Access and fees
AVCounselling is a boutique private practice. Sessions are offered through a combination of private payment and approved funded pathways. The same clinical service is provided regardless of how sessions are funded. The difference lies in eligibility, geographic availability, session limits, referral requirements, and the conditions attached to each access option.
Private Counselling
Private counselling is available to clients who prefer flexibility, continuity, or who are not eligible for funded pathways.
Individual counselling (60 minutes)
$225 per session
Counselling for Relationships and Couples (60-90 minutes)
$300 per session
Private sessions:
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self-referral
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no referral required from third parties
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not limited by session caps
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greater flexibility in pace and focus, and
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not constrained by funding or reporting requirements
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ideal for single-session consultation or one-off review
Victims Services counselling
Eligible clients may be able to access counselling through Victims of Crime, Services funding. This pathway is separate from Medicare and Psychological Access+ and is subject to the conditions of the scheme.
Referral and approval required:
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Managed through the relevant Victims of Crime authority
Key Information:
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Eligibility and session approvals are determined by the funding body
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Session limits and reporting requirements apply
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No out-of-pocket cost applies for approved clients
Eligibility must be confirmed prior to booking and you can self-refer to the practice or by the scheme counsellor portal.
Medicare access
Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative
Some clients are eligible to access counselling through Medicare under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. Under this scheme, eligible clients can receive Medicare-rebated sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) Counsellor.
Referral Required:
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a Mental Health Treatment or Care Plan (MHTP) and a referral from a GP
Key Information:
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Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year (January to December)
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The Medicare rebate for AMHSW services
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Rebates are not available for Couples Therapy Session
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Rebates are claimed with Medicare directly by the Practice
Session fee: $225
Medicare rebate: Available with GP MHTP
Approximately Out-of-pocket cost: Yes, gap fee payable by invoice
Psychological Access Plus+
(Northern Sydney-PCCS)
Some clients living in Northern Sydney may be eligible to access counselling sessions through Psychological Access+, delivered by. PCCS. This is a region-specific, contracted program and is separate from Medicare.
Referral required:
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Referral through the approved PCCS pathway
Key information:
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Eligibility is determined by PCCS or Northern Sydney PHN
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Session limits, timeframe and reporting requirements apply
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Fees are set by the funding body
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No out-of-pocket cost applied for approved clients
Psychological Access+ sessions are available only where eligibility and referral criteria are met under this program.
Choosing the right option
Each access pathway has benefits and limitations. Some clients begin therapy using funded programs and later transition to private counselling. Others choose private counselling from the outset. Options can be discussed so the approach fits your needs, preferences, and eligibility.
Practical information
Sessions are standard clinical length
50 to 60minutes
Telehealth is available where appropriate
First session, sometimes called Initial review can be longer of up-to 90minutes and include care planning and goal setting discussion
First sessions are recommended to be face-to-face, Telehealth is available for unexpected scenarios rather than common practice
Payment and bookings
Appointments are booked direct by phone or email, and then can transition to the online portal
Cancellation and changes
Appointments can be changed or cancelled with at least 48 hours' notice from before the appointment time.
Cancellations or non-attendance with less than 48 hours' notice will incur either full or a portion of the session fee (dependent on the funding pathway), as the appointment time cannot be usually be reallocated.
This policy applies to:
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Private counselling
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Medicare (Better Access) sessions
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Funded programs, including Psychological Access+ and Victims of Crime, where permitted under funding guidelines
Thank you for understanding that this policy supports the sustainability of the practice and the availability of appointments for all clients.
Do you accept NDIS funding?
AV Counselling does not currently provide services under the NDIS. Therapy is offered via private payment or approved funded programs listed on this page.
Can I use private health insurance?
Private health insurance rebates are not available for counselling sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social worker under current arrangements. Medicare rebates may be available for eligible clients under the Better Access initiative.
Do you accept other funding programs?
Services are provided through private payment, Medicare (Better Access), Psychological Access+ (Northern Sydney via PCCS), and Victim Services Scheme where eligibility criteria are met. Other funding arrangements are not currently available (example, workers compensation, DVA, Veterans), please check in again in 2026, as our offerings are reviewed and updated on an annual basis.
