Frequently Asked Questions
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Clinical psychologists have at least eight years of training and use non-pharmaceutical approaches to manage mild to complex mental health concerns.
A clinical psychologist has done extra training and supervision in diagnosing and treating major mental health problems.
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The Australian Psychological Society provides guidelines for psychological service fees. As of July 2025, the recommended fee for a standard session is $318.
Our psychology session fees are $270 per 50-minute session.
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Yes, sessions with a clinical psychologist are eligible for a Medicare rebate if you are referred by a General Practitioner under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care Program, or if you are referred directly by a Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.
The Medicare rebate for a 50-minute or longer consultation with an eligible clinical psychologist is $149.05 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
We require full payment of your session at the time of your appointment. We then submit your claim to Medicare electronically and they will send your rebate to your registered bank account. For further information on the Mental Health Care Program, visit https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=80110.
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Yes, if you have private health coverage for psychology you can claim for your sessions.
As the rebate amount varies between insurers and your level of cover, we are unable to advise your rebate amount. We recommend that you call your Private Health Insurer to check prior to your appointment.
Please note, you cannot claim both private health insurance rebates and the Medicare rebate for the same session
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For eligible full time student or low income card holders, we offer bulk billing services for telehealth therapy sessions.
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Yes, we have a 24 hour cancellation policy for all therapy sessions (notifying before 9am on the day before your appointment).
Cancellation fees are $100 for a missed session or late cancellation and are not eligible for medicare or private health rebates.
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Yes, we can provide services to clients accessing NDIS funding if they are under self or plan managed funds.
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Yes, you are welcome to access sessions without a referral. A referral from your GP is required if you would like to receive medicare rebates, or if liaison with your doctor is essential for effective care across treatment.
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The first appointment is a chance to get to know you and your concerns you’d like to address in therapy.
We will focus on getting to know you as a person, as well as asking about other areas of your life (including health, family, interests and relationships). By the end of the first session, an agreed set of goals and what treatment approach is best suited will be discussed.
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Telehealth is a remote service delivery of psychology sessions facilitated by secure video platform. To access these sessions, you will require private access to a desktop with microphone and video access and a reliable internet connection.
Telehealth sessions are eligible for medicare rebates and several therapy approaches can be successfully adapted to this remote format. For further information, see our guide on telehealth sessions here.
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Treatment length can vary depending on the complexity of your presenting concerns and the individual. You will receive a guide of how many sessions may be required at your first appointment.
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For new therapy clients, the best way to get in touch is to complete our therapy Enquiry Form. This will be reviewed and our team will be in touch with the next steps.
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No, Shepherd’s Hill Psychology does not offer crisis or emergency support services. This requires specialised support services. In South Australia, we recommend contacting 000 or Mental Health Triage on 13 14 65 to connect with appropriate services.
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No, Shepherd’s Hill Psychology does not specialise in forensic report writing.
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