Psychological and Dietetic Therapy at Mind Body Well

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PLEASE FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THEse TERMS, and contact us if you require any further information.

Psychological Counselling

Psychological counselling is a targeted intervention aimed at reducing emotional distress and enhancing psychological coping strategies. Psychological counselling can take different forms depending on the needs and preferences of the clients and also the approach and skills of the therapist. Psychologists at Mind Body Well approach counselling in a manner which is both evidence-based and client-centred, creating a unique therapeutic relationship in collaboration with each client.

Dietetic Therapy

Dietetic therapy can assist you to translate scientifically relevant nutritional information to your personal circumstances. Dietetic therapy not only focuses on food and eating behaviours but can also address eating attitudes and beliefs which can impact on nutritional choices. Dietitians at Mind Body Well work closely with our Psychologists to provide multi-disciplinary care.

Therapy Structure

Assessment Phase

All therapy at Mind Body Well begins with an initial Assessment Phase, which may take between 1-3 sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues to be addressed in therapy. At the completion of this Assessment Phase, your Therapist will negotiate with you a Treatment Plan, which will outline:

  • the focus and goals of your therapy

  • the treatment approaches to be used

  • your treatment team - which may also include Psychologists and Dietitians’ at Mind Body Well, along with other health professionals

Treatment Phase

Each phase of therapy will have clear treatment goals, and a timeframe after which the effectiveness of therapy will be measured by you and your therapist. Some clients will have multiple phases of treatment, whereas others may opt for briefer therapy.

Your Personal Information

In order to provide quality assessment and therapeutic services, Therapists at Mind Body Well will collect and record personal information relevant to your situation. ‘Therapists’ referred to in this document include Psychologists and Dietitians providing professional services at Mind Body Well. Some of your information may also be accessed by our administrative staff, for administrative purposes only.

Any personal information gathered as part of your assessment and treatment process will be kept securely and, in the interests of your privacy, be used only by your Therapist and authorised personnel of the practice (as necessary). Your personal information is retained in order to document the progress of your sessions, assisting your Therapist to provide a relevant and informed service.

You are entitled to access your personal information kept on file, subject to exceptions outlined in the relevant legislation. If you require access to your information please discuss this with your Therapist.

Confidentiality

Personal information gathered by your Therapist during the provision of services is considered confidential and will not be disclosed to a third party except when:

  1. your prior consent has been obtained to:

    a)    provide a written report or correspondence to another professional or agency (e.g. your Doctor or a Lawyer); or

    b)    discuss your care with another person (e.g. your Parent, Employer or Health Care Provider); or

  2. it is subpoenaed by a court; or

  3. failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of your Therapist place you or another person at serious risk of harm; or

  4. disclosure is otherwise required by law.

Consent to Liaise with Other Health Professionals

Your Therapist will seek your consent to communicate with other Health Professionals involved in your care, which may include your Doctor, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Dietitian, and/or other practitioners where appropriate. If you have any concerns about this please discuss them with your Therapist.

Service Limitations

Therapist at our practice agree to provide the best therapy they are able to offer you. If your Therapist believes they are unable to provide optimal care they will advise you of your options and where appropriate, facilitate referral to another Health Professional.

Fees and Rebates

Fees for our services are to be paid in full on the day of service by cash or credit card. Sessions generally run for 50 minutes, unless otherwise agreed with your Therapist.

You may be able to claim rebates for Psychological Counselling and/or Dietetic Therapy if you have:

  • A referral and an appropriate Care Plan prepared by your Doctor or

  • Private Health Insurance which includes Psychological Counselling or Dietetic Therapy as part of your extras cover.

Please ensure you provide us with your referral and/or plan from your Doctor prior to your session if you are able to claim rebates, and we will issue the appropriate receipt to enable you to submit your claim (please note, we do not process rebates on your behalf).

If you are eligible for our concession rate, please provide us a with copy of your Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card prior to your sessions commencing (concession rates cannot be applied retrospectively).

Further details about our Fees and the rates available can be found at THIS LINK.

Cancellation Policy

Appointments are scheduled ahead of time and 48 hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment without incurring a fee. Cancellations received with less than 48 hours notice, and appointments not attended at the scheduled time will incur a fee of 50% of the cost of the consultation.

You will receive a reminder of your appointment by SMS five days prior to your scheduled time. It is important that you arrive in readiness to start your appointment on time. Late arrival will necessitate a shorter session.

Clients who cancel or do not attend for 3 scheduled appointments may have their treatment terminated, at the discretion of the Therapist and/or Practice Director.

Contact With Your Therapist

Our Therapists are unable to provide emergency support, and contact with your Therapist outside of session times will be very limited. If you need to contact your Therapist please do so via our office by telephone (03) 9820 1848, or email office@mindbodywell.com.au  

Where necessary, your Therapist will assist you to establish out-of-hours and emergency contacts. In a Psychological emergency you are recommended to contact the Crisis Assessment Team (1300 721 927) or Emergency Services (000).