Payment
All fees can be paid by debit or credit card, direct bank deposit or cash. Fees are paid at the end of the appointment, or by direct debit before the session.
My fees reflect my training, experience and ability to work with a range of clients and issues, and my commitment to ongoing professional development so that I provide the best service for you. They remain considerably lower than the Australian Psychological Society's recommended fees of $390 for an initial 80-minute session and $300 for a standard 50-minute psychology session.
Individual counselling and psychotherapy
All individual consultations, with the exception of hypnotherapy (see below).
- Standard consultation
- A 50-minute therapy appointment.
- $220
Relationship counselling
Couples only. For family therapy, see below.
- Standard consultation
- A 50-minute therapy appointment.
- $240
Family therapy
Applies to three or more people.
- Initial consultation
- 90 minutes, needed to gather enough information about the family's needs.
- $135per person
- Standard consultation
- A 70-minute therapy appointment.
- $120per person
Individual hypnotherapy
Some aspects of hypnotherapy, such as relaxation training, guided imagery training and psycho-education, can be offset by Medicare's Mental Health Care Plan.
- Initial consultation
- 80 minutes. Covers the first session, a full explanation of the hypnotherapy process, and the writing of a program targeting your specific needs.
- $380
- Standard consultation
- A 35-minute hypnotherapy session.
- $125
- Long consultation
- A 55-minute hypnotherapy session.
- $250
Medico-legal assessments and reports
Charged at the Australian Psychological Society recommended hourly rate, plus GST. An assessment usually involves a minimum of four one-hour sessions; see forensic psychology for the structure.
Secure, encrypted card information
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. To secure it I require a valid debit or credit card number (EFTPOS cards are not accepted). Your appointment is not fully booked until there is a debit or credit card on file. Your card number is stored in a secure card vault hosted by Halaxy, an encrypted practice management system.
Cancellation policy
Your card will not be charged until after your appointment, unless the cancellation policy is breached. Miguel typically has a full calendar and every appointment is important. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a space in the day that could have been filled by another client. When an appointment is cancelled, the following fees apply:
| Notice given | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 to 24 hours, or a missed appointment | Full session fee |
| 24 to 48 hours | 50% of the session fee |
If you can schedule a telehealth consultation in the same week, the cancellation fee does not apply.
Medicare rebates
You do not need a referral from a general practitioner to see a psychologist. However, a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician is needed to claim the Medicare rebate for individual sessions of focused psychological counselling. Medicare subsidises 10 sessions per calendar year. Relationship and family therapy sessions are not eligible for the rebate.
To access a rebate, make an appointment with your GP and complete a Mental Health Care Plan. Tell the doctor's receptionist that you want a referral to a psychologist, as the GP needs about 30 minutes to discuss the plan with you. You must have the referral before your first appointment, because a GP cannot backdate a Mental Health Care Plan.