Phone Call
If you have any questions, just ask! Bernadette is here to help.
How to make an appointment
There are several ways to schedule an appointment.
Complete Form
You can contact Bernadette through her online appointment form.
Referral From GP
You are eligible for a Medicare rebate* if you have counselling with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker in private practice when you are referred by your GP, pediatrician, or psychiatrist.
You can choose the option that’s easiest for you. Bernadette does her best to answer phone calls, but if you get her voicemail please feel free to leave a message and she will return your call as soon as possible.
As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker Bernadette can provide services privately under Medicare.
* To receive a Medicare rebate when seeing Bernadette
- Make an appointment to see your GP, pediatrician, or psychiatrist.
- Ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral letter, or
- If you are being referred by your psychiatrist or pediatrician, just ask for a referral letter.
When arranging the first appointment, Bernadette will suggest that you see your doctor. You may need to make a double appointment to allow time for your doctor to complete the Mental Health Care Plan.
Cancelling an appointment
At least 48 hours’ notice of cancellation of an appointment is very much appreciated as there are times when Bernadette needs to try and adjust her calendar to allow room for other clients and she tries to avoid waiting lists.
If Bernadette knows in advance you are unable to attend an appointment she may be able to allocate the appointment to someone on the waiting list.
Withdrawal from therapy
There are many reasons why clients choose not to continue with a therapist. You may withdraw from therapy at any time, without prejudice. If you wish to be referred to a different therapist, please discuss this with Bernadette at any time.
Will my sessions be confidential?
If you have been referred for Psychological Treatment, all personal information gathered will remain confidential except if: Subpoenaed by a court; failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at risk; Or your prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to or discuss the material with another person (e.g., GP, lawyer).
How will my personal information be protected?
As part of your psychological assessment/treatment Bernadette will collect information and record personal information. She needs to collect information about you for the primary purpose of providing a quality service to you and thoroughly assess, diagnose and provide therapy.
This information will also be used for:
- The administrative purpose of running the practice.
- Billing either directly or through an insurer or compensation age.
- With your consent, use within the practice if discussing or passing your case to another practitioner within the practice for your ongoing management.
- Disclosure of information to your doctors, other health professionals or to teachers to facilitate communication and best possible care for you; and
- In the case of insurance or compensation claim it may be necessary to disclose and/or collect information that concerns your return to work to an insurer or your employer. This will be discussed with you if any request is made.
Bernadette does not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.
All information collected about you is confidential and stored in an electronic file. From time to time client data may be collated to evaluate, improve service quality, and report to funding bodies (such as Department of Health and Ageing). At no time will your personal information be identifiable during these data collection processes (e.g., your name, address and date of birth is not included in data gathering and reporting protocols).
Assess to personal information
If you have been referred for psychological treatment, you may access the material recorded in your file upon request, subject to the exceptions in National Privacy Principle 6 in the Privacy Act 1988.
