At Phuong Tran, you do not need a referral from your GP to access our counselling and psychotherapy services. However, if you have a mental health care plan, it’s essential to understand that this plan typically covers services provided by psychologists or accredited mental health social workers who are also Medicare providers.
If you prefer our counselling or psychotherapy services despite having a mental health care plan, we recommend a couple of steps. First, discuss your options with your GP. Inform them that you wish to see one of our counsellors or psychotherapists who do not provide services under the mental health care plan. Your GP can help determine if our services are suitable for your mental health condition.
With your consent, we can also reach out to your GP to discuss your condition and the suitability of our services. This collaboration ensures that your GP is fully aware that you will be seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist who is not a Medicare rebate provider. This approach maintains transparency and ensures you receive the most appropriate care for your needs.
It is crucial to recognize that counsellors and psychotherapists are distinct from psychologists in terms of Medicare coverage. If your treatment plan requires Medicare rebates, you will need to see a psychologist or accredited mental health social worker. For those who value our specific services, consulting with your GP can help align your mental health care with your preferences, even if it falls outside the scope of the mental health care plan.
- Understanding Medicare Rebates and Bulk Billing for Mental Health: When it comes to mental health care plans, it’s crucial to understand that Phuong Tran does not offer Medicare rebates or bulk billing for our counselling services. While some professions that provide counselling can bill Medicare, counsellors, psychotherapists, and relationship counsellors are not included in this category. To utilize Medicare coverage, you will need to choose a psychologist or certain social workers who are eligible to bill Medicare for their services.
- Concession Rates: We do not have a fixed concession rate as we are a private business that does not receive any subsidies, funding, or rebates from the Government or other organizations. If you are a current or returning client experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to Phuong Tran to discuss your situation. We assess each case individually to provide potential discounts based on specific needs.
- Private Health Funds: If you have Private Health Insurance with extras cover, you might be eligible for rebates on counselling and psychotherapy services. Phuong Tran offers rebates with major health funds like Bupa, Medibank Private, AHM, HCF, and ARHG. Verify your eligibility with your health fund to take full advantage of these benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for your mental health care.
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): For individuals with NDIS plans, Phuong Tran provides therapeutic support at standard rates. While we are not an NDIS provider, we collaborate with clients who are plan-managed or self-managed. Consult with your NDIS coordinator to determine your eligibility and ensure you receive the necessary support without incurring additional costs.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services: Your mental health is vital, and many employers offer support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Check with your HR department or refer to your employee benefits package to see if you qualify for EAP services. Phuong Tran provides these services to help employees navigate personal and professional challenges effectively.
Special Discounts:
We are currently offering a 10% discount for the first three sessions for anyone who is Vietnamese and books online/telehealth counselling. Additionally, we provide a 10% discount for a package of ten sessions, available for both in-person and online/telehealth counselling.
By staying informed about these options, you can better navigate the complexities of mental health care funding and access the support you need. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us directly at 0449 521 397 or contact@phuongtran.com.au. At Phuong Tran, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health care tailored to your unique needs.