FAQs

The Mental Health Social Work credential is a highly valued acknowledgment of specialist social work skills and experience in Mental Health which is highly regarded by employers working in Mental Health. AMHSWs are different to Social workers in that they specialise in clinical mental health social work services. They are specialist practitioners who are skilled in dealing with complex situations. People who access counselling services with an AMHSW are able to receive a Medicare rebate under a GP Mental Health Care Plan. You can read more about AMHSW’s here.

You may feel a range of emotions prior to your first appointment including experiencing nerves, feeling emotional or even excited. You will be greeted by administration staff in the Rowan Street Clinic who will guide you to the waiting room if required. I aim to make every initial appointment a positive experience.

During the first session I will endeavor to understand your hopes and wishes for therapy and understand what has brought you to counselling. The first appointment is solely focused on you having the opportunity to explain your needs and to have someone hold the space for your thoughts and feelings. I also like to utilise the initial session to build a therapeutic relationship, ensuring that you feel safe in the space. I welcome questions you may have in the initial session relating to what to expect and how I can be the best support for you.

I initially meet with parents for a session before engaging with a child, this allows you the time to discuss your concerns and provides time for a plan to be made about how I can best support your child. This initial session will involve gaining relevant history and background information about your child to ensure I can provide a positive experience for them.

This is dependent on each individual. We will set goals in initial sessions and review goals as required.

We will review every 6 sessions to determine if you require further support.

No, I am also not available via phone due to prioritising client appointments. If you need to contact me you are able to e-mail hello@thespacecounselling.com.

If you require support after hours the following services are available:

000 for all emergencies

Local Area Mental Health Triage: 1300 104 211

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292

Safe Steps (Family Violence Crisis Line): 1800 737 732

Yes, from your initial consultation the therapeutic process is confidential. I understand that living in smaller communities confidentiality needs to be a consideration, please note that under the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, I am obliged to maintain your privacy and confidentiality. Please note that there are limits to confidentiality if I have concerns regarding your safety, or someone else's safety, in which I would notify relevant authorities.

In Victoria, under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, I must report to Child Protection if I form a belief on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection from physical injury or sexual abuse.

A GP mental health treatment plan lets you claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.

To start with, your doctor or psychiatrist will refer you for up to 6 sessions initially. If you need more, they can refer you for further sessions. Health professionals set their own fees, so we may only cover some of the cost. If you are unsure you can read more about Mental Health Care Plans here.

The fee for both individual and telehealth sessions starts from $200 per session. If you obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from you GP you will be provided with a rebate of $89.50, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

You can also access services as a full fee paying client which does not require a referral from you GP.