FAQ & Fees

  • If you are a new client, please click the “New Client” button in the main navigation and fill out the form. Someone will be in touch with you within 48-72 hours of your submission to review your information and book your first appointment. Alternatively, if you are an existing client please select the “book online” link above. Should you have difficulty using the “book online” option please contact and inform of your issue to hello@prideworthy.com.au and a member of our staff will be in contact within 48-72 hours

    • No, unless…. GP Referrals, often referred to as Mental Health Care Plan referrals, are not required if you wish to pay full fee or attempt to get a rebate through select private health insurances (?e.g. Bupa and Teacher’s Health Fund – depending on your level of cover). You will pay full fee for appointments in these instances.

    • If you are wanting a Medicare rebate for sessions, you must have a current Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, sometimes referred to as a “GP referral.”

    • We understand that seeking help is a huge act of courage and often takes a blind leap of faith so we are here to help!

    • The first session is centered around getting to know you more and establishing consent. Depending on the issue and what is happening (i.e. if you’re interested in more of a single or ongoing sessions) we may get straight to the point. We prefer to work in a way that is client-led and collaborative rather than dictated by the counsellor. Know that you can bring any questions about counselling to your first session, but no preparation is required. We ask that you come with an open mind so that we may guide you. Through this process, we’ll aim to complete a comprehensive assessment and establish some clear goals so we can together focus on what you’d like to get out of therapy in subsequent sessions. We’ll aim to give some information or techniques to help from the first session for you to take away and use as you see fit.

  • Standard appointments run for 50 minutes from the scheduled start time. However, 75 minute and 90 minute appointments may be available for an additional charge.

  • This depends entirely upon you and your needs. Generally speaking, we would hope to see some changes after 2-3 sessions, and by then have a better idea if your counsellor is the “right fit” for you. While some people only require short- term counselling (6-10 sessions) in order to see change in their day-to-day life some people may need longer term psychotherapy for long-standing issues. Targeted and structured therapies like EMDR will be discussed in more detail when they are being considered as these will need to go for a set length of time and we’ll want to ensure that we start this form of therapy at a good time (schedule and financial wise) for you. We understand that a range of factors can influence your needs (finances, availability, etc). Typically, sessions occur on a weekly or fortnightly basis to start and then become more spaced out over time.

    • Prideworthy Fees:

      • Prideworthy’s fees vary by practitioner. Each practitioner will have a set fee schedule which is sent out to prospective clients with intake and consent paperwork.

      • Couples/Relationship session are generally more expensive than individual sessions.

        • Couples are unfortunately not eligible for rebates through Medicare or private cover currently.

      • Please note that each individual has a limited number of reduced fee sessions on offer. Discuss this with your practitioner if you’d like to enquire about reduced fee availability.

      • Additional fees may apply for late/after hours appointments, initial sessions, report & letter writing outside of the requirements of the Better Access Scheme, and correspondence with other healthcare professionals.

    • If you are eligible and have a current Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you can receive a rebate of $81.90 for up to 10 appointments per calendar year. This may or may not be more, less, or not available depending on the practitioner you see. Please feel free to discuss this prior to our first appointment.

    • You may alternatively be eligible a rebate from select Private Health Insurances (BUPA, Teachers Health Fund), check with your insurer for eligibility.

    • Credit Card information will be taken at the time of booking a first appointment and securely stored within client management software for billing purposes.

    • You will be charged the full fee on the day of appointment and will receive a Medicare rebate (if you have a current MHCP from your GP) in your Medicare-connected bank account.

    • You do not have to have a MHCP to attend and can pay full fee in those instances.

    • Prideworthy does not provide bulk-billing options at this time.

    • Fee payment is credit card and direct deposit only (no cash payments).

    • Prideworthy requires 48 hours’ notice of cancelation or changes to your appointment prior to your scheduled appointment time in order to avoid a cancellation or appointment change fee.

    • A $150 late cancellation fee will apply for any cancellation or reschedule request received less than 48 hours to the scheduled appointment time.

    • A full session fee will apply for appointments when notice is given within less than 24 hours prior to appointment time or when appointments are unattended with no notice given.

      • Fees charged under these circumstances are paid in full by the client and are non-reimbursable through third parties (Medicare, private insurance, etc).

    • Via Telehealth (Australia wide)

    • In Person at Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067.

    • What is the address for Abbotsford Convent and how do I get there?

      • 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067 - more details about how to get to Abbotsford Convent, including public transit options can be found here.

      • Additionally, you can watch this video for a walk-through to reach the waiting area via stairs.

    • Where do I go once I get there?

      • Have a look at this precinct map.

        My rooms are on Level 1 in Building #22.

        The entrance to Building #22 are near where you see the red circle with the information "I" on the precinct map.

        If entering through the "main gate" on St Hellers Street, please follow the path to the right and you will see a sign for “Wellbeing at the Convent”. Please enter through the nearby door and come up the stairs to level 1. If you on the correct level, the gender neutral toilet will be to your left at the top of the stairs.

        Enter the Wellbeing Unit through the door on the right at the top of the stairs and you'll find a waiting room immediately to your right. I will collect you from there.

    • What if I need lift access

      • Have a look at this precinct map and note the location of the lift in Building 22. Access to the lift is in the corner of the building and you will need to enter from the Convent Courtyard. Enter the lift and take it up to Level 1.

        If you use the lift, please note that you'll have to let me know to collect you from the lift as the door between the lift and the Wellness Unit is usually closed but I'll be happy to come let you in at the time of your appointment.

  • You'll note on the precinct map link here that there is a car park onsite. Please note that there is a fee for this car park, and fees can be found on this page.

    Alternatively, there is ample 1 -2 hours street parking in the surrounding streets. Please take note of any parking signs, times, and restrictions that may apply.

  • Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are recognised as mental health professionals through Medicare Australia. They are assessed by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) has having met the specialist training, requirements, and expertise in mental health to hold Accreditation. Like Clinical Psychologists and other allied health professionals, AMHSW use a wide range of therapeutic interventions with clients who are experiencing mental health issues and some services are eligible for medicare reimbursement through the Better Access Initiative. For more information about Accredited Mental Health Social Worker’s please click here.

    • Sex therapy is counselling that addresses an individual’s psychological or physical sexual problem, there is no physical touching involved.

    • Sex therapists have specialist training in how psychological, social, and physiological factors come together or act individually to effect sexuality and sexual functioning. We are comfortable hearing and speaking about sexual problems, accepting of people’s diverse sexual experiences, and am non-judgemental. Not all therapists feel at ease discussing sex in this way so it is helpful knowing you can speak freely in session with Andy about topics that may feel embarrassing or awkward in other spaces and may leave you feeling grateful to have a place to speak openly and confidently about the problems you may be reluctant to share with others.

    • Sex therapy is counselling that addresses an individual’s psychological or physical sexual problem, there is no physical touching involved.

    • Sex therapists have specialist training in how psychological, social, and physiological factors come together or act individually to effect sexuality and sexual functioning. We are comfortable hearing and speaking about sexual problems, accepting of people’s diverse sexual experiences, and am non-judgemental. Not all therapists feel at ease discussing sex in this way so it is helpful knowing you can speak freely in session with Andy about topics that may feel embarrassing or awkward in other spaces and may leave you feeling grateful to have a place to speak openly and confidently about the problems you may be reluctant to share with others.

  • I am legally bound to keep your information confidential and not disclose it to others. There are certain situations however where I may have to share your information so you need to be mindful of this when telling me things during our sessions. Information will not remain confidential if:

    • You have given me prior approval to provide a written report to other professionals such as a GP or lawyer

    • You have consented for me to discuss your information with another person such as your partner, parent, friend etc

    • Failure to disclose the information would put you or another person at risk

    • It is requested by a court

  • Below are a few options that you can explore for support, as well as some options If you are experiencing a crisis. It may be worth having some of these saved on your phone so that you can quickly access them if you’re feeling distressed.

    Mental Health Crisis & Helpline Services

    • Emergency Services:

      • 000

    • Lifeline:

      • 13 11 14

    • SuicideLine Victoria:

      • 1300 651 251

    • Kids Helpline:

      • 1800 55 1800

    • QLife (Australia wide Anonymous LGBTIQA+ Peer Support)

      • 1800 184 527

    • Rainbow Door (Victoria Only LGBTIQA+ Mental Health & Family Violence Support)

      • 1800 729 367

    Helpful Website Links

  • The national Code of Conduct sets standards for non-registered providers, who are not regulated under the national scheme by AHPRA.

    The code became Victorian law on 1 February 2017. Any possible breach of this code by a non-registered provider may be grounds for a complaint to, or investigation by, the Health Complaints Commissioner.

    Providers must:

    • Provide safe and ethical healthcare

    • Obtain consent for treatment

    • Take care to protect consumers from infection

    • Minimise harm and act appropriately if something goes wrong

    • Report concerns about other practitioners

    • Keep appropriate records and comply with privacy laws

    • Be covered by insurance

    • Display information about the Code of Conduct and making a complaint.

    Providers must not:

    • Mislead consumers about their products, services or qualifications

    • Put consumers at risk due to any physical or mental health problems

    • Practice under the influence of drugs or alcohol

    • Make false claims about curing serious illnesses such as cancer

    • Exploit consumers financially

    • Discourage consumers from seeking other health care or refuse to cooperate with other practitioners if they do.

    If you are not satisfied with our service, please contact us. We take complaints seriously and aim to resolve them quickly and fairly.

    If you remain dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC). The HCC responds to complaints about health services and the handling of health information in Victoria. Their service is free, confidential and impartial. To lodge a complaint with the HCC:

    • Fill out a complaint form online at https://hcc.vic.gov.au - or -

    • Phone 1300 582 113 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to discuss your complaint.

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