FAQs
Session Structure
How will my private information be handled, and how should I reach you for inquiries?
All electronic data and information will be handled according to the Australian government regulations, Business Victoria standards, and best practice guidelines for private practice psychologists. You can find more information about my privacy practices. I am also happy to answer your questions.
To discuss any inquiries, whether about treatment or a report, you will need to book a session. I will address your problem or question during the session. The brief phone call we have is solely for the purpose of scheduling an appointment, and not for answering questions about your treatment or providing opinions over the phone.
How do I book an appointment?
You can request an appointment using the form, and I will return your call within a day to confirm a time. No referral is needed, and there are no wait times, as I run my own practice. We can typically find an initial time to meet and then discuss the details of our treatment agreement and weekly sessions when we meet. If you prefer, you can call me at 0433 781919 or send a WhatsApp message, which is especially helpful if you're contacting from outside Australia or find it more convenient.
How long is a psychoanalytic session?
The duration of a session isn't fixed but follows the principle of variable-length sessions according to lacanian psychoanalytic theory.The psychoanalyst ends a session when something significant emerges, a shift, or a moment that touches at the core of your unconscious. The session respects the subjective rhythm of your unconscious, rather than clock-time, allowing the work to unfold in a way that highlights the symbolic aspects to progress the treatment.
Do I need a referral or diagnosis to see Bita?
I don't need a referral to see you. It's optional. Furthermore, you do not need to be diagnosed with a psychological disorder to undertake psychological treatment. Some people are aware of a problem and want to address it. We can discuss your concern in the sessions. However if you do opt to use Medicare, your doctor is required to document a diagnosis in your file (I don't have access unless you give me a referral) and it appears in your health records. If you give me a referral I have to write back to the GP at some point and give a summary for your public medical records. If you do not give me a referral, my notes stay with me and aren't shared. As a psychoanalytic psychologist I do not give categorical diagnoses, unless individuals specifically see me for a clinical report.
Can I use Medicare for my treatment?
In Australia, Medicare gives $96 and only for six therapy sessions. This program was created to encourage Australians who haven't tried therapy before to give it a go. That said, the six-session limit isn't based on scientific evidence. The duration of treatment is not determined by a fixed number of sessions or a predetermined timeline. Instead, it is based on the subjective experience of each person in treatment.
Most psychological treatment in Australia happens in private practice and isn't adequetly funded by public or private insurance. With psychoanalysis, it's important to understand that it's a long-term weekly commitment. It's about working with the unconscious knowledge, which is based in transference taking time to develop through free association, dreams, and other unconscious formations. Gradually uncovering how you might be contributing to your own suffering without realising it. While it takes dedication, the insights and changesthat come from this mode of working together are worthwhile and liberating.
How do I access Medicare rebates for psychology?
To access Medicare rebates, you'll need to ask your GP to create a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for you based on a diagnosed mental health condition. In addition to the MHCP, you must also request a valid referral letter from your GP to see a psychologist. The referral letter must include a valid Medicare diagnosis and specify the number of rebates (typically, Medicare rule allows an initial 6 rebates, followed by 4 additional rebates after a GP review).
Please note that the Medicare rebate amount and eligibility for various services are set by Medicare, not by the psychologist. To ensure you meet the requirements, it's important that your referral letter from your GP aligns with Medicare's guidelines. It is your responsibility to schedule the necessary reviews with your GP for further rebates.
What is a valid Medicare referral for psychology?
According to the Department of Health, a valid Medicare referral for psychology must include the following information. It is your responsiblity to ask your doctor to include this information on your referral letter. Without this information I cannot lodge a claim to Medicare
- Date of referral and doctor's signature
- Medicare diagnosis
- Patient's Medicare number
- Patient's name (correct spelling as it appears on Medicare records)
- Patient's date of birth
- Patient's residential address
- Presenting problem and previous diagnoses
- Up-to-date list of medications
- Number of rebates (a maximum of 6 rebates in the first referral, followed by a re-referral for 4 additional rebates)
- Doctor's provider number
If you bring a referral letter you are automatically giving consent to the psychologist to communicate with your GP, and as per Medicare requirement psychologists have to write a brief letter to your GP giving an opinion.
If I am sick and can’t come to my session, do I pay for the missed session?
If you are unwell and unable to attend a session in person, we can arrange a video session at short notice. Please notify me a few hours in advance so I can provide the link. If you are too sick for a video session, we can reschedule for later in the week or make up the session the following week. If you do not notify me and miss the session without rescheduling, you will be liable and have to pay for the missed session.
General Private Practice
What are the session fees at Bita Psychology?
Session fees at Bita Psychology vary based on the type of treatment or intervention. For detailed information, please contact the practice directly. Bita does not offer single-session appointments. Treatment involves a regular weekly commitment, beginning after the first session. Psychoanalytic work explores the unconscious through language, relational dynamics, and childhood experiences, making it unsuitable for those seeking a quick ‘fixes’. Treatment is not merely a space to vent but an opportunity to engage with challenging aspects of one’s experiences and work collaboratively toward meaningful change.
Do you charge overhead fees, such as receptionist costs, at your Hawthorn and Belgrave practice?
No, this psychology practice does not charge additional overhead fees, such as receptionist costs, helping to keep the overall cost of consultations lower. The fees you pay goes directly to essential aspects of maintaining a high-quality practice, including professional supervision, continuing professional development (CPD), memberships, operational expenses and my income.
Am I eligible for private health rebates for psychology treatment?
Check with your private health fund if they give rebates for psychology, and then inform me of the coverage amount, so I can provide you with the correctly coded receipts for reimbursement.
What are the limitations involved with using Medicare?
Medicare rebates can be used after the first session with my practice. Using Medicare is optional. According to the Australian Psychological Society, it is your responsibility to obtain a valid referral letter. Medicare only gives a rebate of $96 for individual treatment and only for six sessions. This practice strictly follows the Australian Government Medicare guidelines. For more information on how to obtain a valid referral please review the FAQs under Session Structure.
How can I refer a child to Bita psychology?
The parents must complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment with Bita. The initial session focuses on understanding the presenting problem and gathering relevant background information. Ideally, both parents should attend the first session, with the option for individual interviews with each parent as needed. For children, sessions may include play therapy and assessments depending on the issue. Following these sessions, a feedback session will be held with one or both parents to provide recommendations, which may include ongoing individual sessions for the child.
General Information for Doctors, Agencies and Allied Health Professionals
Can psychoanalysis help with mental health issues?
Psychoanalysis can be helpful for addressing a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and identity struggles. It is particularly effective for individuals seeking to speak about long-standing or unresolved conflicts that appear as behavioural and emoitonal disturbances.
How is psychoanalysis different from therapy or counselling?
While both psychoanalysis/psychoanalytic psychotherapy and counseling aim to support well-being, psychoanalysis focuses on unconscious processes and past experiences that influence present behavior and life. Counseling typically addresses present-day issues using standardized strategies, while psychoanalytic therapy involves transference, requiring the therapist to have undergone extensive personal analysis and specialized psychoanalytic training. Bita is a registered psychologist in Australia and a member of International Forums of the Lacanian Field to support her psychoanalytic work and its transmission.
As a Doctor, how can I arrange a child or adult referral to Bita Psychology?
As a GP, you can arrange a referral to Bita Psychology by providing the patient with a valid referral letter and a Mental Health Care Plan. Please ensure the letter includes the patient's details, presenting concerns, and any relevant clinical history. Patients can then bring this referral to their appointment or submit it when booking online. For further assistance, feel free to contact Bita Psychology directly. Contact Bita.
Do you offer bulk billing for psychological therapy?
I do not offer bulk billing under any circumstances, as this reflects my ethical stance on treatment and respect for each speaking being who enters my practice. If you have special circumstances and are highly motivated to work in treatment, please contact me directly to discuss further.