Do I need a referral to see you?

If you would like to attend your appointment privately you can book a session without a referral. However, you will only be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $141.85 per session with a referral from your GP and an associated Mental Health Care Plan. With a MHCP you can access 6 Medicare rebated sessions, and up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions (with a review from your GP), per calendar year. Your GP will need to specify the number of sessions they have approved on their provided referral letter attached with the MHCP. Note that you may receive a larger Medicare rebate if you have met the Medicare Threshold for the year.  

Sophie is also eligible to provide sessions under the MBS pregnancy support scheme (up to 3 Medicare rebated sessions with a referral from your GP).

What are your fees?

Our fees are guided by, and are currently below, the Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) recommended fee for 2023-2024. The cost of a 50-minute session with Sophie is $290. See here for more information

Can I claim through my Private Health Fund?

You may be able to claim a portion of the fee through your health fund, but this depends on your provider and personal level of cover. You will need to contact your health fund provider to find out more.

Can I bring my baby to a session?

Yes!

We understand what a challenge it can be practically and emotionally being apart from your baby, particularly in the early days. You are welcome to bring bub into the session. We provide a baby mat and some simple toys, and you are welcome to move around the room and attend to your baby’s needs as you see fit (e.g. feeding, settling). However, if possible we do encourage you to find a carer for baby in order for you to have the space to fully concentrate on yourself and your needs during the session. We also find that once babies are on the move (e.g. crawling) it is hard for clients to concentrate and get the most out of sessions.

We also have Telehealth appointments available, online via zoom or phone, for those times it is hard to get out with baby/toddlers or when you want to stay in the comfort of your home - a popular option during early postpartum weeks.

What happens at my first session?

We are currently offering Telehealth Sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays, and the option of face to face or Telehealth sessions on Fridays at our Leichhardt Office (Nurtured Medical).

For Telehealth (online) sessions, you will received an email from us with a link to a secure platform for your appointment. We encourage you to log on into the session a few minutes before your appointment start time in case you need to update your software and to ensure your equipment is functioning well. If you have opted for a phone call, Sophie will call you at your appointment time with the number provided.

For face to face sessions, our office is located within Nurtured Medical (216 Norton Street Leichhardt). There is a ramp at the street level entry which will take you to a waiting area. When you arrive you can let yourself in and sit down in the waiting area. Please note that we do not have a receptionist at our Leichhardt office so please text Sophie on 0493 196 653 when you arrive and she will come and collect you. Please note that our room is located downstairs and are currently not accessible for prams, however you are welcome to leave your pram in the ground level waiting room, or if you prefer bring a baby carrier or similar.

There is unmetered on-street parking is available on Norton Street if you drive. There is also unmetered on-street parking on Allen St, James St and Francis St; all within 5 minutes walk to the practice.

During your initial appointment:

• You will have the oppourtunity to get to know your psychologist and see if they feel like the right fit for you. This is also an oppourtunity for your psychologist to assess if our service is suitable for you and your goals.

• Your psychologist will conduct a thorough assessment in order to understand what has brought you to therapy, relevant history, your current circumstances and goals.

• Your psychologist will listen to your story, ask questions and answer any questions you might have. Based off this information they will outline evidence-based treatment options for you moving forward.

Is there anyone this service is not suitable for?

• Individuals under 18 years of age

• Individuals experiencing acute symptoms of Psychosis

• Individuals presenting with a severe Eating Disorder or who are currently medically unstable due to disordered eating

• Individuals seeking treatment under work cover

• Individuals seeking a court report or cognitive assessments

For more information or to book an appointment, contact us here