Appointments normally last for 50 minutes and can be made by calling reception on 07 5520 1000. Bookings are available Tuesday-Saturday.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommend a fee of $267 per hour for psychologist. At Affinity Psychological Services, we strongly believe that everyone should be able to access psychological services, so therefore our fee for each session is $160 or free if referred through EAP, WorkCover, or Insurance.

MEDICARE REFERRALS

Better Access Initiative: You may be able to access up to 10 sessions per year that attract a medicare rebate. If you have a current GP Mental Health Care Plan from your doctor, you may be entitled to a $88.25 medicare rebate, resulting in an out-of-pocket expense of $71.75 per session. Unfortunately, private health funds will not rebate this gap payment.

An EXTRA 10 SESSIONS may be available after you have used all 10 initial Better Access sessions, subject to your GP determining you are eligible.

Pregnancy Support Service: you can access up to three sessions per year relating to a current or recent pregnancy with a GP referral. You will be able to receive a $64.70 rebate, resulting in an out-of-pocket expense of $95.30 per session. Unfortunately, private health funds will not rebate this gap payment.

SELF-REFERRAL

You can access this service with no medical referral. If you do so, you may be able to claim the cost on your private health cover (please check with your fund).

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (EAP)

We offer a program where an employer can make a referral to us and cover the cost of services on behalf of their employees. The employer can elect to fund up to a specified monetary limit or nominate a certain number of appointments they wish to provide to support their employee. Any communication with the employer including invoicing can be managed to ensure client confidentiality is maintained. The employer will need to supply us with a written request to provide services to the employee. Alternatively, if your employer is already contracted to an EAP provider, we may be able to provide services to you by sub-contracting to the contracted provider.

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Tracey Maher is registered to provide services for both NSW and QLD workers compensation programs.

Your GP is often the first point of contact if you wish to make a claim under NSW WorkCover or QLD WorkCover. They can help you to lodge a claim and can make a referral for you to see a psychologist or other rehabilitation services to aid you in your recovery and get your career back on track.

For more information about psychological claims under workers compensation follow these links:

NSW: You will need to provide us with confirmation that you have an approved claim lodged with a NSW WorkCover insurer in order for us to bill them directly for services. Alternatively you can pay for appointment and claim the fee back from your insurer. For more information about NSW WorkCover visit: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/injuriesclaims/makingaclaim/Psychologicalinjuryclaims/Pages/default.aspx

QLD: Early access to psychological sessions is now available whilst you are awaiting the approval of your claim. http://www.workcoverqld.com.au/rehab-and-claims/injuries-at-work/what-happens-after-a-claim-is-made/psychological-or-psychiatric-injury

INSURANCE CLAIMS

If you are experiencing psychological distress due to an accident or injury, your insurer, or the other parties' insurer, may approve psychological treatment sessions. Once these sessions have been approved, invoices can be directly forwarded to the insurer for payment, resulting in no out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Item added 18 May 2011

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