Question 1

Types of Clients

Accepted Answer

We accept referrals for clients with a range of neurological and psychological conditions.

We most commonly see clients who have functional neurological disorder (FND), epilepsy, intellectual disability, and acquired brain injury with concurrent anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Please note that we typically receive referrals only for clients aged 16 and above.

If you are a treating doctor who wishes to refer a client, please refer to our For Referrers (javascript:void(0))page for more information.

If you are potential new client, please refer to our For New Clients (javascript:void(0))page for more information.

*We provide services to clients covered by Medicare, Private Health providers and schemes such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Traffic Accident Commission (TAC), Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) and WorkCover.  Clients can also choose to be billed directly for services.

Question 2

Approach to Therapy

Accepted Answer

Our team of Clinical Neuropsychologists, Clinical Psychologists and Registrars are trained in a range of common evidence-based therapeutic approaches, which will be tailored to suit the individual client's needs.  These include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 
 • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
 • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
 • Schema Therapy
 • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
 • Behaviour Modification Therapy
 • Exposure Therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Our principles of practice stem from a biopsychosocial model of healthcare, which aims to understand the client's illness experience based on biological, psychological and social/environmental factors.

Question 3

Structure of Sessions

Accepted Answer

Clients are seen on an ongoing or "as-need" basis depending on the level of care required.

The first few sessions will involve an assessment of the client's main concerns, including an initial formulation of the factors that influence the emergence and maintenance of the issues.

Subsequent sessions will involve active therapy and practical skills training to manage areas of need, including psychological distress, social adjustment, cognitive difficulties, and physical symptoms.

Discharge planning and strategies to maximise long-term gains from therapy will be discussed as appropriate.

*The very first session is typically scheduled for 80 minutes. Subsequent sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes.

Question 4

Rates and Medicare Rebates

Accepted Answer

Please note that our services are not bulk-billed.  There will be a consultation fee for you to pay on the day of your appointment.  Refer to our Rates (javascript:void(0))page for our schedule of fees.

Psychological therapy is subsidised by Medicare for clients with either one of the following:

• A referral and current Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP
 • A referral from a psychiatrist
 • A referral from a paediatrician

Please refer to our For New Clients (javascript:void(0))page for more information about Medicare Rebates.

Clients who are not eligible for Medicare Rebates can still see a psychologist at our clinic, but will have to pay the full fee or arrange to have their fee covered by their Private Health provider.

*Late cancellation fees apply

Question 5

Mental Health Treatment Plan

Accepted Answer

You will need a current Mental Health Treatment Plan (also known as a Mental Health Care Plan) to access Medicare Rebates for psychological therapy.

Please refer to our For New Clients (javascript:void(0))page for more information about the Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Question 6

Booking an Appointment

Accepted Answer

Contact us

Please email us for all bookings: 
neuropsychology-eastmelbourne@unimelb.edu.au (mailto:neuropsychology-eastmelbourne@unimelb.edu.au)

Alternatively, you may call us or leave a voicemail message:  
(03) 83440298(tel:+61383440298)

*Please note that our email is only attended to on Wednesdays and Friday mornings, while our phone is only attended to on Wednesdays (8:30 am - 6:00 pm).

For new clients

Upon receiving your referral from your doctor, we will get in touch with you to book an appointment (but feel free to get in touch with us earlier if you wish).

We will allocate you to the next available psychologist within our team who is suited to address your needs, although you are also welcome to nominate a psychologist of your choice.  Please note that the waitlist time may vary depending on your preferred psychologist.

We may also request more information from you before allocating you to a psychologist.  
Please refer to our For New Clients (javascript:void(0))page for more information.

Question 7

Telehealth Appointments

Accepted Answer

Please refer to our Telehealth (javascript:void(0))page for more information.

Question 8

In-Person Appointments

Accepted Answer

All in-person appointments are held at our clinic, located at:  Neuropsychology East Melbourne, Level 2, 138-146 Cardigan Street, Carlton VIC 3052 (view map).(https://goo.gl/maps/6JEHDqdxhBdnYhTd7)

We will advise if your psychologist is currently offering appointments in person, via Telehealth or both.

If you would like to attend your appointment in person at our clinic, our administrative staff will contact you beforehand to inform you about our latest COVID-safe policies.

Please contact us prior to your appointment if your health status changes and you are unable to attend: neuropsychology-eastmelbourne@unimelb.edu.au;(mailto:neuropsychology-eastmelbourne@unimelb.edu.au)  (03) 83440298(tel:+61383440298)

Psychological Therapy