Fees, Services & Funding
Fees & Services
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50 Minute Session
Appointments are available with a psychologist for adults, young people, children and/or families.
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP there is a total of $130.30 out of pocket for sessions with a clinical psychologist.
*You must obtain a GP referral prior to your first appointment in order to receive Medicare rebates.
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*$93.35 rebate with a GP provided mental health care plan.
*$137.05 rebate with a GP provided mental health care plan when seeing a Clinical Psychologist.
*Payment in full is required at the time of your appointment.
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Cognitive Assessments
Personality Assessments
Autism and ADHD Assessments available
Medicare rebates, NDIS or other funding may apply (see FAQs below). Click on the Contact Us page to enquire.
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Family therapy appointments are available for adults, young people, children and their families.
50 min appointments | $130.0 out of pocket (* with a mental health care plan).
Payment in full is required at the time of your appointment.
Note on Medicare Rebate for Couples and Families:
Referrals under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative are for individuals with a diagnosed mental disorder. If you are an individual with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP or MHCP) and your relationship with your family or a significant other is contributing to your distress, your therapist can assess whether it is appropriate for you to involve a partner or family members in your treatment, however, Medicare states that the focus of treatment should always remain on the individual.
If you or someone in your family has a MHTP and think family therapy or relationship counselling would be relevant to your treatment, please call or email us for more information on Medicare rebates.
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50 min appointments | $200
Clinical supervision is available in Melbourne and online for psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers, mental health credentialed nurses or other practitioners.
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Run over 4 sessions: Interview session, 2 Assessment Sessions and Feedback Session. Plus a report provided during the feedback session.
Prior to the appointment, the client will be sent out a confirmation email including consent and background information forms. This includes forms for supporting person/s (e.g. partner, friend, colleague, parent). A screening assessment tool is also sent out.
At the assessment a clinical interview is conducted. On occasion, an additional session and/or information is required (e.g. from family members, another professional or other relevant people).
After the assessment a full report is completed as part of this service. This outlines how the criteria is met, general recommendations, and suggested reading/viewing materials. This is sent via email around 6 weeks after the assessment and can be used to apply for NDIS funding support or other supports where required.
Cost of our assessments are based on session fees (e.g., x3 or 4 session fees, depending on the amount of sessions required. Typically 3 sessions for ADHD assessment, 4 sessions for Autism assessment, and 5 sessions for Autism/ADHD combined.
*You may be eligible for Medicare rebates, please speak to our reception staff or your GP for more information.
*Please note, that for children and young people a Cognitive Assessment is also required for a diagnosis (see below). ADHD assessments are also available (see below).
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Run over 3 sessions: Interview session, Assessment Session and a Report/Feedback Session.
For more information, please contact our admin team via the contact page.
*You may be eligible for Medicare rebates, please speak to our reception staff or your GP for more information.
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We work with children, young people carers and families involved with Child Protection, and collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams.
Mental Health Care Plans can be utilised as per the Medicare Rebates section of this page. However, many young people in care have sessions funded by DFFH and their care packages.
Please enquire via the Book Now button, or Contact Page.
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Patients without a mental health care plan may be able to claim a rebate through their private health insurer – please speak to your provider for rebate amounts.
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Are welcome – please advise our staff when making an appointment.
Fees are paid to Tend upfront by the client, and reimbursed by their insurer upon the clients follow up.
Our session fees are below the recommended Australian Psychological Society National Schedule of Recommended Fees for psychological services.
Types of Therapies at Tend
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Third Wave Therapies (ACT, DBT).
Third-wave behavior therapies include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs).
CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs can influence our feelings and behaviors, and that by changing our thoughts and beliefs, we can change our emotions and behaviors.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was developed to help individuals who have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors. It is based on the idea that people learn to regulate their emotions and behaviors through a process of dialectical change, which involves balancing acceptance and change.
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Schema Therapy.
Schema therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was developed to help individuals who have long-standing and unhelpful patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior, known as schemas. A schema is a mental structure that organizes and interprets information and experiences, and it can be both positive and negative.
In schema therapy, the therapist works with the client to identify and understand their schemas, and to develop new, healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This may involve a range of techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and behavior modification.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
EMDR is a form of therapy that was developed to help individuals who have experienced trauma. It is based on the idea that when an individual experiences a traumatic event, their brain may be unable to process the experience in a way that allows them to fully heal and move on. As a result, the memories of the event may be stored in an unprocessed form, and the individual may continue to experience negative symptoms, such as flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. Research shows EMDR is effective in treating a wide range of trauma-related conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, and other anxiety disorders. It is typically conducted as part of a larger treatment plan that may also include other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.
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Eating Disorders.
CBT-E stands for "Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders." It's an evidence-based psychotherapy approach specifically designed for treating various eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. CBT-E focuses on identifying and modifying thoughts and behaviours related to eating, body image, and weight, while also addressing underlying emotional issues.
FBE refers to "Family-Based Treatment" (also known as the Maudsley Approach) for eating disorders. This therapeutic approach involves actively involving the family in the treatment process, especially in cases of adolescents with anorexia nervosa. FBE aims to empower parents, while also addressing underlying family dynamics and supporting the adolescent's recovery. It typically consists of three phases: weight restoration, returning control of eating to the adolescent, and establishing healthy adolescent development.
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Play Therapy.
Play therapy is a type of psychological treatment that involves using play and creative activities to help children express their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Play therapy can be an effective way for children to communicate and cope with difficult emotions, as it allows them to express themselves in a natural and non-threatening way. Children using play therapy with a therapist may use dolls, toys, or other materials, or engage in activities such as drawing or painting, as a way to explore and work through their experiences.
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Pain Management.
Persistent pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than 3 months. From a pain science perspective, persistent pain is understood as a complex and multidimensional experience that is influenced by a variety of factors, including physiological, psychological, and social factors.
According to pain science, persistent pain is more than the direct result of tissue damage or pathology. Pain is influenced by the brain's interpretation and processing of pain signals, a person's past experiences, beliefs, and emotions, as well as their social and cultural context.
Best practice in managing pain emphasises the importance of a biopsychosocial approach, which involves addressing the physical, psychological, and social factors that contribute to pain. This may include techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma treatment and physiotherapy, in addition to medical management.
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Health Psychology.
Psychologists can support individuals and families in end-of-life care and in the management of health conditions. They provide a range of services to individuals and families facing serious illness or facing the end of life. These services may include:
Supportive counselling;
Pain and symptom management (e.g., physical symptoms such as pain and nausea, as well as emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression);
Coping strategies and support to help individuals and families improve their quality of life;
Care related decision-making support (helping individuals and families make difficult decisions, such as deciding on treatment options or creating advance care plans. They can provide support and guidance to help individuals and families make informed decisions that are in line with their values and preferences).
Communication support (helping to communicate or advocate concerns, needs, and preferences, and discussions about care between individuals and families, patients and healthcare providers).
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Family Therapy
Systemic family therapy is a holistic approach that considers the family as a whole unit and not just individuals, and it can be a very effective way to bring about long-lasting change.
Systemic family therapy can be used to treat a wide range of issues such as:
Relationship conflicts
Issues related to parenting
Behavioral problems in children and adolescents
Mental health disorders
Addictions and substance abuse
Trauma and grief
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Nature-based Therapy.
Nature-based therapy, also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, is a form of therapy that involves engaging with nature as a means of promoting mental and physical well-being. It is based on the idea that the natural world has a healing and restorative effect on humans, and that spending time in nature can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase overall well-being.
Nature-based therapy can take a variety of forms, including activities such as hiking, gardening, nature photography, and bird watching. It may be conducted individually or in a group setting, and it may be led by a therapist or other mental health professional.
Nature-based therapy has been found to be effective in a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and stress. It may be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a broader treatment plan that includes other therapeutic approaches.
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Communication, self-regulation, problem solving & relationship building.
Various therapies can be used to support a child, young person or adult to increase their experience of social connection, and reduce symptoms such as social anxiety or loneliness. Communication skills, self-regulation, social problem solving, relationship building, conflict resolution, empathy and assertiveness are just some areas which can be addressed in therapy. Therapy may include role-playing, practice in real-life situations, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. The specific approach will depend on the needs and goals of the individual and may be tailored to their unique situation.
Funding & Rebate FAQs
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What are Medicare rebates?
Medicare rebates are a government-funded financial assistance program that helps cover the cost of certain medical services, including psychological services. If you have a referral from a GP or other medical practitioner, you may be eligible to receive a rebate for psychological services provided by clinicians at Tend Mental Health.
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How do I know if I'm eligible for a Medicare rebate?
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, you must have a referral from a GP or other medical practitioner for psychological services and be registered with Medicare. You must also be experiencing a mental health condition that is covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Your psychologist can help you determine if you are eligible for a rebate.
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How do I claim a Medicare rebate for psychological services?
To claim a Medicare rebate for psychological services, you simply bring your referral and your Medicare card to your appointment. Your psychologist will submit the claim on your behalf after your appointment. You pay the full fee for the service at the time of your appointment and will be reimbursed $89.65 through the rebate. This rebate is typically in your bank account within two business days.
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Are there any limits on the number of Medicare rebates I can claim for psychological services?
There are limits on the number of Medicare rebates you can claim for psychological services. For most mental health conditions, you are eligible for a maximum of 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions per calendar year. In some cases, you may be able to claim additional sessions if your GP or psychologist determines that it is clinically necessary. Your psychologist can provide you with more information about the specific limits on the number of rebates you can claim.
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Do I need a doctor's referral to see a psychologist at Tend?
No. You do not need a referral from a GP to see a psychologist at Tend Mental Health. However, if you obtain a Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP you will be entitled to a rebate from Medicare for up to ten sessions per calendar year.
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Pregnancy support counselling
Pregnancy support counselling through the Medicare scheme is available for clients with a current or recent pregnancy (within the last 12 months) who have any concerns, such as decisions about the future, adjustment following the pregnancy, or general issues related to a pregnancy. The partner of the client can also attend the counselling session, if appropriate.
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Chronic Diseases Management Plan (CDM)
The chronic disease management (CDM) Medicare items are part of a government initiative that assists people living with a chronic or complex medical illness to get the support and help they need from allied health professionals.
Medicare rebates are available for up to five visits (in total) within a calendar year, to those receiving psychological therapy which assists in the care and management of a chronic disease (e.g., asthma, cancer, cardiovascular illness, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, stroke, present for 6 months or more).
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NDIS
Clients with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding are eligible to use their NDIS plan to fund therapy at Tend Mental Health.
Self Managed Funding: Full payment of the session cost is required at the time of your appointment. Your paid invoice will be emailed to you to claim directly through your NDIS portal.
Plan Managed Funding: Sessions are charged according to the current NDIS Price Guide (https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements). Prior to attending your sessions we will require details of your plan manager, so invoices can be emailed directly to them for payment.