Fee & Cancellation Policy

Our Commitment to Transparency

At Authentic Self Psychology, we are committed to providing consistent, high-quality, and sustainable care. This policy outlines our fee structure and cancellation terms, ensuring a transparent and predictable financial arrangement. We believe a clear understanding of these details is essential for a strong therapeutic partnership. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

1. Schedule of Fees

Standard Psychology Session (50 mins): $270.00
Additional Services (e.g., extended sessions): Incurred at a pro-rata rate of the standard session fee (plus GST where applicable).
Fee Reviews: Our fees are reviewed periodically to align with the costs of running a high-quality practice. You will always be provided with at least 30 days' written notice of any changes to the fee schedule. For context, the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) national recommended fee for a 50-minute consultation is $330.00 (2025-2026), and we endeavour to keep our fees below this rate.

2. Payment Process

Automatic Payment: To streamline the process and allow us to focus fully on your session, fees are processed automatically on the day of your appointment using the secure Go Cardless platform.
Authorisation: By providing your payment details, you authorise Authentic Self Psychology to process payments for all attended sessions and any applicable cancellation fees as outlined in this policy.
Outstanding Fees: Any outstanding fees must be settled in full before further appointments can be confirmed or attended.

3. Rebates & Funding

Medicare: With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral from your GP, Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate. The current rebate for a Registered Psychologist is 98.95** per session, making your out-of-pocket cost **171.05. Rebates are subject to change by the Australian Government.
Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be eligible for a rebate. Please contact your insurer directly to confirm your entitlements for psychology services. Please note: You cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and a private health rebate for the same session.

4. Cancellation, Rescheduling & Non-Attendance Policy

A regular appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. This policy is in place to ensure we can continue to offer a sustainable service to all clients. We require more than 48 business hours' notice to reschedule or cancel an appointment without incurring a fee.

More than 48 business hours' notice: No Fee
Less than 48 business hours' notice: 50% of the session fee ($135.00)
Less than 24 business hours' notice or Non-Attendance (DNA): 100% of the session fee ($270.00)

What are "Business Hours"? Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding Victorian public holidays. For example, to cancel a 10:00 am Monday appointment without a fee, you would need to notify us by 10:00 am on the preceding Thursday.

Purpose of this Policy: Late cancellations and non-attendance mean that another person who may be in urgent need of support is unable to access that appointment time. The fee also covers the cost of the time your psychologist has dedicated to preparing for your session.

5. Illness or Unexpected Emergencies

We understand that genuine emergencies and sudden illness can occur.

Option for Telehealth: If you are unwell but still wish to have your session, we can switch your appointment to Telehealth (video) or a phone call. This allows you to receive care without incurring a cancellation fee.
If You Are Too Unwell for a Session: If you are too unwell to attend via any modality, the cancellation fee will apply. Please know that your psychologist will still use the reserved time to provide care by reviewing your file, updating your support plan, or preparing resources tailored to your therapeutic goals.

6. Late Arrivals

If you are running late, please email us. Your session will still end at its scheduled time. If you arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes after your scheduled start time, it will be considered a non-attendance, and the full session fee will apply.

7. Appointment Reminders

We send courtesy SMS and/or email reminders before your appointment. However, please note that the responsibility for attending or cancelling your appointment on time rests with you. Non-receipt of a reminder message is not a valid reason for waiving cancellation fees.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. This policy helps us provide dedicated, reliable, and high-quality care to all our clients.