Working together
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. This page covers how appointments work, what to expect, fees and rebates, telehealth options, cancellation requirements, and privacy — plus how to get in touch when you're ready.
If you're unsure which referral pathway applies to you, you're welcome to reach out and ask.
Looking to refer a client? Find referral information here.
Making an appointment
You can contact me by phone, SMS, email, or using the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Phone: 07 4767 7093
SMS: 0488 811 884
Email: admin@selfpsychology.com.au
If I can't answer your call immediately, please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Location
Self Psychology is located at:
2/42 Ross River Road, Mundingburra QLD
The practice is across from St Joseph's School, near Hungry Jack's — look for the green roofline. It's the second building on the left beside the chiropractor, with free and accessible parking out the front.
If the door is locked when you arrive, please take a seat outside — I'll unlock it between sessions.
Telehealth
Telehealth appointments are available by phone or video. This may be helpful if you live outside Townsville, prefer to attend from home, are unwell, have caring responsibilities, or find it difficult to attend in person.
Telehealth is available across Australia where clinically appropriate.
Referrals and funding pathways.
A referral isn't always required to attend as a private-paying client. A referral is required if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate.
You can attend Self Psychology through a range of referral and funding pathways.
-
No referral needed.
-
Requires a Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP referral. Also covers perinatal non-directive pregnancy support counselling — Medicare rebates may apply.
-
No referral needed.
-
Self-managed or plan-managed funding. NDIS fees and cancellation charges follow the current NDIS pricing guidelines: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers
-
For eligible autism-related assessment items. Medicare rebates may apply; paediatrician referral required.
-
Requires a referral from a Defence Medical Officer.
-
National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional abuse.
-
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is completed by a GP or paediatrician and may allow you to claim Medicare rebates for eligible sessions.
If you'd like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan, book an appointment with your GP and let the receptionist know it's for a mental health care plan — this helps ensure enough time is set aside. You may need to ask for a long consultation.
Under current Medicare arrangements, eligible clients may access up to 10 individual Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions per calendar year. After the first six sessions, a GP review and re-referral is usually required before the remaining four can be accessed.
-
I've completed the required training to provide perinatal non-directive pregnancy support counselling under Medicare. This item may be available if you're currently pregnant, or have been pregnant in the previous 12 months, and have concerns related to that pregnancy — including pregnancy loss, distress, uncertainty, decision-making, or other pregnancy-related concerns.
For referrers :
Please include the following in your referral:
Patient details: full name, date of birth, contact phone number, current home address, confirmation of pregnancy within the past 12 months
Reason for referral: presenting concerns and relevant history, current pregnancy status (if applicable), gestation or age of infant (if applicable), relevant obstetric, medical or mental health history
Risk assessment: any current concerns regarding self-harm, suicidality or safety, current supports and risk management plans (if applicable)
Referral pathway: Medicare Pregnancy Support Counselling referral, relevant Medicare item number
Suggested referral wording:
“I am referring [Patient Name] to Melissa Freestun, Registered Psychologist, for psychological support under the Medicare Pregnancy Support Counselling initiative. I can confirm that the patient has been pregnant within the past 12 months. The patient is experiencing [brief description of concerns]. Please assess and provide appropriate psychological intervention and support.”
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your needs, goals, referral pathway and current level of distress. Many people begin with regular weekly or fortnightly sessions. Initial therapy may involve three to six sessions to develop an understanding of what's happening and start working toward your goals. Some people need short-term support; others benefit from longer-term therapy. We can talk about this during your first appointment.
Standard therapy session: $214.95
Medicare rebate with eligible Mental Health Treatment Plan: $101.55
NDIS therapy session: $232.99
Perinatal non-directive pregnancy support counselling rebate: $74.40
Private health rebates may be available depending on your insurer and level of cover — please check directly with your fund. Medicare and private health rebates can't be claimed for the same session.
-
After booking your first appointment, you'll be sent some information, including an intake form asking for contact details, referral information where relevant, and secure payment details. Payment is processed after your appointment. Where eligible, Medicare rebate claims can be submitted once payment has gone through. Appointments can also be paid by direct deposit by prior arrangement.
-
Appointments are reserved specifically for you. When they're cancelled at short notice, it's often not possible to offer that time to someone else. The following cancellation fees apply:
Less than three full business days' notice: $65.00
Less than two full business days' notice: $125.00
Same-day cancellation or non-attendance: full session fee
Cancellation fees don't attract a Medicare or private health rebate. NDIS cancellation requirements follow current NDIS guidelines and may change if NDIA pricing arrangements change. Appointment reminders are sent as a courtesy only — you remain responsible for remembering and managing your appointments.
If you're unwell, unable to attend in person, or affected by weather or isolation requirements, a telehealth session may be offered where clinically appropriate. Cancellation fees may still apply if you choose not to proceed with a telehealth option.
-
In an effort to streamline our appointment system and provide the best service to all our clients, Self Psychology has implemented the following policy regarding appointment confirmations:
Credit Card Details Requirement:
Upon scheduling an initial appointment, clients are required to provide valid credit or debit card details to secure and confirm their appointment time.
Confirmation Window:
Clients have a 24-hour window from the time the initial appointment is made to provide these details. An intake form will be sent to you so that you can complete your details.
Automatic Cancellation:
If the credit card details are not received within the 24-hour window, the appointment will be considered unconfirmed and will automatically be cancelled. Clients will need to reschedule and provide the necessary details if they still wish to work with Self Psychology.
Privacy Assurance:
Please be assured that all credit card details will be handled with the utmost security and confidentiality. All card details provided will be stored securely and will not be shared with unauthorised third parties. Your credit card will not be charged unless specified under the cancellation policy, or upon payment for your appointment.
Cancellation Policy:
The Self Psychology cancellation and no-show policy will be applicable once the appointment is confirmed with credit card details. Please refer to the cancellation policy for further details.
Inquiries:
If you have questions or concerns related to this policy or the protection of your personal data, please call, text or email the Self Psychology administration team for further clarification.
-
Providing psychological care means collecting personal information relevant to assessment, treatment, communication, referrals, billing and clinical record keeping. Your information is kept confidential and secure. It's not shared without your consent, except in limited circumstances where disclosure is required or authorised by law — for example:
When records are subpoenaed by a court
When there's a serious risk to your safety or another person's safety
When you've provided consent for information to be shared with another professional or agency
When disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law
At times, de-identified information may be discussed in supervision or peer consultation with other registered professionals — this is standard practice that supports safe, ethical and effective care. You may request access to information held about you, subject to relevant legal and ethical requirements.
-
To support high-quality care and efficient administration, I may use secure artificial intelligence tools to help draft documentation or administrative tasks. These tools are used in a limited and ethical way. Identifying personal information is never included, and AI is never a replacement for my clinical judgement, professional responsibility, or direct understanding of your care.
Make an enquiry
Please complete the form below and I'll respond as soon as possible. If your matter is urgent, please don't use this form — call 000, attend your nearest emergency department, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.