Fees and FAQs

Fees

Face-to-face and Telehealth Sessions (50 minutes)

Please note, Michelle Johnston Psychology is not a bulk billing practice.

Initial Intake Session:

  • Fee: $275

  • Medicare Rebate: $98.95 per session

  • Out-of-Pocket Cost: $176.05

Follow-Up Sessions:

  • Fee: $250

  • Medicare Rebate: $98.95 per session

  • Out-of-Pocket Cost: $151.05

Session fees are intentionally set below the rates recommended by the Australian Psychological Society  ($318 per 50 minutes) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc ($330 per 46-60 minutes).

Professional Supervision (60 minutes)

Registered psychologist:

  • Fee: $200 + GST per session

Letters/Reports/Phone calls/Emails

Reports, letters, or documentation requested by third parties will be charged at the standard session fee per 50 minutes of report writing.

Phone calls and emails more than 15 minutes will attract a fee commensurate of $75.00 per 15-minute block.

Cancellation Fees

We understand that at times you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Due to the high demand for Psychological Services, we ask that clients follow the cancellation policy outlined below:

  • More than 2 business days’ notice: No fee

  • 1-2 business days’ notice: 50% of the session fee

  • Less than 1 business days’ notice or missed appointment: Full session fee

  • All cancellation fees must be paid prior to future appointments.​

Please note: For Monday and Tuesday appointments, clients must cancel by 9:00am on the Friday prior.

Medicare and private health rebates can not be applied to cancellation/no show fees.

If you are cancelling your session due to being unwell, we can often accommodate a Telehealth session, as an alternative to cancelling your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Michelle currently sees adults aged 18 and over.

  • No, you do not need a referral to book a psychology session. Many people choose to attend privately and can book directly. This means that the full session fee will be out of pocket.

  • Yes, Michelle provides psychological services under the Better Access Initiative with Medicare. Medicare rebates are available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP or psychiatrist. Clients can access up to 10 rebated sessions under their MHCP per calendar year. Please provide your MHCP to Michelle Johnston Psychology prior to your initial intake session.

  • If you have Private Health Insurance you may be eligible for a rebate for psychology services through your health fund. Please seek eligibility from your private health insurer prior to your session. Private health claims are unable to be processed on your behalf. You will be provided with an invoice which you can lodge with your private health insurer.

    Please note that you cannot claim both Medicare and private health for the same session.

  • At present, Michelle does not accept NDIS, Workcover, Open Arms or Victims Services referrals.

  • Yes. Michelle offers secure online (Telehealth) sessions for clients who prefer to attend from home.

    Research shows that online therapy works just as well as in-person therapy for many individuals. People are still able to build a strong, therapeutic alliance with their therapist over video and many find it more convenient and comfortable being in their own space.

    Online sessions follow the same structure as face-to-face sessions and are a flexible, effective way to access support.

  • The first session is a space for us to get to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s brought you to therapy, your current challenges, and background history. There’s no pressure to share everything at once - we go at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. We’ll also talk about your goals and what you’re hoping for from therapy.

  • The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of therapy. In the first sessions, we are both getting a sense of whether the space feels safe, supportive and aligned with your needs.

    If you ever feel that our work together isn’t the right fit, I encourage you to share that with me. These conversations are welcome, and if needed I’m happy to help you find another therapist who may be a better fit.