What services do you offer?

Wise Mind offers a range of services, including individual therapy, family therapy, and psychological and diagnostic assessments for children and adults of all ages. Our team is experienced, caring, and dedicated to helping clients live their best life. Please see our services page for further information.

What is the difference between a registered psychologist and a clinical psychologist?

All psychologists in Australia hold general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Both Registered and Clinical psychologists have completed and continue to undertake extensive education, training, and supervision in evidence-based psychological approaches to assess and treat a wide variety of mental health concerns.

A Registered psychologist has completed four years of accredited undergraduate study, and either one year of accredited postgraduate study and one year of supervised clinical practice, or two years of supervised practice.

A Clinical psychologist has completed four years of accredited undergraduate study, two years of postgraduate study (e.g. a Master of Clinical Psychology), and two years of supervised clinical practice. 

All of our psychologists at Wise Mind Newcastle are experienced and provide the same quality of care, standards of practice, and ethical behaviour.

Is a referral required to see a psychologist at Wise Mind?

It is not necessary to have a referral to see one of our psychologists. However, we recommend you speak with a General Practitioner (GP) about your eligibility to be referred to our practice under Medicare’s Better Access to Mental Health Initiative. If you are deemed eligible, your GP will refer under a Mental Health Care Plan, which will allow you to claim a partial rebate for 10 sessions per calendar year.

If you wish to access sessions privately, you can reach out to us directly to schedule an appointment without the need for a referral. It's important to note that private clients are not eligible for any Medicare rebates. However, if you have private health insurance, your insurance provider may offer rebates to offset the session costs. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to inquire about your specific coverage and available rebates.

How can I access Medicare rebates for psychological services?

To obtain Medicare rebates, you will require a referral from your GP or Psychiatrist under a Mental Health Care plan. This will give you access to 10 Medicare sessions per calendar year. A review with your GP or Psychiatrist is required after the first 6 sessions (from the date of the referral), after which an additional 4 sessions can be granted with a new referral.

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, you can claim a Medicare rebate of $141.85 with a Clinical Psychologist and $96.65 with a Registered Psychologist for each session.

To read more about how the Mental Health Care Plan and Better Access Initiative works, click on this Factsheet from the Department of Health or read more about the scheme here from the Australian Psychological Association.

Can I use my NDIS funding to see a psychologist?

Participants who self-manage their NDIS funds or have a Plan Manager can use their funding to access psychological services at Wise Mind Newcastle, provided these services are part of their NDIS plan.

To do so, they must submit a copy of their NDIS plan for verification. Additionally, those with a Plan Manager must also supply their Plan Manager's details. Unfortunately, our services cannot be extended to individuals whose NDIS funds are managed directly by the NDIA (Agency-Managed).

How can I schedule an appointment?

If you would like to book an appointment or need any further information, please call us on (02) 4091 0100. If you leave a phone message outside of our opening hours, we aim to get back to you on the next business day.

Alternatively, please send an email to admin@wisemindnewcastle.com.au. We make every effort to respond to online appointment enquiries within 24 hours.

• Phone: (02) 4091 0100

• Email: admin@wisemindnewcastle.com.au

• Fax: (02) 8201 3485

What can I expect during my first appointment?

It is normal to feel nervous before your first session. Our experienced therapists are warm and non-judgemental, with a focus on trying to help you feel at ease.

The initial session is dedicated to gaining an understanding of your concerns and difficulties, as well as collaboratively identifying your treatment goals and expectations. Towards the end of the initial appointment, you and your clinician will discuss treatment options and the frequency of future sessions.

We encourage clients to arrive at least 10 minutes early to their first appointment to complete some initial paperwork. This includes completing a form with basic personal information, a consent form, and information relating to confidentiality, fees, and other important details about Wise Mind Psychology. 

Are sessions confidential?

Information shared during sessions is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent. There are some legal limitations to confidentiality, which your psychologist will discuss with you in your first session. Your psychologist will ask you to sign a consent form if there is a need to discuss information about you with another person (such as a GP, lawyer, or third-party billing source). For more information, please see our privacy policy.

Do you offer telehealth or online therapy services?

Yes, we provide online therapy using Google Meet as well as phone consultations Australia-wide. The cost for these services is the same as our normal fees listed below, and are eligible for the same Medicare rebates as face-to-face appointments.

How long does each session go for?

Each session goes for approximately 50 minutes, except the first consultation, which goes for around 1 hour.

How much does it cost?

Registered Psychologist (from 1 July 2024):

• Client Fee - $215

• Medicare Rebate - $96.65

Clinical Psychologist (from 1 July 2024):

• Client Fee - $250

• Medicare Rebate - $141.85

For assessment pricing, please contact us for further information.

What is your cancellation policy?

At Wise Mind Psychology, we have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Any late cancellations or rescheduling of an appointment within 24-48 hours (two business days) will attract 50% of the appointment fee. Any late cancellations, rescheduling of an appointment, or failure to attend within less than 24 hours (one business day) will attract the full appointment fee.

How can I access crisis intervention or emergency mental health services?

Wise Mind Psychology Newcastle is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know may be in danger or is at immediate risk of attempting harm to themselves or someone else, Call 000 immediately.

The following resources can provide you with immediate help:

Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 – Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential.

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – This is a 24-hour crisis support telephone service. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511 - NSW Health's free 24/7 statewide phone service, which links people with NSW Health mental health services.

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 – This is a national service that provides free 24/7 phone, video, and online professional counseling to people who are affected by suicide.

Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800 - Provides specialised help for young people aged 5 to 25 years, and is staffed by professional counsellors.

National Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 - This is a 24/7 free service to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

What payment methods do you offer?

Wise Mind accepts all major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The practice has a HICAPS electronic payment facility that provides you with the convenience of on-the-spot Health Fund/Medicare claims and EFTPOS payments all in one solution.