Andrew Duirs 
Psychologist

Psychologists have professional training in understanding human behaviour and psychological skills to help people learn how to mange their life issues and mental health problems in different more effective ways. Psychologists can also undertake advanced training in a specific area of psychology and may develop specialist skills in working with specific isssues and concerns. At this clinic we offer the following specialist areas of focus: Medical Professional Wellbeing (Doctors, Nurses and Specialists) Bodies, Gender and Sexuality Tertiary Student Wellbeing and Success Cross Cultural Wellbeing Neurodivergent Wellbeing

We understand that you might experience some anxiety and nervousness when attending your first appointment. Nervous anxiety is very normal when we do things that are unfamilar, feel diffcult or are important. If you are feeling anxiour and nervous this is probably because you are about to beging a journey of discovery and learning that can help you live the life you want with more clarity, focus and attention. Your first appointment we will focus on identifying the issues and experiences you are finding most difficult and exploring how working with a psycholoigist can help you address those issues in ways that help you thrive in the areas of your life that are most important to you. We have plenty of parking and a very comfortanle waiting area. We recommend that you plan to arrive at least 10 mins before your appointment so that you are not feeling rushed. Please wait in the waiting room and we will get you at your appointment time. If you have not already given us your GP referral and Mental Heatlh Care Plan please bring it to your first appointment.

Yes. Psychologists are ethically and legally bound to keep information about you private and confidential. We will never disclose details about your attendance at the practice without your written consent. We never share your contact details, personal information, or information pertaining to your treatment to anyone without your written consent. Psycholgists also have an ethical and legal obligation to protect you and others from harm. We may be required to disclose information to third parties in the following circumstances: If there is a risk of serious harm to you or another person, including a child, If there is a legal obligation to do so (e.g., a subpoena, information about a serious crime). In all other circumstances information about you is only shared with third parties with your written consent.

If you are referred by a GP, Yes, I will write to with them: to let them know we have started work together, after 6 sessions to let them know how you are progressing and ask them to provide 4 more sessions under your Mental Health Care Plan if required, after 10 sessions to let them know we have completed all of your Mental Health Care Sessions and if required any ongoing plan to support your wellbeing. If you were not referred by a GP, No, I will not contact your GP. However it might be appropriate that you include your GP in your treatment. I will talk to you about this and with your permission can write a referral letter to your GP explaining why we would like their support in managing your wellbeing.

My fees are very competitive compared to the 2023-2024 fee recommended by the APS for a 45-60 minute psychology consultation of $300. Individual Monday-Friday: $240 Weekends: $280 Couples Monday-Friday: $280 Weekends: $300 Financial hardship Monday-Friday: $146.65 Weekends: No appointments available Must hold a valid Health Care Card or are an enrolled university or TAFE student with a valid Tertiary Student Card Medicare Rebates If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you will recieve a rebate of $96.65 per session. Couples counselling is not covered under a MHCP

Yes. If you are a veteran who holds a DVA WHITE or GOLD card, you may be entitled to 10-12 fully funded individual sessions at no financial cost to yourself. You will require a DVA referral from your GP or Psychiatrist to access this service. Some limitations apply to eligibility for White card holders.

No. You can book an appointment without a referral. However you will need a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan to qualify for a Medicare Rebate. Please talk to your GP about whether your difficulties meet the criteria for a Mental Health Care Plan.

Maybe! Each health fund offers different cover. Please check with your health fund and let your psychologist know that you require a reciept so that you can make a claim with your insurer.

We will collect your payment information at the time you register with us. Your information will be stored in our client managment system, Halaxy, and is protected by robust security and encryption. You can read about Halaxy's security here: https://www.halaxy.com/article/security During your appointment Halaxy will automatically deduct your fee from your account. If you are entitled to a Medicare Halaxy will process your rebate and the amount will be paid into the bank account you provide us at regisration. If you are DVA client Halaxy will automatically charge DVA and there will be no cost to you.

Maybe! If you do not want to be charged for cancelling your appointment you need to let us know 48 hours in advance. If you do not inform us or cancel within 48 hours you will be charged the full fee. All cancellations within 24 hours will incurr a $150 fee. We do not like to chage cancellation fees however as a small business we need to cover our costs. Letting us know that you can't make your appointment well in advances allows us to offer your appointment time to someone else.