I am a Masters-level qualified counsellor (Monash University)
I am currently registered with Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as a Level 3 member (12695)
Initial session (1.5 hours): $180. Or some people prefer to keep to a 50 minute session at $140
Subsequent sessions (50-minute sessions): $140
Yes I do. I can offer evening or weekend sessions. Sessions can be via Telehealth, phone or face-to-face. Appointments are limited. Contact me if this is something that you are interested in.
Yes, I can offer a free 15-minute introductory call for prospective clients to see if I am a suitable therapist. I can recommend other therapists if we are not a match.
While I am a counsellor, I may not be the most suitable counsellor for everyone for a range of reasons. If you answer yes to any of the following, then it would be best if I refer you onto another therapist. Contact me, I can help you locate one that will be suitable for your needs. We call this a “conflict of interest” in therapy language.
Yes I offer Telehealth. I have a secure platform and you wont have to download a program. I also offer phone counselling.
We can discuss this during your 15 minute introductory call. Your initial session could go for one and a half hours, if you desire. During the first extended session, you can tell your story, together we will develop a therapy plan of your goals and determine what you would like to achieve from therapy.
Subsequent sessions will be 50 minutes of counselling time.
Therapists allow the following 10 minutes to write brief case notes, reflect on the session and to prepare/research for your next session.
I currently work with a small range of evidence-based interventions.
Under the current Medicare rebate system counsellors are not able to apply for a Medicare provider number. Counselling peak bodies are trying to have this changed, I will advise clients if (or when) this changes.
Seeing a counsellor means there is no need for you to provide a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP to access my services. I can consult with your GP should you choose, the choice is each clients individually.
As an ACA Level 3 Counsellor some private health funds will reimburse some of your costs. My provider number will be included on a client's invoice so you can discuss with your individual private health fund.
The following are private health funds that may offer reimbursement
- Bupa
- Medibank
- ahm
- ARHG (Australian Regional Health Group): this includes
- Police Health Fund
- Phoenix Health
- CUA Health (Telehealth only)
- St Luke's Health
- Emergency Services Health
- WestFund
- Teachers Union Fund
- GMHBA
Yes, I do. I’m not registered with all companies, but I will be more than happy to contact your Human Resource department on your behalf if you would like to engage in counselling services with me. You would need to notify me of this in advance prior to your counselling appointment as some companies already have EAP contracts in place.
Yes, under Improved Daily Living within Capacity Building. However, you must be either plan-managed or self-managed, given The Rural Counsellor is not currently a registered NDIS provider.
No, I only see individuals over 18-years old.
Yes, although specified hourly rates may apply.
Yes. Bookings must be paid for 24 hours prior to attending your appointment. You can cancel up to 24 hours prior with no charge. After this time, 80% of your fee will be charged if you notify me. No refunds will be provided for not showing up to your appointment and no cancellation notification.
Yes. I attend regular supervision to ensure that I’m able to provide clients the best professional practice whilst also meeting ACA requirements. My supervision clinician is based interstate, so there will be less chance for a conflict of interest of any kind.
I adhere to the Scope of Practice (https://www.theaca.net.au/documents/ACA_Scope_combined.pdf) set out by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). You can find more details at ACA’s website. https://www.theaca.net.au/
Please contact me if you have any questions not covered here or if my response isn’t clear.
Email: melisa@theruralcounsellor.com.au
Phone: 0481 588 964
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