Sunflower Psychology is my small, solo-operated, private practice that I have set up (with a little assistance from Teens Matter 2) to see clients as I juggle my passion for psychotherapy with the love and wildness that is motherhood. I have worked in the public sector for a number of years with clients of all ages, but I have built particular expertise in child and adolescent mental health, delivering therapeutic interventions for a range of mental health presentations including, but not limited to, trauma, anxiety disorders (such as social phobia, generalised anxiety disorders, specific phobias, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorder), depression, adjustment disorders, interpersonal difficulties, self-injurious behaviours, low self-esteem, body dysmorphia and eating disorders. I use a range of therapeutic modalities to help young people understand and manage emotions, overcome adversity and fear, develop social skills and boost self-confidence. I work individually with clients, and with families, and believe in the importance of early infant-caregiver bonds for healthy child development. There is no question that by enhancing the relationships within families we allow children to grow and glow; providing both a base and a compass for navigating the world at large. I am a member of the Australian Psychological Society and am recognized as a specialist provider of Clinical Psychology services under Medicare. Through my studies I have developed a solid base in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), in addition to Emotion Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Personally I resonate with and tend to draw from Narrative Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy to collaboratively work with clients to develop a greater capacity for kindness that can be directed towards the self and others, to discover new meaning, to promote creativity and change, and to ultimately be open to hope. Irrespective of theoretical orientation I value above all a warm and safe therapeutic relationship with a focus on individual goals and needs. You do not need a referral from a GP to make an appointment or to attend a session. A referral is only needed if you wish to claim mental health services under the Medicare Better Access Program. To know whether you are eligible to claim Medicare Rebates it is recommended that you schedule a longer appointment with your GP. They will make an assessment about whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). The Medicare rebate is typically available for up to ten sessions per calendar year, however due to the pandemic, this has now been extended to twenty sessions per calendar year. Gap fee of $120.45 after Medicare Rebate ($129.55). Subsequent session: $210. Gap fee of $80.45 after Medicare Rebate ($129.55). Saturday session: $220. Gap fee of $90.45 after Medicare Rebate ($129.55). Long consult (1.5 hours) - $300. Gap fee of 170.45 after Medicare Rebate ($129.55). At the end of your appointment, you will be invoiced the full session fee. At the same time, your Medicare rebate can be claimed and Medicare will deposit the rebate into your nominated bank account. Flexibility with fees is possible in the case of financial hardship, or for young people who are accessing psychological support independently. But this will need to be discussed prior to the first appointment. Unfortunately I can not offer bulk billing appointments. If you have private health insurance you may be eligible to claim rebates however the level of cover and any applicable waiting periods do vary between providers. To find out how much you are entitled to claim you will need to directly contact your private health insurance providers. If you are asked for the item code that will appear on your invoice, it may be one of the following:
100 – Initial Consultation with Registered or Clinical Psychologist
200 – Follow-up Consultation with Registered or Clinical Psychologist
Unfortunately I am not currently able to directly process claims for you when it comes to private health insurance. Unless prior arrangements have been made, all accounts are to be settled on the day. Please note that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice (despite the reason) typically can not be filled with such short notice and therefore will incur a charge of 50% of the session fee. A rebate is not available for cancellation or no-show fees. Please do note that I am only working limited hours but I will attempt to get back to messages within 48 hours. Preferred contact is by email - sunflowerpsychology@outlook.com. Sunflower Psychology donates a percentage of its earnings to Yalari annually, to help Indigenous children receive a quality education, dream big and achieve. www.yalari.org
