All clients with a current GP Mental Health Care Plan are entitled to a Medicare rebate for 10 sessions per calendar year. Many private health funds also provide rebates for seeing a Psychologist.
A MHCP is written by your GP and is for people with a mental health condition that is having a significant impact on their daily functioning. Your GP can determine your eligibility for this. It will enable you to claim a Medicare rebate for 10 sessions per calendar year. The current rebate in 2025 is $96.65 per session.
A registered psychologist is somebody who has completed a four-year university degree and has obtained either a post-graduate university degree or completed an equivalent of two years of supervised practical training to obtain registration as a psychologist. It is legally required that all psychologists in Australia are registered with the Australian Health Psychologist Registration Agency Psychology Board. When a psychologist is registered it means that they must abide by a strict Code of Conduct.
By contrast, the profession of Counselling is not regulated by law in Australia and therefore there is no one course or qualification that is required in order to be recognised as a professional in this field. Anyone may use the term “counsellor” without having any formal qualifications or experience.
By seeing a psychologist, it ensures that you receive high quality, ethical treatment by a highly trained mental health professional. It is for this reason that psychological services administered by a psychologist are covered under Medicare (excluding the gap fee), with a referral from your GP, whereas counsellors and psychotherapists are not.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on the notion that there is a link between how individuals think and how they subsequently feel and behave. It deals with the ‘here and now’, recognising that past life events have shaped the way people see themselves, other people and the world around them. CBT works with individuals to modify their thoughts and behaviours so that they are better able to cope with the present and future situations.
CBT is the primary therapeutic approach used in treating a broad range of mental health conditions including certain anxiety disorders, depression, anger, chronic pain, eating disorders, and substance misuse and approved by Medicare Australia. That being said, CBT may not suit all people all of the time and as such, I offer an individualised therapeutic approach depending on the unique needs of my clients.The initial consultation is an ‘information-gathering’ session and will involve some basic admin along with discussing the circumstances or issues for why you are there. There are many circumstances that bring people to seek assistance from a psychologist, such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, self worth etc. Sometimes there are complex issues that need to be worked through over a period of time and other times, issues may be effectively dealt with in just a few sessions. It is of course beneficial to be open and honest with your psychologist so that they can fully understand the situation and tailor your therapy for optimum results.
It is normal to feel apprehensive before seeing a psychologist for the first time. As your initial appointment approaches you may feel that the issue is suddenly not so bad and that maybe you can deal with it later. For some people the uncomfortable feeling you may experience about coming and opening up to someone, may temporarily, seem more daunting than the issue itself. It is best to avoid the temptation to put it off and take the positive step towards working through the issue. Issues left not dealt with usually don’t go away or if they do, the issues generally resurface at some point again.
It is difficult to predict the exact number of sessions that all clients will require as treatment is usually individually tailored. This means that at the initial session, the psychologist will collaborate with the client in order to determine the type of therapy that best suits their particular needs. Usually between 6 and 18 sessions is the goal of most courses of treatment, though some people require a longer-term approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Me
As a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I have developed a broad and deep understanding of working with adults in therapeutic settings. My experience includes diagnosing and treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. I am trained in several therapeutic modalities, such as CBT and ACT, and I strongly believe that helping clients recognise and express their emotions is essential for breaking free from unhelpful, automated patterns of thinking and behaviour.
As a person, I strive to be warm, compassionate, and fully dedicated to the wellbeing of each of my clients. I am committed to continuous learning, always adopting the latest therapeutic approaches to ensure I offer the most effective treatment possible.
I am currently available to work with clients in-person in Crows Nest or via Telehealth (telephone or Zoom.)
I am a registered Medicare, Access Plus, and Sira WorkCover provider.
Rates & Rebates
The fee for psychological counselling is $240 for a standard 50-minute session. The Australian Psychological Society National Schedule of Suggested Fees 2024-2025 has the standard consultation fee at $311, so I am pleased that I can continue to offer you a service well below these recommendations.
For those referred under Mental Health Care Plan from a GP, you will be eligible
the Medicare rebate of in 2025 of $96.65 per session for ten sessions per calendar year.
We accept cash, EFTPOS, VISA, MasterCard. Personal cheques are not accepted.
At most locations we process your Medicare rebate on the spot as well as any health fund rebates, saving you time and money.
Less than 24hrs notice will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Cancellations less than 48hrs will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Failure to attend an appointment will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Yes. You are responsible for paying the gap between the consultation fee and the Medicare rebate. These out-of-pocket expenses will count towards the Medicare Safety Net at the end of each Tax year.
The family-based Medicare safety net protects high users of health services from big out of pocket expenses. This covers the difference between the Medicare rebates and the schedule fee for families who exceed a threshold level of payments in a year, but not for charges that are above the schedule fee.
Many private health funds do provide a rebate for seeing a Psychologist under their Extras Benefits. For more information please contact your private health fund as each policy is unique in regards to their rebate per session and yearly limit.
Your Well-Being, My Commitment
At JK Psychology, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and professional counselling services.
As a highly experienced and caring psychologist, I offer a wide range of psychological support, from managing anxiety, depression, and stress to navigating relationship challenges, building self-esteem, and addressing other personal concerns. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental space where you feel comfortable and understood.
At JK Psychology, you’ll find a trusted partner in your journey to well-being—because your mental health is my priority.
What to expect
At JK Psychology, I understand that starting with a psychologist can feel overwhelming. My goal is to provide a clear and welcoming process so you can feel comfortable and confident about this positive step toward greater well-being.
Understanding your needs
People come to see me for many reasons—be it anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or self-esteem. Some issues are resolved over time, while others may improve within a few sessions. By openly sharing your concerns, I can tailor our work together for the best possible outcomes.
A Supportive Space, Free of Judgement
As a person, I strive to be warm, compassionate, and fully dedicated to the wellbeing of each of my clients. I am committed to listening and learning about the unique experiences of each of my clients and adopting the latest therapeutic approaches to ensure I offer the most effective treatment possible.
Building Positive Progress, One Step at a Time
It’s common to feel nervous before your first visit, even questioning whether it’s necessary or whether the issue can wait. I encourage you to take this proactive step now, so we can work through any challenges together and build towards a brighter tomorrow. Issues left unaddressed tend to resurface, but starting today can pave the way for lasting improvement.
Contact Details
Please email jackie@jkpsychology.com for all enquiries or use my booking form located here
Location
119 Willoughby Road
Crows Nest, NSW, 2065
Hours
By Appointment Only