Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with NDIS funding?
Yes, if you are plan or self-managed, SJP Wellbeing can provide therapeutic support depending on the plan goals. If counselling, or ‘other’ therapy is included (usually in relationships, or capacity building) we can help.
Can parent/carers use a child’s NDIS funding?
Yes, if the plan includes therapeutic support and is plan or self-managed parents/carers can utilise NDIS funding.
Can I use my mental health care plan (Medicare) from the GP?
We do not accept Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs).
Many people assume that getting an MHCP is the best or only way to access therapy. However, MHCPs utilise Medicare rebates, which require therapists to work within the clinical medical and diagnostic model. This model focuses on short-term interventions for specific diagnoses and excludes most holistic counselling, psychotherapy, and coaching modalities, as these approaches don’t align with the medical and diagnostic model of care.
At SJP Wellbeing, we don’t view you as broken or needing to be “fixed.” Instead, our counselling and psychotherapeutic approaches focus on understanding what has happened to you and supporting you in making meaningful changes to uncover and embrace all that is right with you.
While Medicare can be helpful for some, its limitations may not suit everyone. For those needing a broader range of therapies, we offer an affordable fee structure, including a reduced-fee option through a simple online application. Our fees are often lower than the typical gap payment for a psychologist under Medicare.
It is important to note that in cases where a GP has referred to a psychologist, there may be a reason for this, such as a clinical diagnosis required. Please get in touch to discuss the guidelines for utilising the Reduced Fee Pathway. See RFP Information HERE
What are your fees?
You can see our fee’s depending on your funding pathway HERE
Do I need a Dr’s referral?
No, you do not need a referral from a Dr to engage a counsellor, coach, or psychotherapist. However, many clients are referred, and it is welcome.
Do you work with children?
Sometimes. Typically we work with young people (10-25) and adults, however, there are instances whereby children younger than that can benefit from our integrative style of counselling. In many cases, there is more than one person in the family who will benefit from being in therapy. Often our work will be with a parent and we will collaborate with a partner agency that can cater better to a young child’s needs. Such as play, or expressive therapies, we are committed to providing a wrap-around service and providing families with appropriate experts in their diverse needs.
How do I get started?
New clients: Start by booking an initial consultation, available online or in person at our Smithfield clinic. Not sure who to book with? Call us on 08 7480 4545 and we’ll help you find the right clinician.
Existing clients: If you’ve already had an initial consultation, you can book an ongoing session with your clinician.
I can’t afford therapy but I really feel like you can help me, is there a way I can get started?
We will try. We have two options to help clients and families get the help they deserve when finances are a barrier. The first is our reduced fee pathway as discussed above, and the second is a flexible payment plan option, which allows for 10 or 20 sessions to be paid for over a longer period of time making the weekly or fortnightly amount less.
