WPS-onLine​

FAQs

General

 

• How long do the therapy sessions last?

 

Each counselling session is about 50 minutes long.

 

• What kind of concerns do your mental health professionals treat?

 

Our mental health professionals include psychologists and registered mental health social workers. They specialise in a wide range of mental health disorders for adults, children, couples, and families. We offer counselling services for depression, anxiety, sleep issues, panic attacks, trauma, PTSD, adjustment-related issues, LGBTQ issues, family issues, substance abuse, and more.

 

• Can someone with a mental health disorder ever get better again?

 

Depending on the mental health problem that the person is suffering from, treatments and therapy can help the person get better to a great extent. In some cases, people can also achieve full recovery through adequate treatment.

 

• What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

 

Both psychiatrists and psychologists are mental health professionals. However, a psychiatrist is also a medical physician, while a psychologist is not. Since they are licensed physicians, psychiatrists are allowed to prescribe drugs, but psychologists are not. However, psychologists use psychotherapy as a treatment method which is extremely effective.

 

• Can psychotherapy be a substitute for medication?

 

In some mental health conditions, psychotherapy can be a very effective treatment. However, in some cases, psychotherapy may need to be used in conjunction with medication. Depending on the mental health condition, psychotherapy could sometimes be a substitute for medication, and sometimes not.

 

Online counselling

 

• Who can access WPS-onLine counselling?

 

WPS-onLine counselling is available to people of all ages. Whether you are an adult or a child, you can use our online counselling services to address any mental health condition that you may be suffering from.

 

• How can I attend the counselling sessions?

 

You can attend the counselling sessions over the phone or on a video call, whatever you are comfortable with. However, video calls are more preferred, wherever possible. With WPS-onLine, you can attend the counselling sessions from the comfort of your home without having to worry about the commute. Our online counselling is very similar to face-to-face therapy, the only difference is that it happens through your mobile device and in the comfort of your private space.

 

• Can I use the counselling services if I am not in Melbourne?

 

All that is required to access our service is a device with connection to the internet, to attend appointments via phone or vide call.

 

• I have a very busy work schedule with no time during the week. How can I access your services?

 

WPS-onLine counselling services are available 24/7. As a client, you can choose the day and time that is most convenient for you. Even if you do not have time during the week, you can always take counselling sessions during the weekends or after hours.

 

• Do I need any special software for online counselling sessions?

 

You can attend an online counselling session through your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet. If you have Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox on your mobile device, you do not need to install any other software.

 

Appointment Booking

 

• How do I book an appointment?

 

All appointments need to be made by contacting the reception at our head office. You can call on 03 9746 8088 or write to reception@wpsychology.com to book an appointment. You can also fill the intake form here to book an appointment.

 

• When can I contact you to make an appointment?

 

You can contact us between 9 am and 5.30 pm On Monday and Friday. Between Tuesday and Thursday, you can contact us between 9 am and 7 pm to book an appointment for your counselling session.

 

• After booking an appointment, how soon can I attend a session with a mental health professional?

 

With WPS-onLine you have the flexibility to choose your mental health professional and time. When booking your appointment, you will be notified if the clinician is available at the desired time. If not, you can choose the next suitable slot to attend your online counselling session.

 

• Who will be helping me?

 

At WPS-onLine you get the freedom to choose your mental health clinician and speak with them at your desired time. You can let the reception at our head office know while booking your appointment so that your sessions can be arranged with your desired therapist.

 

• How long can I use WPS-onLine?

 

How long you want to take counselling sessions depends on your needs and may vary from person to person. Some people may feel that they have achieved the most in just a few weeks. For others, feeling better or recovering could be a long process.

 

Pricing and fees

 

• How much do online counselling sessions cost?

 

WPS-onLine is one of the most affordable online mental health services in Australia. Although psychologists are free to set their own rate, the Australian Psychological Society recommends $267 for a session that is 45 to 60 minutes long. 

 

Our private consulting fees are as below:

 

Clinical Psychology Consultation Fee is $210

Psychologist Consultation Fee is $180

Mental Health Social Worker $160

 

• When do I need to make the payment?

 

You need to make the payment before your consultation.

 

• What are the medical rebates available?

 

Medicare rebates can apply if a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician has referred you and completed a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Rebates provided by Medicare and private health vary depending on the kind of benefits you qualify for and whether you have reached the Medicare Safety Net. As rebates are not intended to cover the entire cost of your treatment, a gap fee will usually apply.

 

You can claim Medicare Rebates at WPS-onLine via Medicare Online Claiming for payment direct to your account if your bank details are registered with Medicare. You may also claim your rebate by visiting Medicare. Medicare Rebates for Clinical Psychologists are $129.55, Psychologists $88.25 and Mental Health Social Workers $77.10.

 

You can claim up to 10 individual and 10 group services per calendar year (plus 10 more sessions if COVID effected- click here to find out more).

 

• I am in a financial crisis and cannot afford your counselling sessions. What do I do?

 

At WPS, we have a number of options for clients who are unable to afford the out-of-pocket cost of between $73-$82 per session for counselling care.

 

For more information, click here.

 

Privacy

 

• Will my privacy be protected?

 

Yes, at WPS-onLine, your privacy and confidentiality are our priority.

 

• Are there any exceptions to confidentiality?

 

Exceptions to confidentiality primarily relate to psychologists' ethical obligations or "duty of care". It is considered unethical for psychologists to maintain confidentiality where it may result in significant harm to yourself, your child, or others.

 

• Under what conditions can you breach confidentiality?

 

Confidentiality may be breached if the mental health professional needs to consult with other practitioners for your case. If they have good reason to believe that you or your child could be at risk of self-harm, they may breach confidentiality. In case you are involved in a court case, and the practitioner needs to provide evidence, then also they may breach confidentiality. However, these conditions are very rare. At WPS-onLine, we take every possible measure to safeguard your privacy and confidentiality.

 

• Will you be collecting my personal information?

 

Yes, we may need to collect your personal information, but it will only be used for the purpose that it was collected. You can also access your personal information at WPS-onLine at any time you want.

 

• How long does WPS-onLine maintain my records?

 

From the last time they meet you, your psychologist or mental health social worker may maintain your records for a minimum of 7 years. If the client is a child or under 18 years of age, therapists will retain the records till they turn 25. The clinician will also maintain a record of all your consultations, which will be stored securely on a password-protected computer file.

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