FAQs
What is counselling?
Counselling is a confidential and supportive space to talk through challenges, concerns, or life changes with a qualified professional. It can help you better understand your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, improve wellbeing, and work towards personal goals at your own pace. More information can be found here.
What will happen at my first session?
Your first session will include a simple overview of how the service works, including confidentiality, privacy, and what you can expect from counselling. From there, we’ll begin in a way that feels comfortable and collaborative.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions, as support is guided by your goals, circumstances, and pace. Some people find benefit from short-term counselling, while others prefer ongoing support over a longer period. Sessions are reviewed along the way to ensure counselling remains purposeful, supportive, and aligned with what you want to achieve.
Where are sessions held?
We offer both in-person and online counselling sessions to suit your needs. In-person sessions can be held in the comfort of your home or at a mutually agreed public location. Online sessions are available via audio or video call, with a secure link sent to you prior to your appointment. We also offer walk and talk sessions, where counselling takes place during a gentle walk in a relaxed outdoor setting. No level of fitness is required, and we can pause or stop whenever needed to ensure your comfort. Please note that walk and talk sessions may need to change location dependent on weather conditions such as extreme heat.
What are your fees?
Counselling sessions are $156.16 plus GST (if applicable). Sessions are 50 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes allocated for preparation and clinical notes. There are no travel fees within 5km of West Beach. For distances beyond this, a travel fee of up to $78.00 may apply, depending on travel time and distance.
Social and Wellbeing Support is charged at the following rates: $70.23 (weekdays), $77.38 (weekday evenings), $98.83 (Saturday), $127.43 (Sunday) and $156.03 (Public Holidays). Travel within this support is charged at an additional $1.00 per kilometre.
All fees will be clearly displayed when booking through Halaxy. If you would like a quote prior to booking, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Is NDIS funding accepted?
Yes, we are able to provide services to participants that are plan-managed and self-managed.
Do you accept Support at Home through My Aged Care?
We are not a registered through My Aged Care or Support at Home. However, if you self-manage your Support at Home package and have a registered provider overseeing your funding (Care Partner), you may be able to engage us to deliver services, subject to approval by your provider.
Do you accept Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP)?
At this time, counselling is not covered through a Mental Health Care Plans. We are able to accept a MHCP, however as there is no Medicare rebate for counselling it is provided on a private-fee basis.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Private health insurance is not currently accepted by this practice, however this may change in the future.
Why do you ask for a deposit to secure sessions?
A deposit is required to confirm your appointment and hold the session time specifically for you. This helps reduce late cancellations and non-attendance, and ensures availability is managed fairly for all clients seeking support. If paying a deposit is difficult or creates concern, please contact us prior to booking to explore whether alternative arrangements are possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments are reserved specifically for you. We ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations made with less notice, or missed appointments, may result in loss of deposit or a cancellation fee. We understand that unexpected situations arise, and encourage you to contact us as soon as possible if something comes up.
What is your privacy policy?
Your privacy is taken seriously. All personal information is collected, stored, and managed in line with relevant privacy legislation and professional standards. Information is only used for the purpose of providing services and is not shared without your consent, except where required by law.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Counselling sessions are confidential. There are limited legal and ethical circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as concerns about serious risk to your safety or the safety of others. These limits will be explained clearly at your first appointment.
What records do you keep?
Brief clinical notes are maintained to support safe and effective service delivery. These records are stored securely and accessed only when required for professional purposes.
What is your complaints or feedback process?
Feedback is welcomed and can help improve services. If you have a concern, we encourage you to raise it directly so it can be addressed respectfully and promptly. Information about external complaints pathways can be provided upon request.
Do you have a deposit or payment policy?
A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance payable as outlined at the time of booking. This helps ensure session availability is managed fairly. If this presents difficulty, please contact us prior to booking to discuss your circumstances.
Are there any circumstances where services may be declined or discontinued?
In some situations, services may not be suitable or may need to be paused or referred elsewhere to ensure your safety and wellbeing. If this occurs, it will be discussed openly and respectfully, with support provided to identify appropriate alternatives where possible.