Solutions for Life

Individual Therapy

What issues can a psychologist help with?
We provide treatment for a wide range of issues including:
• Generalised Anxiety
• Social Anxiety
• Specific Phobias
• Panic and Agoraphobia
• Separation Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Depression and Low Mood
• Self-esteem Issues
• Low Confidence
• Assertiveness and Social Skills
• Stress Management
• Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Social Skills Groups for ASD and ADHD

Who can seek treatment?
Psychological issues can arise at different times in a person’s life and may be something that has been experienced over a long period of time or an issue resulting from a specific life change or as a reaction to a difficult event. Dr. Kerry Marsh is trained to work with clients of all ages, but specializes in children and adolescents.

What does treatment involve?
Generally treatment involves face-to-face individual sessions with a therapist. When working with children sessions may include other people, such as a parent or caregiver. Sessions take place at the Clinic and typically start out on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Less frequent visits (e.g. monthly) may be scheduled as treatment nears completion.

What can I expect in my first session?
We understand that seeking help for you, your child and/or family the first time can be daunting as it is often a new and unfamiliar experience. It is natural to feel apprehensive about talking about your concerns at first and we will work with you to gradually overcome this. Our clients find that the more time they spend discussing their concerns, the more comfortable they feel, starting from the very first meeting. Dr. Marsh will start off the first session by introducing herself and talking a little more about what to expect throughout treatment as well as discussing some important administrative issues. They will then ask you questions about what your main concerns are and what you’d like to get out of treatment, as well as some information about your child’s/family history and current situation (e.g. family, education, social, health). Together, you will discuss a plan of treatment to address your identified goals and you will have plenty of time to ask questions or clarify anything of which you are unsure.

How many session will I need?

Duration of treatment will vary from person to person and depends on the client’s unique needs, issues, and goals for your treatment. The rate of progress can depend on many factors and it is useful to remember that issues rarely resolve themselves immediately and progress can be gradual. Practicing skills between sessions is essential to making progress. A treatment timeline with you following your initial session and will revise this throughout treatment as appropriate.

Do I need a referral to see the psychologist?

No, a referral is not required to have treatment with us. However, you must obtain a GP referral prior to treatment if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate.

Medicare

Medicare provides rebates to assist with the costs of accessing psychological treatment through the Better Access initiative.
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate towards psychology services, you must first obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your referring GP. This plan enables an individual to receive a rebate toward treatment costs for a maximum of 10 sessions in a 12 month period. After your sixth session, you must return to your referring GP who will provide a plan renewal in order to activate the remaining four session rebates. You must provide a referral letter from your GP/paediatrician/psychiatrist advising that they have activated a Medicare treatment plan to your psychologist at or before your first visit if you wish to claim the Medicare rebate. The letter must be dated before your first session, be made out in the name of the attending client, and outline the number of sessions your GP has approved, as well as their provider details.

Medicare Safety Net
IIf you are covered by the Medicare Safety Net, the amount you pay in excess of the Medicare benefit rebate will count towards your safety net. To learn more about the Medicare Safety Net, please contact Medicare.

Private health insurance
You may be able to claim a rebate for psychology services using your private health fund. However, you cannot claim a rebate from both Medicare and a private health fund for the same session. Contact your health fund about whether you are eligible to claim on psychology services.

Paying for your session
Full payment must be made prior to beginning each session. Please notify reception upon arrival so that they can take payment. If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, you must give this to reception before beginning your first session. Please note that we do have Medicare or health fund rebate facilities on site. We accept payment via Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS and cash.



Cancellation policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you must advise us no later than 11am on the previous business day before your appointment. For example, if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment set for 10am on Monday morning you must contact us no later than 11am on Friday. A cancellation fee of 50% of the session cost will be charged for appointments cancelled or rescheduled after the 11am cut-off. If you do not show for an appointment without notifying us you will be charged 100% of the session cost.

Contact us

If you would like to discuss private treatment at the Solutions for Life Clinic, have any questions, or would like to seek treatment with us, please contact our friendly team on 5549 1696.