Yes, I love working with NDIS participants! As an unregistered provider, I can provide therapeutic support for plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants. This may include individual counselling, relationship counselling, and social work services. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me to explore how I can support you within the scope of your NDIS plan.
No, you do not require a doctor's referral or a Mental Health Treatment Plan to make an appointment with me. As I primarily work with private paying clients, the majority of my clients self-refer, though I do welcome GP referral letters. With your consent, I can provide updates and liaise with your GP regarding your progress and wellbeing.
No, I do not offer bulk billing or Medicare rebates.
No, I do not accept private health insurance. Clients are advised to consult with their health fund directly to ascertain if they are eligible for any reimbursement for our sessions.
You have several payment methods to choose from for your appointment fees:
Cash Payment: Pay your session fee in cash at the time of your appointment.
Bank Transfer: Receive your invoice via email and pay the full fee by bank transfer.
Online Payment by Credit or Debit Card (Powered by Stripe): Pay your invoice securely online using your credit or debit card through our trusted payment processing platform, Stripe. A small processing fee ranging from $3.00 to $5.00 applies.
Automatic Online Payment (Powered by Stripe): Set up your card details through our practice management system, Carepatron, to have your session fee charged automatically through Stripe. Your credit card details are stored securely for future transactions. An additional fee of $3.00 to $5.00 per transaction applies for this convenient option.
Under the Better Access Scheme, clients can access various professionals for psychological treatment with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from their doctor. Medicare rebates are available for selected mental health services offered by GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, as well as eligible social workers and occupational therapists. Depending on the professional consulted, the rebate typically ranges between $82 and $137.
However, being able to claim a Medicare rebate does not ensure affordability, as clients are still required to cover a gap fee. Based on the recommended hourly consultation fees of $300 by the Australian Psychological Society and $240 by the Australian Association of Social Workers, out-of-pocket expenses may vary between $150 and $200 even after Medicare rebates. It's also worth noting that relationship counselling isn't covered by Medicare.
At Sofia Kouznetsova Counselling, my standard rates for individual counselling are $120, and $150 for relationship counselling, often lower than the gap payments charged elsewhere.
Although I have taken great care to price my services with accessibility and affordability in mind, I understand that the cost of therapy can be a barrier for many people.
Reduced fees may be available on a limited basis depending on individual circumstances. Clients who may be eligible for reduced fees include full-time tertiary students, pensioners, and valid concession card holders.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and are concerned about being able to pay for your appointment, please contact me directly for a confidential obligation-free discussion about your options.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to reschedule or cancel an appointment without incurring a cancellation fee.
Cancellation fees will be calculated at 50% of the session fee for appointments cancelled within 48 hours or no-show appointments.
Appointment changes or cancellations can be made directly though my online booking system (Carepatron) up to 48 hours before your appointment start time.
All personal information about you remains confidential. Please refer to the privacy policy for full details.
All clients will be informed about limits to confidentiality, provided with a privacy collection notice and be required to sign an informed consent declaration prior to commencing counselling services.
