Making psychological services accessible and affordable is important to Panda. To help ease the costs associated with mental health care, Panda provides sliding scale payment options (see below for more info on sliding scales). At Panda Cheong Psychology, fees are dependant on your individual circumstances (class, privilege, employment status) and what you are able to reasonably afford, while at the same time encouraging you to consider the value of the service provided. When deciding on the right fee, you will be asked to reflect across a number of factors, there a resources bellow to help guide you. 

A standard psychology session runs for 50-60 minutes. 50 minutes is usually dedicated to counselling/therapy, while the remaining 10 minutes is for scheduling new appointments and for Panda to complete any admin (notes or sending resources).

Information about sliding scale fees

Sliding scale is a method of payment which recognises that not everyone is able to afford the same fee for services. It acknowledges that all people are still entitled to the same level/quality of service, regardless of their financial circumstances. Sliding scale payments aim to support people from different financial experiences, allowing all people access to services in more financially sustainable ways. Sliding Scales also relies on self reflection around class and privilege. Please take a look at the following blogs for some language and support around this:

  • Alexis Cunningfolk - The Sliding Scale: a tool for economic justice

A sliding scale offers clients different fee options. The standard fee at Panda Cheong Psychology is $195. This fee however, is not accessible for everyone. Those struggling under capitalism and unable to work can opt for the lower sliding scale fee of $175. In return, those with financial security can choose to pay the higher sliding scale fee of $210 to make services more accessible for others.

Panda allows individuals to choose their own sliding scale fee based on their financial situation and privilege. It is suggested however, that the lowest end of the sliding scale be reserved for people unable to work, or significantly underemployed.

The Australian Psychological Society recommends $311 for a 45-60 min session, placing the current fee schedule significantly below this recommendation, as Panda does not believe it is accessible for the majority of people. Your fees cover the cost of service, which includes: income, rent, insurance, membership to regulating bodies, amenities, superannuation and tax. Panda will do their best to keep these costs low in order to provide a more accessible service.

Panda's sliding scale can be viewed below, these fees will increase each financial year.

For some people, the 50 min session time does not meet their therapeutic needs. Panda offers 30 min extensions for people who like a little extra time to process. These 30 minute blocks need to be booked in ahead of time and cost $50/ 30 mins.

Panda provides bulk billing and free services for those who cannot access the sliding scale. Free services will be offered to limited number of people to maintain sustainability of this service. Free services are available for one year to allow more people to access them. If the fees here are inaccessible, chat with your GP to see if you qualify for Psychological Support Services, a short term free services funded through Local Health Networks.

Payment

Payment can be made via credit card or EFTPOS at the time of your appointment.

Medicare Rebates and Gap Charges

Panda Cheong Psychology is registered as a Medicare provider under the 'Better Access to Mental Health' scheme. To become eligible for rebates a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) is required.

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative you are entitled to a Medicare rebate of $96.65 for up to 10 sessions per calendar year, with a progress review required by your GP after 6 sessions. This means you only pay the gap between the rebate amount and the agreed upon fee, see the table below:

You will need to bring a referral letter and a Mental Health Care Plan to your first session. If this is all a bit overwhelming that's okay. Feel free to give Panda a call and they can talk you through the process. 

You do not need a GP referral to access counselling support. However, the rebate offered with a Mental Health Care Plan may make sessions more affordable for you.