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About

Jo Sheedy

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Jo is a Counselling Psychologist who holds dual qualifications in both psychology and physiotherapy. She initially qualified in physiotherapy in 1990 and worked as a physiotherapist for many years before pursuing a passionate interest in mind-body health and retraining as a psychologist. She studied an honours degree in psychology before going on to study a Masters of Psychology/PhD through Monash University. Jo’s PhD thesis explored psychological risk and resilience factors associated with persistent pain conditions. Jo has experience in treating a range of psychological conditions. She has a particular interest in psychological treatment of persistent pain conditions as well as trauma-related presentations. She uses evidence-based therapies to help her clients achieve meaningful and lasting change. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, schema therapy,  Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches. Jo is a Level 2 certified IFS practitioner. Jo provides individualised, respectful and outcomes-driven treatment. 

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As of 1 January 2023, the fee for an initial session is $190. Fees for subsequent sessions are $180. Fees are the same for face-to-face and telehealth delivery. Fees are always payable on the day, preferably by credit or debit card.  

 

You may be eligible for a fee subsidy via a Medicare Australia Mental Health Care Plan. See FAQs.

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Appointment cancellations made within 24 hours (one full business day) will be charged at 75% of the full session rate and no Medicare rebate on this fee is possible.

FAQ

What is the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative?

Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment by registered psychologists under the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This scheme provides considerable assistance to people living with mental health problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare. Under this scheme individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder can access up to 10 individual and 10 group treatment sessions per year.

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Do I need to get a doctor's referral?

You will need a GP referral and a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) in order to obtain a Medicare rebate for psychology services. This plan allows a rebate of $89.65 for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year. The initial referral will be for a maximum of six sessions. 

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What happens after six sessions?

If you require further treatment after six sessions, it is essential to see your GP for a review of the MHCP. As long as your GP deems it clinically appropriate, a further four sessions can then be approved. It is very important the GP bills the Medicare review item at this appointment as well as sends an updated referral note back to your psychologist. Both of these things need to occur in order for any further sessions to be billed under Medicare. Your psychologist will discuss this with you in your first session. Written communication from your psychologist to your referring GP must occur after sessions six and ten of our mental health care plan. We will ask for your consent in order for this to occur.

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Does the Medicare Safefty Net apply to my out of pocket expenses?

Yes. You are responsible for paying any charges in excess of the Medicare rebate. However, these out-of-pocket expenses will count towards the Medicare Safety Net.

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