The best way to make an appointment is by emailing Edwina your contact details at liftingmindsinfo@gmail.com. Edwina will call you for a free initial consultation to ask some questions about what’s going on for you and to answer any questions you have. If you want to go ahead, we will then book your first appointment.

Alternatively, if you would rather talk through email, the above process can be completed through email instead.

You don’t need to get a referral to receive therapy, however, you will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate without one.

If you decide not to get a referral from a GP, you may be eligible to claim back some cost from your private health insurance. You will need to contact your fund to find out how much you are eligible for.

Please note, you will not be able to claim from BOTH Medicare and private health insurance.

You will need to see your GP to obtain a referral and Mental Health Care Plan. The initial referral will usually have six sessions to begin with and will require a review after the sixth session to obtain four more. The Medicare structure allows for a maximum of ten rebates a year. Please note that there is a gap fee of $73.15 with a mental health care plan.

Lifting Minds does not have the capacity to respond in a crisis or offer immediate support. There are a number of services that offer this type of support via phone, chat, or email. All are confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week:

24/7 Crisis Phone and Chat Services:

Lifeline - 13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au

​Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (5-25yo) - 1800 551 800

https://kidshelpline.com.au

Sexual assault, family and domestic violence line -1800 424 017

https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au

1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au

To make sure everyone has equal access to therapy, we require a minimum of 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend the session or need to reschedule. This policy is in place so appointments can be filled by anyone that needs support.

Sessions that are cancelled within the 24 hour window will be charged at 50% of the session fee (and will not elligible for a Medicare rebate) and no-shows will be charged te full fee (and will not be elligible for a rebate).

Lifting Minds is committed to protecting your privacy and our communication with you remains confidential unless we have agreed otherwise and except in the following situations:

You consent to sharing of information

You are being seriously hurt by someone

You are thinking of seriously harming yourself

Someone else is being, or is likely to be, seriously hurt by you or another person

You tell us that you are being abused (this must be reported by law)

A court order is received directing us to disclose information

Information is provided to your carer, representative, guardian or family member where

permitted by law.

We exchange information with other health providers for purposes related to your services or

care.

We are otherwise required or authorised by law.

We will do our very best to discuss all matters concerning your privacy and confidentiality with you when releasing information. If you have any questions or concerns about the gathering, storage, or use of your information; please get in touch with us.

Confidentiality for Telephone/Online Sessions

While the same limits of confidentiality apply in telephone/online formats as in face-to-face format, there are some additional risks to confidentiality that arise from using these platforms.

Confidentiality may be limited by the level of security of the technology. Security limitations include system breakdown, authorised (e.g., internet service provider system administrator) and unauthorised persons potentially viewing messages/video. Your location may also open up risks to confidentiality.

To ensure your sessions are as confidential as possible, and that they run smoothly, please ensure you arrange the following:

Use your own personal device which is password/security protected

Locate yourself in a private, comfortable room with minimal chance of interruption

Do not record the session

Keep your clinician’s phone number handy in order to call them or receive a call from them should the connection fail.