Question 1

How can counselling help?

Accepted Answer

It can be helpful to talk to someone who is not a family member or friend. A counsellor can provide a space and a relationship that allows you to safely self-explore. Neutral and non-judgmental support is provided in therapy, guiding you through evidence-based strategies and tools to assist you with your concerns. Research has shown that seeking professional counselling facilitates positive changes in the brain - this process alters unhelpful patterns of behaviour towards more helpful patterns of thinking, feeling and being. Counselling can also help to provide you with clarity, and a sense of feeling heard, supported, and understood.

Question 2

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sessions you need will depend entirely on your individual circumstances. You will likely get a sense of what regularity works for you. Counselling can be most effective when it is regular and consistent, particularly when you first begin the process. Typically, sessions can occur weekly or fortnightly to start with, and then decrease in frequency as you work through your concerns; however, this is flexible. You and your therapist will assess your needs and situation, and decide together on what will work best for you.

Question 3

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Our therapists have extensive experience providing counselling support to children and adolescents. If your child is under 5 years of age, we will work mostly with you as the caregiver. We use play and expressive therapies to engage children in non-verbal mediums to assist safe and accessible expression of thoughts and feelings. We also provides support and information to parents on how to respond to and manage their child’s symptoms and behaviours.

Question 4

Do you offer online or telephone counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer Zoom or telephone counselling. Telehealth has been shown to be very effective in the delivery of therapy. Our therapists are experienced in using Telehealth and have been providing therapy and supervision via this platform for some time. All our therapies are available over this platform.

Question 5

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length and $190.00

Medicare rebates may apply, with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan.  Private Health fund rebates may also apply, however both can not be claimed together.  Please contact us for further information.

Individual counselling sessions are also provided under the Victims of Crime funding scheme, to eligible and approved applicants.

Question 6

Do you accept NDIS participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Referrals from Plan Managed and Self Managed participants seeking therapy are welcomed.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask that if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, you give us a minimum of 48 (business) hours notice.  Less than 48 hours will incur a partial fee of 50%. 
 If you give less than 24 hours notice of change or rescheduling will incur the full session cost.

Question 8

What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?

Accepted Answer

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) are specialist clinical mental health clinicians who are registered providers with Medicare Australia. They have been assessed on behalf of the Commonwealth Government by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as having specialist training and expertise in mental health. Like other allied health professionals such as Psychologists, they use a range of counselling interventions to assist people who are experiencing mental health issues AMSW specialise in clinical mental health social work services, and people who access counselling with them may be able to receive a Medicare rebate under a Mental Health Care Plan. AMHSWs are specialist practitioners, and are particularly skilled in dealing with complex situations.

Question 9

Is my information private and confidential?

Accepted Answer

Everything you share within your therapy sessions, from the moment you make first contact, is confidential. No one outside of our practice is able to confirm whether you are even attending unless you provide written consent to us that we are able to share this information with another specific person.

The exception to this is if your therapist becomes concerned about your safety or someone else's safety, requiring them to take steps to ensure that Duty of Care is covered. As we work from a person-centred approach, wherever possible and appropriate, these steps will always be discussed in collaboration with you prior to taking action.

Question 10

How do I provide feedback to North Star Therapeutic Services?

Accepted Answer

We welcome all feedback; compliments and complaints, as this information allows our service to continue evolving, to ensure accessibility and greater service provision. Please reach out to discuss.

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