Newcastle Counsellor: Counselling with or without a Mental Health Care Plan

Local Newcastle Therapist Kristen Fraser provides counselling with or without a Mental Health Care Plan

If you are considering seeking support from a local Newcastle counsellor for face to face or telehealth therapy and do not have a Mental Health Care Plan, there are other options available to you. There are many reasons people pay privately for a face to face counsellor in Newcastle ranging from general wellbeing to support with a mental health condition. Choosing a local Newcastle counsellor with or without a Mental Health Care Plan involves weighing up several considerations to ensure a good therapeutic fit. Things you might consider when considering counselling with or without a Mental Health Care Plan include the qualifications, experience and fees of the therapist as well as the location if you prefer face to face counselling. It can help to reflect on your specific needs and therapy goals when looking for a counsellor or therapist.

Why do people pay for counselling?

People pay privately for counselling for a variety of reasons. For some, it is to build coping skills, improve overall wellbeing, stress management or develop healthy relationships. For others it may be to manage mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Some people reach out for counselling for a specific situation or life transition, such as support through a cancer diagnosis, family separation or employment changes. Counselling can help individuals gain self awareness and clarity that can help move through a difficult experience.

Do you need a Mental Health Care Plan from the GP?

The short answer, is no, you don't need a Mental Health Care Plan to access counselling. People can access counselling with or without a Mental Health Care Plan. Individuals may prefer to pay privately for a variety of reasons as there are advantages and disadvantages to both private pay and using services under a Mental Health Care Plan. Regardless of which option you choose, there is usually a gap fee per session, even with a Medicare Rebate. The cost per session varies depending on the therapists qualifications, experience and type of therapy offered.

Using a Mental Health Care Plan

One way people can access talk therapy or counselling is through the Better Access Scheme. The Better Access Scheme is for individuals with a clinically diagnosable mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, unexplained somatic complaints, insomnia, eating disorders or drug and alcohol use disorders.

To access this scheme, a referral by your GP is required. Your GP creates a Mental Health Care Plan which provides a Medicare rebate on therapy appointments provided by a Psychologist or an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker providing focused psychological strategies. The Better Access Scheme provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 appointments per calendar year. More information about Understanding Mental Health Care Plans.

Are There Benefits to Counselling Without a Mental Health Care Plan?

There are benefits paying for counselling without a Mental Health Care Plan such as not needing a diagnosis of a mental health condition and flexible treatment plans. Flexible therapy treatment planning means session numbers are not dictated, the client chooses the counsellor, how many appointments, and the focus of the therapy.

How to find a Newcastle Counsellor with or without a Mental Health Care Plan

Identify the support you are looking for to help narrow your search. Research local counselling options by asking your GP, asking a trusted family member or friend or using online directories. Read reviews and ask questions. You might arrange consultations with a few counsellors to gauge comfort and compatibility. Lastly, check the credentials of the clinician under their peak body, for example ACA, PACFA, AASW or AHPRA. This quick read covers more in-depth information on choosing a Mental Health Professional.

Newcastle Counsellor: Book Online

Kristen is a local Newcastle counsellor providing both face to face counselling and telehealth appointments. Kristen is a Medicare Approved provider and accepts clients with or without a Mental Health Care Plan.

Kristen specialises in stress management, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma and grief and loss. Kristen works from evidenced based therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

If you are looking for a Newcastle Counsellor with or without a Mental Health Care Plan reach out by emailing kristenfrasercounselling@gmail.com or book online.