tablet with a web browser and an internet connection. There are no plugins or downloads!
Before your session, we will send you a link to our Doxy.me platform which you will copy into your browser. We strongly recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox.
If you are unable to use a computer or the internet you can also use your mobile phone. If using your mobile phone, make sure it is fully charged before your session and have headphones available as the sound quality can be poor. See instructions below.
Our reception will assist you at every step of the way to link you into your session. Even if you are technology beginner, we can help you make it work. Once you’ve done it the first time, it’s easy!
If you have not made contact with your psychologist within 5-10 minutes of your scheduled appointment time, please call reception on 1300 161 639 for further assistance.
We have a large team of psychologists who work online with a wide range of problems including anxiety, depression and relationship problems. You can even do couples counselling online with each partner in different locations.
Fees for phone and video counselling are slightly less than for Face-to-Face counselling. They are paid by credit card before the session to secure your appointment. Half or full consultations are available for individuals, couples and families.
You can claim Medicare rebates for up to ten (10) phone counselling sessions in a calendar year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan. Check with our reception if you are eligible on 1300 161 639.
The Federal Government will also provide an extra ten (10) counselling session rebates (to a maximum of 20) during the pandemic for Victorians until March 31, 2021.
Clients will be required to:
Once approved, you will be able to continue to access treatment even if public health orders are lifted.
For those with a Mental Health Plan our fees are as follows:
| Type of Psycholgist | Fee | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Psychologist | $240 business hours/ $250 after hours & Saturdays |
$89.65 |
| Endorsed & Senior Psychologist | $250 business hours/ $260 after hours & Saturdays |
$89.65 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $270 business hours, $280 after hours & Saturdays |
$129.55 |
Fully funded employee assistant consultations (EAP) are immediately available for employees of companies with a Psychology Melbourne EAP program. Check if your company has a program with us and if they don’t, you can refer them to our Accounts Manager at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.
Other medical insurers are offering rebates for phone counselling such as Private Health insurance, WorkCover, TAC and others shown below.
If you have specific questions about insurance, please get in touch with our reception team on 1300 161 639 or at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au
To ensure the most secure and confidential counselling for you, we insist on using stronger encryption standards than consumer video conferencing applications like Skype.
You can also link into our classes and therapy groups by video link or phone. It’s just like being in the room.