- How do I choose a practitioner?
Each practitioner is different and will work in slightly different ways. Choosing a practitioner who you like and connect with is important. Counselling can trigger strong emotions so feeling safe, comfortable and supported will help in working through these difficult feelings. Feel free to ask questions before committing to a practitioner and remember that if the counselling is not meeting your needs you can ask to be referred to another practitioner.
- WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
The costs will vary depending on the practitioner you see, whether or not you have a referral from a GP, or if you have private health insurance. Before you start any counselling the practitioners at Tillver will discuss with you the cost and any rebates you are entitled to.
- DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY GP?
Generally a referral from your GP is only required if you plan to claim a rebate from Medicare for the counselling sessions under The Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access). This referral is only available after an assessment by your GP.
This initiative aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically-diagnosed mental disorder through evidence-based treatment. Under this initiative, Medicare rebates are available to patients for selected mental health services provided by general practitioners (GPs), psychiatrists, psychologists (clinical and registered) and eligible social workers and occupational therapists.
Please speak to your treating practitioner at Tillver for more information.
- WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT?
If you need to cancel or rebook an appointment, please contact your practitioner 48 hours before your appointment, or a missed session fee may be charged.
- HOW LONG WILL COUNSELLING TAKE?
Each person will vary in the number of sessions they access. Some people come to counselling for a short period of time and others for longer. This will depend on the nature of your concern and whether it is something that has emerged recently or is of longer duration. Generally issues of a long standing nature can be more complex to resolve. Please speak to your practitioner regarding your individual needs.
- HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME?
This is an individual choice. Some people choose weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions. Sometimes it can be beneficial to come weekly, particularly in the initial stages of counselling as you are getting to know your counsellor and s/he is getting to know you. Once a counselling relationship is established people often choose what frequency works for them and they schedule appointments around other commitments such as work and family.
- WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INFORMATION I TELL THE PRACTITIONER?
Your practitioner will keep all information private and confidential. If a written report is required or you need your practitioner to contact someone about your counselling, they will ask you to sign a Release of Information to say that you agree to them sharing this information. If your counselling records are subpoenaed by a court of law, your practitioner must comply with this legal request. In certain circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, your practitioner may be required to take measures without your consent to keep you or someone else safe. A serious risk of harm can include a suicide attempt or threats to harm another adult or child. Your practitioner will make every effort to talk to you about this before taking any action and help you to have a safety contract if needed.