Therapy can be life-changing, but cost can sometimes feel like a barrier. The good news? Medicare provides rebates  for mental health services, making therapy more affordable for Australians. If you're in Brunswick and wondering how to access psychology services through Medicare, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. What Is a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan? A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP)  is a referral from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician that allows you to claim Medicare rebates  on sessions with a registered psychologist. This means you pay less out of pocket for therapy. How many sessions are covered? Medicare covers up to 10 rebated therapy sessions per calendar year. Your GP will initially refer you for six sessions , and if needed, you can return for a review and receive an additional four sessions. Who is eligible? You may qualify for a Mental Health Treatment Plan  if you’re experiencing: Anxiety, stress, or panic attacks Depression or low mood Relationship difficulties Grief or trauma ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other mental health concerns Tip:  If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speak to your GP  about your concerns—they can assess if a treatment plan is right for you. Step-by-Step: How to claim Medicare Rebates for Therapy 1. Book an Appointment with Your GP Ask for a long consultation  to discuss your mental health. Be open about your symptoms so your GP can determine if a Mental Health Treatment Plan  is suitable. If eligible, your GP will create the plan and provide a referral letter  to a psychologist. 2. Choose a Psychologist who accepts Medicare rebates Not all psychologists accept Medicare rebates, so check before booking. At Galena Psychology , Medicare rebates are available for eligible clients. 3. Book your first therapy session Provide your referral letter  to your psychologist. Pay for your session, then claim your Medicare rebate  (more on this below). 4. Claim Your Medicare Rebate After your session, I will process the rebate for you. 5. Review & access additional sessions After your first six sessions , return to your GP for a progress review . If needed, your GP can approve an additional four Medicare-rebated sessions. How much will Medicare cover? Medicare rebates vary, but as of 2025: Seeing a registered psychologist  offers a rebate of $96.60 per session. Tip:  If you have private health insurance , check if it covers additional psychology services. You can’t claim both Medicare and private health for the same session, but insurance may help cover sessions beyond the 10 Medicare-rebated ones. Feel free to contact Galena Psychology if you have any other questions.

Therapy can be a transformative experience, but deciding between in-person vs. Telehealth (online) therapy  can feel overwhelming. Both options provide professional psychological support, but which one suits you best? The answer depends on your needs, lifestyle, and comfort level. Let’s explore the benefits of each to help you make the right choice. The benefits of in-person therapy For many, face-to-face sessions provide a sense of connection and presence  that enhances the therapeutic experience. Seeing a psychologist in person can help create a safe and grounding space  where you can process emotions without outside distractions. Why choose in-person therapy? Stronger connection:  Body language and nonverbal cues help build a deeper therapist-client relationship. Distraction-free environment:  The therapy room is a dedicated space, free from interruptions. A sense of routine:  Traveling to a therapy session can help set a clear boundary between therapy and daily life. Who might benefit most from in-person therapy? Individuals who prefer face-to-face human interaction Those who struggle with privacy concerns at home People who find it easier to open up in a dedicated therapy space Looking for in-person therapy? I offer face-to-face sessions in Fitzroy and Brunswick East. The benefits of Telehealth therapy Telehealth therapy provides the same level of professional support  as in-person therapy but with added flexibility. Many people find online therapy more accessible, especially if they have a busy schedule, mobility challenges, or prefer speaking from a familiar environment. Why choose telehealth therapy? Convenience:  Attend sessions from home, work, or anywhere with a private space. Accessibility:  Great for people with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, or travel constraints. More scheduling options:  Without travel time, fitting therapy into a busy schedule becomes easier. Comfort of your own space:  Some people find it easier to open up from the comfort of home. Who might Benefit most from Telehealth therapy? Those with tight schedules who need flexibility Individuals living in remote areas or without easy access to a therapist nearby People who feel more comfortable opening up from their home environment Those who experience anxiety around travel, social settings, or unfamiliar places Interested in Telehealth therapy? Online sessions are available for clients worldwide. Common concerns about Telehealth therapy "Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?" Yes! Studies show that Telehealth therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy  for most mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. "Will I still feel connected to my therapist?" While body language and nonverbal cues are limited in video calls, a skilled therapist ensures Telehealth sessions remain warm, engaging, and effective. "What if I don’t have a private space for online therapy?" If privacy is a concern, consider: Using headphones and sitting in a quiet room Scheduling sessions when housemates/family members are out So, which one is right for you? If you value face-to-face interaction, a structured environment, and deeper nonverbal connection , in-person therapy may be best. If you need flexibility, convenience, or prefer therapy from a familiar setting , Telehealth therapy might be the better choice. Whether you choose Telehealth vs. In-Person Therapy, both options offer professional, compassionate support —it’s just about finding what works for you. Ready to book a session?

Finding a psychologist who truly understands your needs can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to find a practitioner who aligns with your values, approach, and personal goals. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, life transitions, or personal growth, here’s how to choose the right psychologist in Brunswick. 1. Consider what your psychologist can support you with: Everyone’s journey is unique, and therapy should reflect that. Before beginning your search, take a moment to consider: What challenges are you facing? (e.g., stress, relationship issues, trauma) Do you prefer a specific therapy style, such as mindfulness-based or psychodynamic? Would you feel more comfortable with a psychologist who understands certain cultural backgrounds or life experiences? Therapy works best when you feel safe, supported, and understood , so finding a psychologist whose approach resonates with you is key. Explore My Approach to Therapy 2. Look for a psychologist with a person-centred approach: A person-centred approach  means therapy is tailored to your individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all method. At Galena Psychology, I integrate humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness-based, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approaches  to create a warm, attuned space where clients can deepen self-awareness and grow at their own pace. When researching psychologists, ask yourself: ✔ Does their approach feel aligned with what I need? ✔ Do they emphasize warmth, compassion, and collaboration? ✔ Do they provide an inclusive space for exploring different cultural identities? 3. Consider the psychologists location and accessibility For many, convenience plays a big role in staying consistent with therapy. Choosing a psychologist in Brunswick if you are a resident or in the surrounding suburbs close to your home means you have easy access to local mental health support  without needing to travel far. This will make you more likely to show up to your appointments, even if you are not feeling your best in the moment. You may also want to check: ✔ Whether they offer in-person and online sessions ✔ Their availability and wait times for new clients ✔ If they accept Medicare rebates or private health insurance 4. Trust your instincts in the first session: Your first session  is an opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with the psychologist. While it may take time to build trust, you should feel a sense of warmth and attunement. A good therapist will create a space where you feel safe to share, explore, and grow. In your first session, notice: ✨ Do I feel heard and understood? ✨ Does the psychologist explain their approach clearly? ✨ Am I comfortable discussing my thoughts and feelings here? If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s okay to explore other options. Therapy is a deeply personal experience, and finding the right fit is essential. Ready to take the next step? Finding the right psychologist is about more than credentials—it’s about connection, trust, and feeling safe to explore your inner world. At Galena Psychology, I understand that being a good fit for each other is important, which is why I offer a 10-minute introductory call to discuss the areas of concern and see if my approach is suited to your needs. I aim to provide a warm, compassionate space for clients seeking meaningful personal transformation. If you’re looking for a psychologist in Fitzroy or Brunswick East, I would love to support you on your journey. Or if you want to learn more about the services I provide: