faq.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointment:
ALL CLIENTS:
COUPLES
Availability: We can usually fit you in within a week.
Appointment Reminders:
A reminder SMS will be sent out the day before to give you time to confirm or cancel your appointment.
How much are the fees?
Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees
What happens if I pay for a session and I cancel with less that 24 hours notice or don't turn up?
There are no refunds with less than 24 hours notice.
Can I use a Doctor's Referral?
In order to stay competitive, Ghita Therapy offers a discount rate (per hour) for clients with GP referrals. New clients can have a maximum of 6 sessions with a doctor 'GP referral' letter per year. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. At Ghita Therapy we do not take Mental Health Care Plans because this breaches the confidentiality ethics that all counsellors abide by; meaning that at Ghita Therapy we are not Medicare registered and do not share your private file with anyone - including your doctor. If you wish to have a regular correspondence between a therapist and your doctor using the MHCP - you will need to visit a 'clinical psychologist.' Concessions
Mental Health Care Plans and Confidentiality Explained:
When you use a Mental Health Care Plan with a psychologist, or other mental health care practitioner under the mental health care plan, the practitioner is required to report your mental health information back to the referring GP where it becomes part of your public health record. That means your files are not confidential and can be accessed by police, the courts and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Ghita Therapy does not share client information, so MHCP are not accepted.
*Relationship counselling is not rebatable by Medicare in Australia.
How long do sessions take?
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes.
Where is Ghita Therapy located?
Currumbin Beach, southern Gold Coast. See Bookings page for opening hours, map etc.
How long is the wait between bookings?
Normally, a week. If you feel it is urgent, please ask Ghita for a cancellation or an evening appointment.
What kind of people go to counselling?
Everyday people from doctors to tradespeople turn to counselling when they need support or at a crossroads in their lives. Counselling provides the chance to talk things through, very often relieving emotional pressure, clearing the way for people to focus and decide what to do next. Counselling can provide a sense of direction and a greater ability to achieve goals. Just like you seek advice from a doctor for health issues, a counsellor can help to give you tools for better decision making and improved mental health.
Can I book a session for my partner, friend or teenager?
Bookings can be made for a third party, however bookings must be prepaid. This is due to the high rate of cancellations and no-shows by clients who did not actually book in for themselves.
Short notice cancellations and no shows
Cancellation (with less than 24 hours notice) and No Shows are charged at the full rate for one hour. This is because:
Ghita Therapy has a policy that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, or no shows will be billed the rate for one hour. This will be deducted from prepaid amounts. If a payment was originally for a concession rate, the balance amount for the non-rebated fee will be invoiced to clients via email. This is because Medicare does not rebate cancellations and therefore Ghita Therapy does not offer rebates on cancellations. Cancellation Policy
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. Exceptions to this are when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
How long does counselling (healing) take in general?
Individuals: The time period for therapy depends on the complexity of an issue. An issue can be worked through in one session, or it may take several sessions. Some client's require occasional top-up sessions to stay on track, or when new issues arise.
Couples: For couples experiencing relationship problems (not including infidelity, addiction or trauma), the average length of sessions is between 4 and 12. After multiple sessions you should see significant results, resulting in a happier, secure and more fulfilling relationship.
*Please note, medicare does not provide a rebate for couples counselling in Australia.
Can I get a mobile home visit from Ghita?
Can I have my appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Zoom and phone sessions are available for individual counselling.
Do Health Funds rebate counselling?
Some do. Each Health Care Fund has different rules. If your Health Fund accepts counsellors Ghita can create a invoice/ receipt for you.
Do you offer NDIS counselling?
Yes, Ghita Therapy services are eligible for access by NDIS participants who Self manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes.
What if I can't wait, or I am feeling like harming myself?
Call Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – www.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support with access to suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance.
Termination of Services:
Ghita Therapy holds the right to suspend treatment and refuse further services if:
Client Notes After Termination:
No clients notes will be shared or divulged unless a court order requires it and only specific information relevant to a case will be allowed, unless client gives consent.
ALL CLIENTS:
- To confirm your appointment payment is required upon booking. Non payment will result in a cancelled appointment. Payments
- An SMS reminder will be sent out the day before your appointment. Please confirm with a 'YES' or it will be cancelled by midnight.
- Printing and filling out the Intake Form will save ten minutes of your first session
- Please arrive at your scheduled time: Clients may be back to back and there is no waiting reception in this private home
- Free parking is available on the street. See map below
COUPLES
- Each partner should read 'Is Couples Counselling Right For You?' and 'First Session Info and Quiz' to see if counselling is appropriate for your situation and that you both agree to the terms
- Ask Ghita about the local Mobile Service (Extra $25: Currumbin, Elanora, Palm Beach, Tugan) to save on time and babysitting
Availability: We can usually fit you in within a week.
Appointment Reminders:
A reminder SMS will be sent out the day before to give you time to confirm or cancel your appointment.
How much are the fees?
Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees
What happens if I pay for a session and I cancel with less that 24 hours notice or don't turn up?
There are no refunds with less than 24 hours notice.
Can I use a Doctor's Referral?
In order to stay competitive, Ghita Therapy offers a discount rate (per hour) for clients with GP referrals. New clients can have a maximum of 6 sessions with a doctor 'GP referral' letter per year. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. At Ghita Therapy we do not take Mental Health Care Plans because this breaches the confidentiality ethics that all counsellors abide by; meaning that at Ghita Therapy we are not Medicare registered and do not share your private file with anyone - including your doctor. If you wish to have a regular correspondence between a therapist and your doctor using the MHCP - you will need to visit a 'clinical psychologist.' Concessions
Mental Health Care Plans and Confidentiality Explained:
When you use a Mental Health Care Plan with a psychologist, or other mental health care practitioner under the mental health care plan, the practitioner is required to report your mental health information back to the referring GP where it becomes part of your public health record. That means your files are not confidential and can be accessed by police, the courts and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Ghita Therapy does not share client information, so MHCP are not accepted.
*Relationship counselling is not rebatable by Medicare in Australia.
How long do sessions take?
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes.
Where is Ghita Therapy located?
Currumbin Beach, southern Gold Coast. See Bookings page for opening hours, map etc.
How long is the wait between bookings?
Normally, a week. If you feel it is urgent, please ask Ghita for a cancellation or an evening appointment.
What kind of people go to counselling?
Everyday people from doctors to tradespeople turn to counselling when they need support or at a crossroads in their lives. Counselling provides the chance to talk things through, very often relieving emotional pressure, clearing the way for people to focus and decide what to do next. Counselling can provide a sense of direction and a greater ability to achieve goals. Just like you seek advice from a doctor for health issues, a counsellor can help to give you tools for better decision making and improved mental health.
Can I book a session for my partner, friend or teenager?
Bookings can be made for a third party, however bookings must be prepaid. This is due to the high rate of cancellations and no-shows by clients who did not actually book in for themselves.
Short notice cancellations and no shows
Cancellation (with less than 24 hours notice) and No Shows are charged at the full rate for one hour. This is because:
- Appointments cannot be filled at short notice
- Medicare does not rebate cancellations and neither does Ghita Therapy
- 24 hour policy is stated in first confirmation SMS
- 24 hour policy is stated on the intake contract which clients have read and signed
Ghita Therapy has a policy that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, or no shows will be billed the rate for one hour. This will be deducted from prepaid amounts. If a payment was originally for a concession rate, the balance amount for the non-rebated fee will be invoiced to clients via email. This is because Medicare does not rebate cancellations and therefore Ghita Therapy does not offer rebates on cancellations. Cancellation Policy
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. Exceptions to this are when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
How long does counselling (healing) take in general?
Individuals: The time period for therapy depends on the complexity of an issue. An issue can be worked through in one session, or it may take several sessions. Some client's require occasional top-up sessions to stay on track, or when new issues arise.
Couples: For couples experiencing relationship problems (not including infidelity, addiction or trauma), the average length of sessions is between 4 and 12. After multiple sessions you should see significant results, resulting in a happier, secure and more fulfilling relationship.
*Please note, medicare does not provide a rebate for couples counselling in Australia.
Can I get a mobile home visit from Ghita?
- Ghita's Mobile Service is available in the following suburbs: Currumbin, Palm Beach, Elanora, Burleigh Heads, Tugan, Bilinga, Kirra, Coolangatta, Reedy Creek, Varsity Lakes, Miami - by arrangement.
- Surcharge $25: Mobile Service
Can I have my appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Zoom and phone sessions are available for individual counselling.
Do Health Funds rebate counselling?
Some do. Each Health Care Fund has different rules. If your Health Fund accepts counsellors Ghita can create a invoice/ receipt for you.
Do you offer NDIS counselling?
Yes, Ghita Therapy services are eligible for access by NDIS participants who Self manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes.
What if I can't wait, or I am feeling like harming myself?
Call Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – www.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support with access to suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance.
Termination of Services:
Ghita Therapy holds the right to suspend treatment and refuse further services if:
- Client lies about level of family violence
- Client becomes abusive to counsellor
- Client continues to postpone or cancel appointments
- Client is a 'No Show' (no notice of failure to appear)
- Client does not fulfil financial obligations. Eg: Does not pay for therapy
Client Notes After Termination:
No clients notes will be shared or divulged unless a court order requires it and only specific information relevant to a case will be allowed, unless client gives consent.
Copyright 2019 Ghita Andersen. Photo courtesy of Freepik
