FAQ
Common Questions
Yes, sessions are delivered in person, over video link, or telephone.
No, there is no limit to the number of sessions available by Nurse Practitioners.
Certainly. Nurse Practitioners collaborate and work alongside your existing care providers to ensure that treatment planning is clear and cohesive.
Please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14, Emergency Services at 000, or your local Mental Health Triage Service in Victoria which can be located here http://www3.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices/
Mental Health Treatment Plans are completed by GPs and allow you to receive subsidised sessions through psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists. Mental Health Nurse Practitioners do not require these plans to deliver services, and care with a Nurse Practitioner can be delivered alongside the clinician you may see under the Mental Health Treatment Plan.
If hospitalisation is clinically indicated, referrals can be made both within the private and public sector.
Not at this time, however carer support is available, and referrals can be made to other clinicians and services. Please discuss this if you feel it may apply to you.
Medicinal cannabis is available by prescription in Australia and may be helpful in the treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety and PTSD. However, it is contraindicated in some cases. Please discuss this with your GP and on referral if you feel it may apply to you.
No, these certificates must be completed by Medical Practitioners. We can provide your GP with reviews of your sessions and progress.
Am I eligible for Medicare Rebates?
Yes. Private healthcare services provided by a Nurse Practitioner attract Medicare Rebates. Did you know that out of pocket fees paid for health services contribute to your Medicare threshold? Once you’ve reached the threshold, you’ll start getting higher Medicare benefits. This means you’ll get 80% of your expenses back for certain Medicare services. You can check this by logging into your Medicare and clicking ‘Safety Net’. Short bulk-billed telehealth sessions are offered at the discretion of Health in Mind. These short sessions are suitable in supporting existing clients during a crisis or who require short-term, frequent support due to ill health or medication monitoring. Department of Veterans’ Affairs patients will never be charged a fee.
Do you provide telehealth or in-person sessions?
Yes, sessions are delivered in person, over video link, or telephone.
Can I still see my Psychiatrist or Psychologist?
Certainly. Nurse Practitioners collaborate and work alongside your existing care providers to ensure that treatment planning is clear and cohesive.
Is there a limit to the number of sessions?
No, there is no limit to the number of sessions available by Nurse Practitioners.
What if I require urgent support?
Please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14, Emergency Services at 000, or your local Mental Health Triage Service in Victoria which can be located here. https://www3.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices/
Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan to obtain support?
No, you do not require a Mental Health Care Plan for sessions with Health in Mind or to receive Medicare rebates. Mental Health Care Plans are completed by GPs which then allow patients to receive Medicare rebates through the Better Access Scheme for up to 10 sessions annually with psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. Nurse Practitioners do not require these plans to offer Medicare rebates and care with a Nurse Practitioner can be delivered alongside a clinician you may see under a Mental Health Care Plan. It is not unusual for patients to see both a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a psychologist, as care is often targeted in different areas with cohesive treatment planning and collaboration.
Can you organise hospital admissions?
If hospitalisation is clinically indicated, referrals can be made both within the private and public sector.
Do you provide couples or family therapy?
Not at this time, however carer support is available, and referrals can be made to other clinicians and services. Please discuss this if you feel it may apply to you.
Can you complete Centrelink medical certificates?
No, these certificates must be completed by Medical Practitioners. We can provide your GP with reviews of your sessions and progress.
Do you prescribe medicinal cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis is available by prescription in Australia through some Medical Practitioners & Nurse Practitioners. There are strict restrictions around the advertising of prescription services and cannabis products. Medical cannabis is contraindicated in some cases and not appropriate for everyone. Please discuss any questions you may have about treatment options and your mental health condition on referral.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand circumstances may result in an appointment being missed or cancelled with short notice. However, to ensure we can maintain a supportive service to all patients, it is necessary for Health in Mind to charge a fee for missed appointments and cancellations within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment. Unfortunately, we are unable to fill cancelled appointments at short notice. We kindly request cancellations with at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged at $100. Please note that Medicare does not rebate for missed or cancelled appointments.