Frequently Asked Questions
Appointment Info:
Appointment Availability:
We can usually fit you in within a week. Two weeks during busy periods. Please ask for a cancellation if you would like an appointment sooner: Please note that not all services are available in Ormeau.
How Much Are The Fees?
It depends on the service and length of time: Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees and Payments
Session Times:
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes. If unspecified, you will be booked in for one hour.
Locations:
Ghita Andersen - Currumbin Beach: Mon - Friday: 10am - 8pm; Saturday: 10am - 1pm: All Services
Kathie Halse - Ormeau: Fridays: 9am - 5pm: Individual Counselling Only
Contact / Google Maps
How Often Should I Book Appointments?
Most clients book in weekly until they resolve their concern.
Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellation Policy 2022
Preparation: What Do I Bring?
We can usually fit you in within a week. Two weeks during busy periods. Please ask for a cancellation if you would like an appointment sooner: Please note that not all services are available in Ormeau.
How Much Are The Fees?
It depends on the service and length of time: Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees and Payments
Session Times:
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes. If unspecified, you will be booked in for one hour.
Locations:
Ghita Andersen - Currumbin Beach: Mon - Friday: 10am - 8pm; Saturday: 10am - 1pm: All Services
Kathie Halse - Ormeau: Fridays: 9am - 5pm: Individual Counselling Only
Contact / Google Maps
How Often Should I Book Appointments?
Most clients book in weekly until they resolve their concern.
Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellation Policy 2022
Preparation: What Do I Bring?
- Bring any notes you have written about the issues you wish to talk about
- Completing your Intake Form will save a few minutes in your session
How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointment:
TIPS FOR NEW CLIENTS:
- Online Bookings are for Ghita Andersen - Currumbin Only
- If you book your appointment Online, payment is required upon booking. If you book via phone or email we will send you a reminder 24 hours before. Proof of payment is then required to hold your time: Payments
- An automated booking SMS and an email (if given online)
- An SMS reminder with payment links 24 Hours prior: Please confirm with a 'YES' and a screenshot of your payment if you have not already paid online. Please send 'NO' for cancellations
- Unconfirmed appointments will be cancelled by 6pm
- Printing and filling out the Intake Form will save 10 minutes of your first session
- Please arrive at your scheduled time, but not before. Clients may be back to back and there is no waiting reception in these private homes
- Free parking is available on the street
- Each partner should read 'Preparing for Couples Counselling' to see if counselling is appropriate for your situation and that you both understand the process
- Sorry, No Children/ Babies in Sessions: Please note that due our staircase and first floor balcony we do not allow children in session. Ghita Therapy Currumbin is a private apartment, so it is not suitable for children or strollers: Please organise a baby-sitter. Our public liability insurance does not cover damage to persons/ property. Because of this, appointments will be cancelled if children attend. Hint: Contact Relationships Australia or a Parental Counsellor for counselling with child play areas and change facilities.
- See our Recommended Reading Section: Free Couples eBooks, First Session info, Couples Quiz and more...
- A thank you email
- An 2 month hello email to check on you and see how you are doing (with rebooking links)
- A six month hello email to check on you and see how you are doing and to see if you need a quick call
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. If you are trying NLP, Time Line Therapy, and other techniques, you can expect at least one session for info (story) gathering first, so that your therapist can work out the best method to use.
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. However, some Health Funds will reimburse couples counselling.
Is Counselling Confidential?
It is. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. However, exceptions may occur: A client may give consent to the counsellor when they attend as a couple or do additional individual counselling. Another exception to this rule is when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
Can I Book a Session For My Partner, Friend or Teenager?
Yes, however bookings made for a third party (other than couples counselling), 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.
Can I Have My Appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and Phone sessions are available for counselling.
NLP, Time Line Therapy, Anger Management, Art Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Couples Counselling as best in person.
Local Mobile Service:
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. If you are trying NLP, Time Line Therapy, and other techniques, you can expect at least one session for info (story) gathering first, so that your therapist can work out the best method to use.
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. However, some Health Funds will reimburse couples counselling.
Is Counselling Confidential?
It is. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. However, exceptions may occur: A client may give consent to the counsellor when they attend as a couple or do additional individual counselling. Another exception to this rule is when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
Can I Book a Session For My Partner, Friend or Teenager?
Yes, however bookings made for a third party (other than couples counselling), 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.
Can I Have My Appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and Phone sessions are available for counselling.
NLP, Time Line Therapy, Anger Management, Art Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Couples Counselling as best in person.
Local Mobile Service:
- Ghita Therapy offers a Mobile Service when available in the following suburbs: Currumbin, Palm Beach, Elanora. This requires pre-payment and is by arrangement only. Highly recommended for couples who do not have babysitting. More info
- Fees $50 additional
Available Concessions:
Does Ghita Therapy Offer NDIS Counselling?
Yes, Ghita Andersen's services in Currumbin are eligible for access by NDIS participants who either self-manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes or have a provider. NDIS providers are invoiced by arrangement with Ghita Andersen. This must be organised prior to the sessions otherwise clients are billed full rate. More about Concessions
Student Concessions: Student Cardholders of Griffith or Bond University are offered unlimited sessions at the Student Concession Rate with Ghita Andersen. Please book online. More about Concessions
Doctor Referral Discount:
In order to stay competitive with psychologists, Ghita Andersen offers a discount rate (Currumbin) for individual clients with GP referral letters. This is not a Mental Health Care Plan, just a letter with some information about why the client needs counselling. Hypnotherapists often ask for this also. Clients can have a maximum of 10 discounted counselling sessions per year with a doctor 'GP referral' letter per year but they need a new one January 1st every year of treatment. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. You can also pay the full rate if you do not want to get one. It is not compulsory to have a referral. More About Our Concessions
*New GP Referrals are required every 12 months.
Does Medicare Rebate Individual Counselling?:
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Holistic Therapies such as NLP and Hypnosis are not covered under Medicare. Mental Health disorders come under the direction of psychologists and they will accept a MHCP from your GP. We do not. In order to remain competitive, Ghita Andersen offers a discount for GP letters of referral: Around 20% off your fee. You can expect to pay $80. It covers counselling only. Specialist services are not covered by this concession, nor are Couples Counselling sessions.
Does Medicare Rebate Relationship Counselling?:
No. Relationship and Couples/ Marriage Counselling sessions in Australia are not covered by Medicare.
Why we Don’t Take Mental Health Care Plans:
At Ghita Therapy we do not take Mental Health Care Plans because we are counsellors (not psychologists) Counsellors at Ghita Therapy are not Medicare registered and therefore do not receive rebates. We will 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.'
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, insurance companies and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Your privacy is paramount to us. Ghita Therapy does not share client information.
Yes, Ghita Andersen's services in Currumbin are eligible for access by NDIS participants who either self-manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes or have a provider. NDIS providers are invoiced by arrangement with Ghita Andersen. This must be organised prior to the sessions otherwise clients are billed full rate. More about Concessions
Student Concessions: Student Cardholders of Griffith or Bond University are offered unlimited sessions at the Student Concession Rate with Ghita Andersen. Please book online. More about Concessions
Doctor Referral Discount:
In order to stay competitive with psychologists, Ghita Andersen offers a discount rate (Currumbin) for individual clients with GP referral letters. This is not a Mental Health Care Plan, just a letter with some information about why the client needs counselling. Hypnotherapists often ask for this also. Clients can have a maximum of 10 discounted counselling sessions per year with a doctor 'GP referral' letter per year but they need a new one January 1st every year of treatment. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. You can also pay the full rate if you do not want to get one. It is not compulsory to have a referral. More About Our Concessions
*New GP Referrals are required every 12 months.
Does Medicare Rebate Individual Counselling?:
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Holistic Therapies such as NLP and Hypnosis are not covered under Medicare. Mental Health disorders come under the direction of psychologists and they will accept a MHCP from your GP. We do not. In order to remain competitive, Ghita Andersen offers a discount for GP letters of referral: Around 20% off your fee. You can expect to pay $80. It covers counselling only. Specialist services are not covered by this concession, nor are Couples Counselling sessions.
Does Medicare Rebate Relationship Counselling?:
No. Relationship and Couples/ Marriage Counselling sessions in Australia are not covered by Medicare.
Why we Don’t Take Mental Health Care Plans:
At Ghita Therapy we do not take Mental Health Care Plans because we are counsellors (not psychologists) Counsellors at Ghita Therapy are not Medicare registered and therefore do not receive rebates. We will 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.'
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, insurance companies and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Your privacy is paramount to us. Ghita Therapy does not share client information.
Invoicing (NDIS & Health Funds):
If you require an invoice or receipt for payment for your NDIS provider or health fund please let us know.
Do Health Funds Rebate Counselling/ Couples Counselling?
Yes. AHM, Police Health Fund, BUPA, Phoenix Health, Medibank, Grand United, Saint Lukes and the Doctors Health Fund provide rebates for counselling consultations. NOTE: Each Health Care Fund has different rules. If your Health Fund accepts the service and does not require registration with them, you can download an invoice from our booking portal when you book or we can email it to you. *Please note that we have no particular registration or affiliation with a health fund. Please check with you health fund before booking.
Does Ghita Therapy Have Registration With Any Health Funds?
No. Please note that as a small business we do not have any registrations or affiliation with health funds.
Do Health Funds Rebate Hypnotherapy?
Yes, some do. If your Health Fund accepts the service, we can create a invoice/ receipt and email it to you. *Please check with you health fund before booking. We cannot guarantee that your health fund will reimburse you for hypnotherapy. Please note that we have no particular registrations.
Do Health Funds Rebate Counselling/ Couples Counselling?
Yes. AHM, Police Health Fund, BUPA, Phoenix Health, Medibank, Grand United, Saint Lukes and the Doctors Health Fund provide rebates for counselling consultations. NOTE: Each Health Care Fund has different rules. If your Health Fund accepts the service and does not require registration with them, you can download an invoice from our booking portal when you book or we can email it to you. *Please note that we have no particular registration or affiliation with a health fund. Please check with you health fund before booking.
Does Ghita Therapy Have Registration With Any Health Funds?
No. Please note that as a small business we do not have any registrations or affiliation with health funds.
Do Health Funds Rebate Hypnotherapy?
Yes, some do. If your Health Fund accepts the service, we can create a invoice/ receipt and email it to you. *Please check with you health fund before booking. We cannot guarantee that your health fund will reimburse you for hypnotherapy. Please note that we have no particular registrations.
End of 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.
Termination of Services:
Ghita Therapy holds the right to suspend treatment and refuse further services if:
*Time Line Therapy® is the registered Trade Mark of Tad James Company USA.
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.
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 (including texts)
- Client continues to postpone or cancel appointments
- Client is a 'No Show' (no notice of failure to appear)
- Client has not fulfilled financial obligations. Eg: Does not pay for therapy or late cancellations
*Time Line Therapy® is the registered Trade Mark of Tad James Company USA.
If a Person is Feeling Suicidal:
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
- Call 000 and ask for an ambulance to take you to a mental health care hospital
Copyright 2022 Ghita Andersen
