BUDDING BEANS PSYCHOLOGY
helping kids thrive
FAQS FOR OUR
PAEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST OR SPEECH PATHOLOGIST?
You do not need a referral to see us, however, if you do have an appropriate referral from a GP, Paediatrician, or psychiatrist, you may be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate.
DO I GET A MEDICARE REBATE FOR PSYCHOLOGY OR SPEECH PATHOLOGY SERVICES?
Depending on your presenting concerns, you may be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate. If you have a valid referral, rebates can be processed at the clinic through our practice management software.
Rebates cannot be claimed without a valid referral. Rebates cannot be claimed if the child is not in attendance at the session.
A valid referral from the GP should include:
- The patient's (in this case, the child) name
- Date of Birth of the patient
- Address
- The symptoms or diagnosis
- The number of sessions required
- A statement about the plan that the client is referred under
Please visit this website for more detailed information about the Better Access Initiative to supporting mental health care.
CAN I CLAIM PRIVATE HEALTH REBATES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SPEECH PATHOLOGIST?
Please check with your private health service provider as this will vary depending on your service provider and level of cover.
DO YOU PROVIDE FREE PSYCHOLOGY OR SPEECH PATHOLOGY SESSIONS?
As a private clinic with no government funding, we do charge fees. You may receive a partial rebate with an appropriate referral.
Please speak to your GP if you are wanting sessions with no gap/out-of-pocket fee. They may be able to advice on bulk-billing practices close to you.
CAN I ATTEND WITHOUT MY CHILD?
Absolutely. We encourage parents to attend the first consultation without their child so that they can fill us in on the background information and reasons for coming.
DO I STAY IN THE SESSION WITH MY CHILD?
This will vary depending on the child's age and the presenting concerns. Our aim is to work collaboratively as a team. In most cases, the child will attend sessions independently. Typically, the psychologist will provide feedback to the parent where appropriate and with the consent of the child.
ARE YOU REGISTERED WITH NDIS?
No, however we can see clients who are self- or plan-managed.
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH PSYCHOLOGY OR SPEECH PATHOLOGY SESSIONS?
Yes, we do. Telehealth service is a psychological therapy service delivered via video conference. Medicare rebates have been introduced for Telehealth sessions.
Due to current COVID-19 public health issue, we have been advised that Telehealth is to remain the preferred method of service delivery.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A TELEHEALTH SESSION?
Your psychologist will send you a Zoom link via email. Please ensure your device is charged and you have the audio and video turned on.
This link will guide you on how to join a Zoom meeting. https://youtu.be/vFhAEoCF7jg.
DO YOU CHARGE CANCELLATION FEES?
If you need to reschedule a weekday appointments, you must provide us with at least 2 clear days (excluding weekends) notice to avoid a late notice fee. We adopt the NDIS definition of late notice cancellation. NDIS defines "clear days" as complete days that does not include the day the period begins and the day of the event. So, the (2) or (7) days does not include the day the participant gives notice and the day the service is to be delivered.
Full appointment fee payable for:
- Missed appointment
- Less than 2 clear days (excluding weekends) for change of weekday appointments
Medicare or private health rebates do not apply to late notice fees.
DO YOU PROVIDE PSYCHOLOGY REPORTS FOR COURT-RELATED MATTERS?
We are unable to assist with complex issues arising from family separation and/or violence, court and forensic issues. Other services may better serve your needs due to the specialised skill set and experience required to support you.
We do not provide therapy to children if the family are involved in an active family court case or if one is anticipated to commence in the foreseeable future. Once the family court matter is resolved, we would be very happy to work with the child.
DO YOU NEED CONSENT FROM BOTH PARENTS FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES?
Our priority is the wellbeing of the young people that we see. Although either parent can initiate booking a psychology session for their child, we require consent from both parents before commencing therapeutic or assessment services with the child. Our experience tells us that we have better outcomes for child clients when we have consent from both parents.