Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see you?

No, clients can be self-referred and pay privately. However, given the recent rise in cost of living, it is recommend that people are referred by their GP so that they may receive a Mental Health Care Plan, and receive a rebate of $98.95. This would result in an out-of-pocket expense of $126.05.

How do I get a referral?

Book an appointment with your GP and request a referral to Pucinischi Psychology.

How many sessions are subsidised by Medicare under a treatment plan?

This is dependent on the type of plan a GP provides. Most commonly, a GP will provide an initial Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) referral, which grants six Medicare-rebated sessions. If further sessions are required, a person can return to their GP and receive a Mental Health Care Plan Review, which provides an additional four Medicare-rebated sessions for the calendar year. In total, people can receive up to ten sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan for the year.

Some clients might be eligible for other Medicare referrals such as the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, which provides up to five rebated sessions. Clients on a CDM will receive a rebate of $61.80, which is less than a MHCP.

Do you accept private health insurance?

Clients with private health insurance can follow up with their health insurance provider post-session to receive funding. Prior to booking an appointment, it is advised that clients check whether their health insurance policy covers psychology sessions and how much it covers.

How long are sessions?

Standard appointments run for 50 minutes. The remaining 10 minutes of the hour is allocated to note writing. It is a requirement for psychologists to write session notes, which enable up to date information on a client’s situation, condition, and progress toward treatment goals. Psychologists often review treatment notes to plan for future sessions and adjust treatment if necessary, meaning that clients receive the best treatment possible.

What can I expect in a psychology session?

In an initial appointment, the psychologist spends time getting to know the client, learning why the client has sought treatment, what specific issues the client would like to address, and what goals they would like to achieve through treatment.

The psychologist would also engage in history taking, which may extend from the first session to subsequent sessions depending on the client and how long their concerns have been present.

How frequently do I need to attend therapy?

It is recommended that people attend weekly or fortnightly sessions at the early stages of therapy. Frequent sessions in the beginning of treatment are important for the psychologist to develop an in-depth understanding of the client, and to consolidate the foundations of treatment. Once a client has developed and consistently applied strategies/action plans outside of sessions, sessions will become less frequent and might occur every three to four weeks.

How long do I need to attend therapy for?

This is dependent from person to person. Some people only need to attend therapy for six sessions, and there are some people who attend therapy for a longer duration of time. Whichever the case, Christopher has experience working with both short-term and long-term clients.

Do you offer telehealth services?

Yes.

Do you offer a concession fee?

Concession fees are offered to clients in special circumstances.

Do you bulk-bill?

Unfortunately, Pucinischi Psychology does not provide bulk-billed services under Medicare. Clients under TAC, WorkSafe or VOCAT eligible for bulk-billed services.

Can you write me a supporting letter?

Psychologists usually do not provide supporting letters for clients unless they have been engaging in therapy for at least six months.