Appointments, Fees & Rebates
Appointments
Elly Wallace Psychology is based in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Consultations are available face-to-face in Surfers Paradise or online through telehealth Australia-wide. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday.
Standard appointments are 50 minutes in length. Extended sessions may be available on request depending on your individual needs. A referral from your GP is not required, but is needed in order to receive a Medicare rebate.
Crisis Support
Elly Wallace Psychology is not a crisis service and does not offer emergency support. If you require immediate assistance, please contact 000 in an emergency or:
- Acute Care Team: 1300 64 22 55
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
- DV Connect: 1800 811 811
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Fees & Rebates
Consultation fees are as follows:
| Full Fee | Medicare Rebate* | Out of Pocket | |
| Initial 50 min consultation | $260 | $101.55 | $158.45 |
| Subsequent 50 min consult | $250 | $101.55 | $148.45 |
Medicare Rebates
Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 sessions per year. The current Medicare rebate is $101.55 per session.
*A Mental Health Treatment Plan (referral) from your GP is required in order to access the rebate.
Supporting Access to Psychological Care
Everyone’s circumstances are different, and Elly Wallace Psychology understands that the cost of therapy can sometimes be a barrier to seeking support. To support clients in accessing psychological care, a limited number of reduced-fee and bulk-billed appointments are available for those experiencing genuine financial hardship. These appointments are offered at the psychologist’s discretion and are subject to availability.
Private Health Insurance Rebates
Depending on your private health insurance policy, you may be eligible for rebates on psychological services. Contact your provider to confirm whether you are covered. After each session, we will provide you with a receipt, which you can submit to your private health fund for claiming purposes. Note that Medicare rebates and Private Health Insurance rebates cannot both be applied to the same consultation.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact us on 0415 706 539. We require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling.
Cancellation fees are:
- Less than 48 hours’ notice: 50% of the cost of the session
- Less than 24 hours’ notice or failure to attend the session: 100% of the cost of the session
Cancellation fees will be charged automatically if you have credit card details stored within our system. Outstanding cancellation fees need to be paid before your next appointment. Medicare and Private Health Insurers will not fund cancellation fees.
FAQs
Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services through digital communication technologies, such as video conferencing, phone calls, or secure messaging. A telehealth appointment provides the same level of care as an in-person session but remotely, from your home or a safe and secure location (not while driving).
Prior to your appointment, you will receive an email or SMS with a link to join the session. Click the link at your scheduled time to enter the virtual waiting room where your psychologist will meet you. No special software is required. Phone consultations are available for those who cannot access the services due to connection or technical difficulties.
It is best to choose a quiet, private space for your session to minimise disturbances during your consultation. A larger device such as a computer, laptop or tablet with a stable internet connection is recommended. The device should have a camera and microphone. Headphones may improve audio quality. It may be useful to have a pen and paper handy, as well as water and tissues. Log in a few minutes prior to the appointment to ensure you are not rushed and can check the provided link is working.
The number of psychology sessions required depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Some people may only need three to four sessions to address a specific concern. Complex or long-standing issues may require 10 to 20 sessions or more. The Medicare Better Access Scheme provides rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a referral from your GP.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the main modality during therapy.
Yes. Letters and/or reports may be required for employers, General Practitioners, schools, insurers, courts or other purposes. Please note that additional charges apply to these letters and/or reports, and they are not covered by Medicare. The cost for these letters and/or reports will depend on their content and requirements.
A psychologist studies how people think, feel, and behave. The are trained to provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy to support individuals to understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions. Find out more at The Australian Psychology Society.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They can prescribe medication and diagnose/manage severe mental health conditions.
- Psychologists are trained professionals who provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for a range of mental health issues but do not prescribe medication.
- Counsellors offer support for everyday life challenges and may have diverse levels of training.
In Australia, registered psychologists must maintain the confidentiality of their clients. This means that the details of your sessions are kept private. However, there are specific situations where a psychologist may be legally or ethically obligated to disclose your information such as a risk of harm to yourself or others or court subpoenas. For more information please view our Privacy Policy.
Booking a therapy session is a significant step toward enhancing your mental health and well-being and it is normal to feel anxious before your first session. Here’s what you can expect:
After scheduling, you’ll receive an email or SMS confirming the date and time of your session, along with details about fees, potential rebates and any required documents such as a signed confidentiality agreement or a copy of a referral.
Your first session will focus on understanding your reasons for seeking therapy, your current concerns, and relevant background information, such as previous counselling experiences. Based on the gathered information, we will collaborate with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, ensuring it aligns with your needs and goals.
After the Session:
It is normal to feel a range of emotions after your first session. Taking time to reflect can be beneficial. Remember, therapy is a journey. Subsequent sessions will build upon the foundation established in the initial meeting, focusing more on specific strategies and interventions to address your concerns.
Take the next step to enhance your peformance & wellbeing
LocationS
Level 13, 50 Cavill Ave
Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast
QLD 4217 Australia
Online Australia-wide
Connect
In a crisis
Elly Wallace Psychology is not a crisis service. For 24 hour, 7 day support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency call 000.
We acknowledge the original inhabitants of the Gold Coast region, including the people of the Yugambeh language, and pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging.