Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a booking?
Search for your nearest perinatal psychologist by Location
You can also contact us through our email
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment time, please provide us as much notice as possible.
Psychologists do not double book appointments, so the appointment you have made is exclusively for you.
We need at least 48 hours notice to attempt to fill the appointment time should you cancel or reschedule. So, we ask that you consider this when changing or cancelling a scheduled appointment.
If you don’t attend the session you have booked without notifying us the full fee may be charged.
Note that fees for cancelled appointments are not rebatable through Medicare. In order to claim for a Medicare appointment, you must attend the session in person.
In order to help as many families as possible we ask you to adhere to these cancellation policies. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
What are the fees and rebates?
Fees and rebates are listed under the profiles of each psychologist. Search for your nearest perinatal psychologist by Location Along with their credentials, areas of speciality and personal statements you will find their fees, rebates and out-of-pocket expenses.
All psychologists at the Centre for Perinatal Psychology are registered with Medicare to provide services under the ‘Better Access’ scheme. In order to access Medicare rebates a referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician is required. Rebates are usually available for 10 sessions in each calendar year. The referral needs to be in place before your first session in order for you to claim through Medicare.
Private health funds may also offer rebates.
Please note that you are unable to use Medicare rebates and private health funds rebates at the same time. Only one method of rebate can be used for each session.
Why don’t I see testimonials for your services on your website?
As a regulated health service, we abide by National Laws and professional codes, guidelines and policies. Under National Law psychologists are not permitted to use testimonials in advertising. In fact, it is a criminal offence. That’s why you will never see testimonial statements with recommendations for our services or our psychologists on our website, in our social media or in any of our service promotion.
How do I get referred?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist at the Centre for Perinatal Psychology. If you wish to make an appointment you can contact us or find your nearest perinatal psychologist by Location. However, without a referral you cannot claim through Medicare.
In order to access Medicare rebates a referral from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician is required. Be sure to book a longer appointment if you are requesting a referral from them, as they will need to complete some paperwork with you.
How many sessions do I need?
This is a tricky question to answer, especially before starting the treatment process. Our aim is to improve your functioning and address your concerns as quickly as possible. But, treatment length depends on many individual factors, including the severity of your presenting problems, your goals and the frequency of sessions. Some people find that the 10-session model under the Medicare scheme is sufficient enough treatment for them to improve functioning. However, some people find they either want to or need to continue with treatment beyond the rebatable sessions. You can discuss the length of treatment with your individual psychologist at the first session.
You may also consider combining individual and group treatment. Our Centre for Mindful and Reflective Parenting offers group parenting programs that focus on strengthening relationship capacities and facilitating joyful and confident parenting. We have an interest in providing specialist group programs that are informed by attachment theory. Many of our psychologists are Registered Circle of Security Parent Educators. You can view the list of available groups here.
What can I expect?
A first session is an opportunity to meet with your psychologist and see how that feels. Usually there is time to discuss what has brought you to see us at this time and think together about a way forward, including the frequency of sessions.
Are sessions confidential?
The content of our sessions are confidential and will not be disclosed without your consent. However, there are some limitations to the bounds of confidentiality within our profession. Psychologists are required by law to 1) make their files available to a court of law if subpoenaed, and 2) report when they believe that their client or another person is at risk of injury or abuse. Where there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others, we may include other professionals or support networks to assist in your care.
Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?
Please bring your referral paperwork to the session. Without it, your ability to claim your rebate may be affected.
Should I come alone or bring my baby?
At the Centre for Perinatal Psychology we are flexible and respect your needs and wishes. Many women wish to bring their baby to the sessions, and this may be due to practical or emotional reasons: perhaps you do not have anyone to care for your baby while you attend, you may need to feed your baby, or perhaps it is difficult to separate and attend alone. Other women prefer to attend alone, and again there are many possible reasons for this: some want to protect their baby from being present when difficult thoughts and feelings are being shared, some believe their baby would be a distraction from treatment, others wish to have some time-out and find an appointment with us a ‘legitimate’ reason to ask someone to care for their baby. Dads can also choose whether to bring their baby to an appointment.
At some stage of the process we often have a session with you as a family. We believe any struggles that are occurring during this time are happening in the context of creating a family, so it is a family affair. We are interested in the wellbeing of each member of the family and your relationships. We understand that a family session may not be practically possible or desired by some people and of course we will work with your wishes and needs.
