Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make or change an appointment?
You can make or change an appointment by contacting Linda’s receptionist, Kate, on 02 9986 0060. You will be asked some brief information including:
– What is bringing you in to see Linda
– Whether you have a Medicare referral, and who is your GP
– Preferences for when your appointment will be and the best way to contact you
Where is Linda’s clinic located?
Linda’s office in the Mona Vale Business Centre, Suite 33, 90 Mona Vale Road, MONA VALE NSW 2103.
Before your appointment
After you make your first appointment, we will send you an introductory email confirming the date and time of your appointment, and information about the location of Linda’s office. You will also be sent links to online forms for providing information about yourself, and a consent form which covers things like confidentiality, fees, and other essential information.
You will be sent an SMS reminder 48 hours before your appointment, which will also ask you to confirm that you will be attending.
What can I expect during my first session?
During your first session some time will be spent confirming registration and consent forms are complete if you have not done this online before the session. The rest of the session is devoted to discussing the issues that have brought you into therapy. The aim is to understand your concerns through exploring your background, family, social relationships, work, and any previous therapy. There may be some assessment questionnaires to complete during or after the first session.
Linda will work together with you to form some treatment goals for your therapy.
Linda may also set you some tasks to complete before your next session. Investing time to focus on your healing journey between sessions can help you to get the most out of therapy.
How many sessions will I need?
The duration of therapy will depend on your goals and your personal presentation (your current functioning and symptoms), and type of treatments that you and Linda decide upon. For some people therapy will last just a few sessions. For others it may be significantly longer. You can discuss your expectations with Linda.
The frequency of your sessions will be tailored to your personal needs; for some people this will be weekly appointments, while for others, sessions will be spaced further apart.
Linda is also planning on offering intensive therapy (up to three sessions a week for one-to-two weeks) for people who would like to make gains over a short period of time using EMDR. If this interests you, please let Kate or Linda know and we will discuss it further.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes
What are the session fees?
The standard session fee of $270 is significantly lower than the fees that are recommended by the Australian Psychological Society. A higher fee will apply for your first appointment. If you are seeing Linda under a Mental Health Treatment Plan you will receive a Medicare rebate of at least $141.85. Please see below for more information on Medicare rebates.
Session fees are payable at the time of each appointment, and we can process your Medicare claim for you. We will ask for your payment card details when you make your first appointment, which will be stored securely in accordance with privacy laws and cybersecurity best practices, for payment of future sessions.
Does Linda offer Telehealth?
Yes – please ask about telehealth prior to your appointment. Linda can conduct sessions by telephone, or by video.
If you have booked a telehealth consultation, you’ll need to find a suitable private location, where you can speak openly, without interruptions. You will need a computer, smartphone, or tablet, and good internet connection. Headphones can help with sound quality.
For video appointments you will be sent a link via email before your appointment, that you can click on to begin your session.
For phone appointments, Linda will call your mobile number.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full session fee is payable for any appointment that is not attended or cancelled with less than 48 hours notice
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to see Linda, although you will not be eligible for Medicare rebates without one.
Does Linda see people under Medicare Better Access?
Yes. We can process your claim with Medicare at the end of your appointment, and Medicare will place your rebate into your account within two days. To obtain rebates under Medicare Better Access, you will need a valid referral from your GP. Currently people can access rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
The rebate for each session is $141.85; families who have reached the Medicare Safety Net can access a higher amount. Visit the Medicare website for more information on Medicare Safety Nets.
Can I claim sessions with Linda on my private health insurance?
If you have private health insurance, you should check with your fund about what cover your policy provides. We can issue an invoice that you can use for submitting a claim with your fund.
Emergency/Urgent Help
For urgent help – if there is immediate risk of harm to yourself or others – call Triple Zero (000)
Lifeline
13 11 14
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Crisis support
Available 24/7
Mental Health Line
1800 011 511
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health
Available 24/7
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
Phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide
Available 24/7
Child Protection Helpline
13 21 11
To report suspected child abuse or neglect
Available 24/7
Parent Line
1300 1300 52
Telephone counselling and support for parents and carers of children aged 0-18 who live in NSW
Available 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 4pm to 9pm on weekends
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia)
1300 726 306
Supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood
Available Monday to Saturday 9am to 7:30pm AEST (including public holidays)
MensLine
1300 78 99 78
https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
Telephone and online support, information, and referral services for men with family and relationship concerns.
Available 24/7
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732
Support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence
Available 24/7
Does Linda see people under Workers Compensation Insurance or the NSW Motor Accidents Scheme?
Linda is not accepting new referrals under insurance schemes. If you are making a claim through either of these schemes, after speaking with your GP for a referral please refer to the ‘Find a Psychologist ‘ service on the Australian Psychological Society website, to find a suitable psychologist
What are Linda’s qualifications?
Linda is a Clinical Psychologist and holds a Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree. She is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, with clinical endorsement, and is a board-approved supervisor. She is also trained in EMDR and other therapies. See here for more information on Linda’s qualifications, experience and training.