COMMON QUESTIONS
YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT?
It is common for those new to therapy to feel both eager to begin and entirely uncomfortable about doing so. If you have questions and require answers prior to your first appointment, please get in contact so that we can discuss your concerns. All new queries are first met with an initial call. Before your first appointment it may be helpful to consider what you would like out of treatment, or what goals you wish to achieve. However, if you just want to feel better, and other goals beyond that don't come to mind, that's a good enough place to start as any. As we work together, you can be assured that I will handle all communication and interactions with confidentiality, respect and sensitivity.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT?
Where relevant, you may like to bring previous assessments, evaluations or relevant medical reports so that we have as much information as possible relating to your concerns. If you haven't already provided it, please also bring or forward through your referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), prepared by your GP.
Whilst the initial consultation is predominantly a space for us to get to know each other and how we might work together, it is crucial that up-to-date information is provided, so I am better placed to support you.
HOW LONG DOES EACH CONSULTATION TAKE?
An initial consultation is often between 75-90 minutes in duration. Follow-up standard consultations are 50 minutes in duration.
WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?
If, for any reason you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment incur the full consultation fee and are not eligible for Medicare rebates.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) publishes a recommended schedule of fees for psychologists providing private psychology services. My fees are aligned with the relevant financial year Recommended Schedule available at https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/what-it-costs
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE AVAILABLE?
Fees are required at the time of the appointment and only electronic means of payment are accepted (i.e. via your Visa/Mastercard/American Express etc). Dr Christy Jones does not accept any payment in cash.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A MEDICARE REBATE?
Medicare benefits are available for a range of psychological services for people with certain conditions. Your GP, referring psychiatrist, pediatrician or other consultant physician will need to determine your eligibility for services under Medicare and provide an appropriate referral. Please ensure your referral is provided prior to, or on the day of your first appointment, in order to receive a rebate on the cost of your session.
DO YOU SEE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE?
I am currently accepting referrals for adolescents aged 12 and above. If you are referring your adolescent, please plan to attend the initial appointment so that I can be aware of the concerns that prompted you to seek treatment for your child.
DO YOU PROVIDE ONLINE APPOINTMENTS?
Telehealth appointments are available to clients who are unable to attend in-person. This includes if you are unwell or if you are from a regional location and wish to seek treatment. Telehealth will remain a treatment pathway as a result of the extension of Medicare rebates in the context of COVID-19. Please ensure that you have a stable internet connection to participate in telehealth sessions.
I reserve the right to discontinue telehealth sessions if they are not feasible for any reason, including that your mental health risk or treatment plan cannot be managed online, or if your internet is unstable and disrupts the effectiveness of the sessions.
COVID-19
I am compliant with NSW Health and APS guidelines for psychologists providing psychological services where COVID-19 health orders are in place. That includes shifting in-person appointments to telehealth and maintaining physical distancing in session where required.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please get in contact to reschedule your appointment or move your appointment to a telehealth (online) appointment:
fever (37.5°C or higher) or history of fever (night sweats, chills)
cough
sore throat
shortness of breath (difficulty breathing).
runny nose
loss of taste
loss of smell
Other reported symptoms include fatigue, acute blocked nose (congestion), muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, unexplained chest pain and conjunctivitis.
If you have any of the symptoms listed and attend for an appointment you may be asked to reschedule your appointment and you will be charged the full cancellation fee. Cancellations are not eligible for Medicare rebates.
Emergencies: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800