Ballarat Psychological Service is open 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. Earlier and later appointments by arrangement. Andrea, our friendly receptionist, is available from 9.15am to 1.00pm Tuesday to Friday to assist with enquiries. At other times, leave a message and we will return your call. In addition to self-referrals, we are registered to provide services under:
Referrals Referrals can be made either to a specific clinician or to the Practice in general. Under Better-Access (Medicare), IHMS and PTS, a referral is required from your doctor. |
GP referrals, rebates and gap fee We endeavour to provide therapeutic services that are accessible and affordable to all.. Our fees are well below those recommended by the APS. With Medicare referrals, you will be eligible to a rebate. Medicare rebates apply if your doctor refers you under a Mental Health Plan and are now available for up to 20 sessions per calendar year. Bulk-billing is available for Health Care Card holders and consideration will be given to others experiencing financial hardship. A proportion of your fee, including private sessions once Medicare sessions have been exhausted, may be redeemable from your private health insurance provider, depending on your insurance plan. An alternative to Medicare referrals, for people with a Health Care Card, is a referral for Psychological Therapy Services (PTS). PTS appointments are all bulk-billed. These referrals require your GP to make a referral specifically for PTS. If you wish to be seen by a clinician at Ballarat Psychological Service under PTS, your GP needs to specify Ballarat Psychological Service and the specific clinician on the referral form they send to Western Victoria Primary Health Network. At present, Marie Carter is the only clinician at the practice registered to provide PTS. These referrals also provide access to up to 20 sessions, but within 12 months from the date of referral (rather than per calendar year as is the case with Medicare referrals). Cancellations As there is a waiting list for appointments, please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. A fee may apply for cancellations and this fee is not eligible for a Medicare rebate. |