How much does a Psychology Session cost?
Session fees depend on who you see. Appointments with a Generalist Psychologist are $235 for a standard 50-minute session. With a Clinical Psychologist, the fee is $275 per session. Appointments with our Principal Clinical Psychologist, Simon Ashfield-Smith, or our Director, Silvia Benovic, are $280 per session.
For couples therapy, fees are $245 per session with a Generalist Psychologist, $285 with a Clinical Psychologist, and $305 with Simon Ashfield-Smith.
If you have a valid GP referral including a Mental Health Care Plan, you’ll be entitled to a Medicare rebate — and the rebate is higher for sessions with a Clinical Psychologist. Medicare rebates may also apply to couples therapy in certain circumstances.
How much will Medicare Rebate?
Current Medicare rebates are $98.95 per session with a Generalist Psychologist and $145.25 per session with a Clinical Psychologist.
To access these rebates, you’ll first need to visit your GP to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan and a letter of referral. Your initial referral covers six rebated sessions, with a further four available following a review by your GP — ten sessions in total per year.
We can process your Medicare rebate directly back into your nominated account at the time of payment.
If you haven’t yet seen your GP before your first appointment with us, that’s perfectly fine — it simply means Medicare rebates won’t apply to sessions prior to obtaining your referral.
Can I see a Psychologist Without a Referral?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to book an appointment at any time without a referral. A referral is only needed if you’d like to claim Medicare rebates. Many of our clients choose to pay the full fee directly, or use their private health insurance instead.
Do you offer Telehealth Sessions?
Yes. In addition to face-to-face appointments, we offer Telehealth sessions via video or phone, whichever works best for you..
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Visit your regular GP and explain what you’ve been experiencing. It’s worth booking a longer appointment so your GP has enough time to put a care plan together with you. They’ll provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan and a letter of referral — simply bring these to your first appointment at BlueSky Psychology and our team will take care of the rest.
How can I pay?
The full session fee is payable at the end of each appointment. We have EFTPOS facilities available, so you can pay by savings, cheque, or credit account. Cash is also welcome. If you’re claiming a private health fund rebate, you’ll only be charged the gap between the rebate and the session fee.
What’s the Difference between a Generalist Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?
Both have completed a Masters degree in psychology — in fact, all of our psychologists at BlueSky have completed a university Masters program, and all are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health concerns.
The distinction lies in additional supervised experience. Clinical Psychologists have completed six to seven years of university training, followed by two further years of supervised practice across a range of mental health settings, and have been formally endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia. This additional pathway is what determines the different Medicare rebate levels — not a difference in the quality of care you’ll receive.
What's the Difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
The two roles are complementary but quite different. Psychologists have completed university training in human behaviour, thought, and emotion, and work with mental health concerns through psychological therapies — things like thought restructuring, skills training, problem-solving, lifestyle adjustment, and behavioural strategies. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, have a background in medicine and are able to prescribe medication, making them particularly helpful when a mental health concern has a strong biological component — such as psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or dementia.
It’s also worth knowing that seeing a psychologist and seeing a psychiatrist aren’t mutually exclusive. Many people benefit from working with both, depending on their needs.
Further Questions?
Our practice is dedicated to facilitating a place where you can explore your challenges and find your path to greater well-being. We have an experienced and diverse team who focus on establishing a safe and compassionate therapeutic alliance and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches for couples therapy. Treatment can be delivered in-person or via Telehealth. If you have any further questions about our services please do not hesitate to call us +61882123944 or contact us via email on info@blueskypsychology.com.au
