Questions about counselling?

As a person needing counselling or mental health support you are free to see whoever you like – so in that respect if you contact us for counselling we can review the plan as it provides helpful information. 

As counsellors we have no reporting obligations to the referring GP as psychologists do – however if you wanted us to communicate with your GP we could do that with your written consent. 

As far as MHCP for receiving funding through Medicare Better Access Scheme, currently counsellors are not part of that scheme, so we cannot claim medicare rebates. 

Please see FAQ titled – “Can we claim Medicare”

No  – At this stage counsellors are not part of Medicare Better Access Scheme. 

BUT if you were to see a psychologist you still need to pay a gap as very few psychologists bulk bill Medicare. The current rebate in 2023 from Medicare for psychologists is between $89 and up to $131 for clincial psychologists however the Australian Psychological Societies recommended session fee is $280 which means you may be out of pocket for between $130 – $190 

Limited sessions: under the Better Access Scheme most people are limited to 10 sessions per calendar year for psychology (eating disorders are 40 sessions) -this means there is no consistence in the care and support you receive. 

Waiting lists: the average waiting lists in most parts of rural, regional and remote SA are between 8 weeks to 6 months. 

Health Record: once you go to the GP and get a Mental Health Plan it is on your health record and this can affect insurance, applications to defence force, police force, emergency services and even sometimes getting a passport and job applications if a medical is required. 

So for less than the Medicare gap you can see a counsellor (depending on their experience) quickly and discreetly. 

It is not. For something to be covered under Medicare it needs to be a diagnosed disorder. Relationship issues, crisis and breakdown are not a diagnosed disorder.

Most psychologists are not trained couples counsellors. 

We don’t have a set concession rate. We are private business and do not receive any subsidies from the Government or any funding. 

If you are a current or returning client and are experiencing finanical distress please contact Penny Adams to discuss your needs. 

Any discounts offered are at the sole discretion of Seasons of Life Counselling and are decided on a case by case basis. 

All counsellors/practitioners that provide services through and as part of Seasons of Life Counselling team are independent sole practitioners who hold their own business ABNs and Insurance.

Your practitioner will hold your confidential client case notes and these will remain in their possession, whether they remain at Seasons of Life Counselling or cease their contract with us. Seasons of Life Counselling / Penny Adams is not liable for practitioner conduct or case notes.

This information is outlined in more detail in the client counselling agreement you recieve upon booking with us.