Newcastle Counselling and Psychotherapy

No, you can access this service without a GP referral.

Counselling and Psychotherapy are both forms of psychological treatment and helping individuals with emotional and mental health issues but they differ in a few aspects. Counselling is typically short-term (6-12 sessions) and focused on specific issues such as relationship challenges, changes in life situation, stress or grief. Psychotherapy is often long-term and more in-depth, addressing complex issues and deep seated emotional problems such as past traumas, depression, anxiety and attachment disturbances. Given these differences in scope the training for counsellors is typically shorter than that of Psychotherapists.  

Currently only psychologists and mental health social workers have Medicare provider numbers and can offer rebated sessions through the better access to mental health program. While there has been much talk about governmental changes to include psychotherapy under the better access scheme, it has not occurred as yet. However, Paul can offer private health fund rebates through BUPA, Medibank private, AHM and providers under the Australian regional health group. Once you have paid the full session fee, you can use your receipt to lodge a rebate claim with your provider.