FAQS (frequently asked questions
Will you keep my information confidential?
Everything you tell me is confidential, and I take this trust very seriously. I will not disclose unless your or others' safety is at risk or, in exceptional circumstances, when information is requested through a warrant or subpoena. This will be explained to you in more detail at the first session.
Are you qualified?
I am qualified; I have 10 years as a counsellor, a Master of Counselling, a Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling, a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and specialised training in Mental Health, Alcohol and other drugs and Relationships.
Other aspects of my qualifications and professionalism include:
. PACFA, ACA and ARCAP registration and as a member, I adhere to the Code of Ethics of these organisations.
. NDIS worker screening certification.
. Working with Children clearance.
How often do I need to come and for how long?
Counselling sessions go for up to 60 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs. You determine the duration of the counselling relationship as this can vary for each client, but it typically consists of three to four sessions and then a review.
Long-term clients may choose to attend every few weeks or as needed.
Can I get a Health Fund Rebate?
Most Health Funds do not, at this point, cover counselling fees. Check with your provider to see what they will or will not cover.
Do I need a Mental Health Care plan?
No, you do not need a Mental Health Care plan. Together we will explore your counselling goals and review your progress regularly.
I have a psychiatrist; do I need you?
Psychiatrists diagnose, assess, and treat serious mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. They are qualified to prescribe medication. Treatment often includes talk therapy, and psychiatrists may recommend that clients see a psychologist or counsellor for additional support of ‘talk’ therapy.
Counselling can support you with ‘talk’ therapy and living your diagnosis and medications.
I have a psychologist; do I need you?
Psychologists focus on the diagnosis of a problem and symptom reduction of mental unwellness, illness, disorder, or condition and determine what’s best for ongoing care but cannot prescribe medication. Most often treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Counselling can support you while waiting for a psychologist, during a pending diagnosis, if you've used all your sessions in the Mental Health Care plan or find it difficult to afford regular sessions.
My current fee is $150 per session, which is close to the gap fee you will pay with a non-bulk billing provider.
Can I get a Medicare Rebate?
No, at this point, you cannot get a Medicare rebate for CounsellingWithHelen sessions.
To receive a Medicare rebate and pay no fees for counselling, you must see a registered psychologist or a mental health social worker, who will bulk-bill you with a requirement that they are working with a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan prepared by a GP. Some services charge no fees for sessions, and you can Google search for them.
My current fee is $150 per session, which is close to the gap fee you will pay with a non-bulk billing provider.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to see me. Just contact me for an appointment by:
Booking www.Counsellingwithhelen.com.au
Email Counsellingwithhelen@outlook.com.au
Phone or sms 0419957078 or +61419957078.
How long before I can get an appointment?
Depending on your availability, I aim to schedule our first session within five business days of your initial contact. Please let me know your preferred method of communication for booking a session—would you prefer phone, SMS, or email?
My session availability is flexible, with early morning, daytime, and after-hours sessions on most days. Typically, we will agree on a regular day and time for our sessions. The days I am most often available are Monday and Wednesday.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made via PayID counsellingwithhelen@outlook.com.au or bank transfer, with funds to be received at least 2 hours before the start of each session.
What is your cancellation policy?
When you make an appointment, this time is allocated to you.
Cancellations or reschedules with less than 48 hours’ notice can incur a cancellation fee of 30%, and no-shows will be invoiced at the session fee. The fee is payable before the start of the next appointment.
What is the difference between a counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health social worker, and life coach?
Counsellors help clients to think in new ways, manage difficult emotional experiences more effectively, and practise different ways of behaving. They do this by listening and focusing on the client’s concerns and difficulties without judgment, helping them see things from a different perspective. Counsellors draw on evidence-based research, can focus on psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and humanism and use a range of modalities to support the client.
Counselling can be short-term, support a client while they navigate a mental health diagnosis and pharmacotherapy (medication) treatment, long-term, or situational.
Psychology is predominately a research-orientated model which focuses on diagnosis and symptom reduction of mental unwellness, illness, disorder, or condition. A psychologist will assess and diagnose a problem and determine what’s best for ongoing care but cannot prescribe medication. Most often, treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who have trained first as medical practitioners but have then gone on to receive specialised training in treating mental disorders, including the more serious ones such as schizophrenia, bipolar, and severe depression. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication (pharmacotherapy). Most often, treatment includes ‘talk’ therapy and the psychiatrist will recommend that the client see a psychologist or counsellor.
Mental health social workers are mental health professionals who have trained as social workers and have gone on to do additional training in cognitive issues. They focus on connecting people through providing individual or group counselling. They are often employed in the mental health system or in roles where they care for or advocate for mental health patients; they cannot prescribe medication.
Life Coaches work with their clients to help them maximise their potential. The coach’s job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity the client already has and to help with motivation. Coaches do not delve into a client’s past hurts or traumas.
Are you LGBTI queer-friendly?
Yes, I am LGBTI queer-friendly.
What if I am not good with technology?
It's OK if you have a phone; I can support you in accessing counselling through an online face-to-face health platform by phone, WhatsApp, or Messenger.
Are you registered/accredited?
Yes, I am registered with PACFA, ACA and ARCAP, and as a member, I adhere to the Code of Ethics of these organisations. I have NDIS worker screening certification and a current Working with Children check.
I hold a Master of Counselling, a Post Graduate Certificate of Counselling, and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and specialised training in Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Relationships.
Do you have a check for working with children?
Yes, I have a current check for Working with children. I enjoy supporting teens, young adults and parents of children all ages.
Do you have NDIS clearance?
Yes, I have a current NDIS worker screening certification.
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
Yes, I have professional indemnity insurance.
Will I have a treatment plan?
Together we will explore your counselling goals and review your progress regularly.
How will I contact you? How will you contact me?
You do not need a referral to see me. Just contact me for appointments by:
Booking www.Counsellingwithhelen.com.au
Email Counsellingwithhelen@outlook.com.au
Phone or sms 0419957078 or +61419957078.
NOTE: CounsellingWithHelen is not a crisis or emergency service.
For emergencies contact the Police, Hospital or Lifeline.
Do you do sessions in person in a counselling room?
No, not at this time. All counselling is online face-to-face website health platform, via phone or WhatsApp or Messenger in a location that is convenient, comfortable and private for you Addiction can be a difficult cycle to break, but with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. Our addiction counselors are here to help you overcome addiction and develop a healthy, fulfilling life in recovery. We offer a variety of evidence-based treatments for addiction.