Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • At Bella Vida Psychology, our standard 50 minute consultation fee is $270. This fee remains below the current Australian Association of Psychologists Inc recommended rate of $340 per hour.

    If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral, the rebate is currently $145.25, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of $120.95.

    If you have extras cover for psychology, you may be eligible to claim a rebate through your private health insurer. Rebate amounts vary depending on your level of cover, so we recommend contacting your insurer directly.

    Bella Vida Psychology also supports self-managed NDIS participants.

    Fees are subject to change when renewed annually.

  • Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and are listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Isabella underwent six years of university training (Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Master of Psychology (Clinical) and continues to engage in extensive professional development.

  • The beginning process of starting therapy typically involves selecting a Psychologist, arranging an initial appointment, completing relevant paper work and questionnaires, and attending the appointment. Some individuals utilise a Mental Health Care Plan to subsidise the cost of therapy. To discuss this option, arrange an appointment with your GP. Once you have scheduled an initial appointment, you may want to consider the following:

    Is there a specific issue or problem that I would like to discuss with the Psychologist? You may want to take some notes to bring to your first appointment.

    What are my goals for therapy (i.e., what do I want to get out of coming)?

    Is there a particular treatment modality I am interested in or reluctant to try?

    If I have past therapy experience, what have I previously found helpful and/or unhelpful?

    If you are unsure how to answer any of these questions, that’s okay! You and the Psychologist can work collaboratively to find establish what you want or need and what is the best way to achieve your goals.

  • At Bella Vida Psychology, we understand that life can be unpredictable and occasionally appointments need to rescheduled or cancelled. However, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours (2 business days) notice if you need to make changes to your appointment. 

    In the event of a late cancellation, rescheduling, or missed appointment, the following policy applies:

    More than 48 hours (2 business days) notice — No fee

    24-48 hours (1–2 business days) notice — 50% of consultation fee

    Less than 24 hours (less than 1 business day) notice or non-attendance — 100% of consultation fee

 Telehealth

  • Telehealth therapy is the same as in-person therapy, the only difference being that it is conducted online. Research indicates there are no significant differences between therapy that is delivered via telehealth or in-person. Research has shown telehealth is effective for treating a wide range of conditions including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. We use Health Direct Video Call, which is a safe and secure videoconferencing service. You do not need special software on your phone or computer. 

  • You can schedule a telehealth appointment via email, phone call, or SMS using the following contact information: 

    isabella@bellavidapsychology.com.au

    0494118141

  • Once your appointment is made, you will be asked to complete an online client intake form. This collects demographic and identification information (e.g., name, date of birth, and address), referrer information (e.g., General Practitioner name and practice), and payment details. You will receive information about Bella Vida Psychology's cancellation policy and step by step instructions for using Health Direct Video Call (i.e., telehealth service).

  • To prepare for a telehealth therapy session, ensure you have a private and quiet space with a stable internet connection or phone signal. Test your technology beforehand to avoid any technical issues during the session. Minimise distractions and create a comfortable environment where you feel at ease expressing yourself. Finally, be open to the process and remember that telehealth therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy with the right mindset and preparation.

  • At the beginning of your first session, Isabella will introduce herself and familiarise you with Health Direct Video Call. She will answer any questions you might have about telehealth. She will also explain what information is and isn’t confidential in therapy. The rest of the session will be spent on getting to know you and what you're looking for out of therapy.

  • At the onset and throughout therapy, Isabella will be assessing if telehealth therapy is appropriate for you. If telehealth therapy is not appropriate, she will inform you and assist you to find more appropriate support.

    Telehealth may be right for you if:

    You have a private and quiet space with stable internet connection or phone reception

    You feel drawn to or comfortable with the Psychologist

    If you have a busy schedule and reducing travel time makes therapy more accessible

    If you live in rural or remote locations where access to psychological services are limited

    Telehealth may not be for you if:

    You do not have access to a computer or phone 

    You have unstable internet or phone reception

    You experience significant and acute suicidal ideation

    You think you will struggle to connect with the Psychologist online

  • At Bella Vida Psychology, we use Health Direct Video Call to facilitate telehealth sessions. Health Direct has a military grade level of security and does not store patient or call data, and the technology underpinning the service is developed and maintained in Australia.

  • After your appointment, full payment is automatically taken from your nominated credit or debit card. You will be supplied a copy of the paid invoice.

  • If your session is funded by a Mental Health Care Plan, you will automatically receive rebates into the bank account that is attached to your Medicare account. If your sessions are funded through Private Health Insurance, you can send the paid invoice to your Insurer to receive your benefit.

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