FAQs.
What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are social workers who have extensive postgraduate training and experience in the field of mental health.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and Mental Health Social Worker?
Both Psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) are required to be registered with their relevant National Accreditation Authority. Both can register with Medicare providing clients with an ability to claim a rebate. AMHSW's provide evidence based focussed psychological strategies (therapuetic techniques) throughout their sessions the same as Psychologists. However, a main point of difference is that Psychologists are also trained and able to conduct a variety of assessments and provide mental health diagnosis for clients.
If I see John as a Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, am I still eligible for Medicare rebates?
Yes! Medicare rebates are available to Australians experiencing mental health difficulties and can be claimed on services provided by AMHSW. Referrals must be made through a general practitioner, psychiatrist or paediatrician who will assess eligibility for rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). The rebate is only available with a valid referral.
How much is the rebate?
The Medicare rebate is $85.20 per session, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The full fee is paid by you at the time of your appointment, with rebates processed directly back into your nominated bank account.
Do you bulk bill?
Yes we offer both reduced rates and bulk billing for financial hardship.
When do I require a review or re-referral?
When your GP provides you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, they are able to refer you for 10 sessions per calendar year. The first referral can be for up to 6 sessions. After those 6 sessions, your psychologist will write back to your GP and request you visit them again to receive a re-referral. This will allow you to claim the further 4 sessions, bringing you to a total of 10 sessions for the calendar year.
Please note that you don’t necessarily need to have a MHTP “review” (which involves your GP reviewing your entire Mental Health Treatment Plan), you just need a “re-referral” (which involves your GP writing a new referral letter).
Can I get a rebate from my private health insurer?
If you have private health insurance you may be eligible to claim rebates, depending on your level of cover (please check with your insurance provider). Clients eligible for private insurance rebates will need to process reimbursement directly from their provider using their John Riddle Counselling Services receipt(s).
You are unable to use your private health insurance if you are already accessing Medicare rebates for your session.
How long are sessions?
A standard session is 60 minutes with further time post sessions for notes and planning.
How often will my child need to attend sessions?
We provide an individualised service to all clients thus the number and frequency of sessions will vary according to your child’s needs. This will be discussed with you in the initial intake session and revised over the course of treatment.
How and when do I pay for sessions?
Fees are payable at the time of your appointment. Payments accepted include direct bank transfer or automatic debit of funds via Centre of Mind practice management software, Halaxy, using debit/credit card details.
How do I book an appointment?
Please call John on 0468 872 900, email info@johnriddlecounselling.com.au or book directly through Halaxy.
What can an AMHSW do?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers understand mental health issues and disorders. They have the training, skills and expertise to assess your situation and to offer effective treatment to you or someone you know. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can also work as a team with other health professionals from whom you are receiving treatment and support.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are social workers who have extensive postgraduate training and experience in the field of mental health.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and Mental Health Social Worker?
Both Psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) are required to be registered with their relevant National Accreditation Authority. Both can register with Medicare providing clients with an ability to claim a rebate. AMHSW's provide evidence based focussed psychological strategies (therapuetic techniques) throughout their sessions the same as Psychologists. However, a main point of difference is that Psychologists are also trained and able to conduct a variety of assessments and provide mental health diagnosis for clients.
If I see John as a Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, am I still eligible for Medicare rebates?
Yes! Medicare rebates are available to Australians experiencing mental health difficulties and can be claimed on services provided by AMHSW. Referrals must be made through a general practitioner, psychiatrist or paediatrician who will assess eligibility for rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). The rebate is only available with a valid referral.
How much is the rebate?
The Medicare rebate is $85.20 per session, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The full fee is paid by you at the time of your appointment, with rebates processed directly back into your nominated bank account.
Do you bulk bill?
Yes we offer both reduced rates and bulk billing for financial hardship.
When do I require a review or re-referral?
When your GP provides you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, they are able to refer you for 10 sessions per calendar year. The first referral can be for up to 6 sessions. After those 6 sessions, your psychologist will write back to your GP and request you visit them again to receive a re-referral. This will allow you to claim the further 4 sessions, bringing you to a total of 10 sessions for the calendar year.
Please note that you don’t necessarily need to have a MHTP “review” (which involves your GP reviewing your entire Mental Health Treatment Plan), you just need a “re-referral” (which involves your GP writing a new referral letter).
Can I get a rebate from my private health insurer?
If you have private health insurance you may be eligible to claim rebates, depending on your level of cover (please check with your insurance provider). Clients eligible for private insurance rebates will need to process reimbursement directly from their provider using their John Riddle Counselling Services receipt(s).
You are unable to use your private health insurance if you are already accessing Medicare rebates for your session.
How long are sessions?
A standard session is 60 minutes with further time post sessions for notes and planning.
How often will my child need to attend sessions?
We provide an individualised service to all clients thus the number and frequency of sessions will vary according to your child’s needs. This will be discussed with you in the initial intake session and revised over the course of treatment.
How and when do I pay for sessions?
Fees are payable at the time of your appointment. Payments accepted include direct bank transfer or automatic debit of funds via Centre of Mind practice management software, Halaxy, using debit/credit card details.
How do I book an appointment?
Please call John on 0468 872 900, email info@johnriddlecounselling.com.au or book directly through Halaxy.
What can an AMHSW do?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers understand mental health issues and disorders. They have the training, skills and expertise to assess your situation and to offer effective treatment to you or someone you know. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can also work as a team with other health professionals from whom you are receiving treatment and support.