Do I need a GP referral?
You do not need a GP referral to access counselling or psychotherapy. While I do not prescribe medication or offer formal diagnoses, I collaborate closely with GPs and other medical and mental health professionals who can provide these services when aligned with your needs and preferences.

Can I claim Medicare or Mental Health Care Plan rebates?
Counselling and psychotherapy services are currently not eligible for Medicare rebates or Mental Health Care Plan subsidies. If you are seeking Medicare subsidised treatment, please speak with your GP for guidance. It is important to be aware that while Mental Health Care Plans offer partial subsidies, they do not cover the full cost of treatment, and the remaining gap fees can be significant often similar to the full fees charged by counsellors, psychotherapists, and social workers for equitable care.

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At this stage, I am not an eligible Medicare provider, as I am not yet an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. While some social workers can offer Medicare rebated services, this is only available when they hold Accredited Mental Health Social Worker status and meet the requirements of the Better Access initiative.
 

Do you support NDIS participants?

Yes. I provide counselling and social work support to NDIS participants who are self-managed or plan-managed.
 

As I am not a registered NDIS provider, I am unable to provide services to participants whose funding is NDIA-managed (agency-managed).
 

If you are unsure how your NDIS plan is managed, please feel free to get in touch and I can help you determine whether my services are available to you.

Can I claim private health fund rebates?

I am currently awaiting approval for a Bupa provider number for our Oakbank and Glandore locations.

Please note that at present Bupa customers who access mobile support services (school and residential aged care facility visits) are unfortunately not eligible for a Bupa Health Insurance benefit.
 

Rebates subject to your level of cover. Please contact your health fund for further details.

What is your payment policy?

Unless advised otherwise, sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes, and payment is required within 7 days. Payment can be made on the day of your appointment, or an invoice will be issued to your nominated email address following your session. If payment remains outstanding after reasonable attempts to contact you, Stable Wellbeing reserves the right to pursue recovery of the debt, which may include referral to a debt collection agency or appropriate external authority.

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Stable Wellbeing accepts in-person payments via Square POS using credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Please note that a processing fee applies to these transactions.

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Alternatively, invoices can be paid online using credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal), or via bank transfer. Card and digital wallet payments made through invoices incur a payment processing fee.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Appointments can be cancelled or rescheduled up to 24 hours prior without incurring a cancellation fee. Appointments cancelled within 24 hours incur a cancellation fee 50% of the full session cost. Non-attendance without notice incurs the full session fee. Medical emergencies, COVID-19 and compassionate exemptions apply at the practitioner’s discretion. 

How can I access support?

• 15 minute free initial phone consultation for prospective clients only

• In person at one of our two locations in Oakbank and Glandore

• There is the opportunity to hold appointments at schools providing that there is an appropriate space available and pending approval from the individual school

• There is the opportunity to hold appointments at Residential Aged Care Facilities that you or your loved one resides in ​

• Bookings can be made by contacting Allysia via email at allysia.shepherdson@stablewellbeing.com.au or phone 0494 634 709​

• Booking can be made online via Halaxy

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Can I access support without parental consent if I am under 18 years of age?

Stable Wellbeing acknowledged that adolescents may want to access wellbeing support without parental consent primarily due to concerns about privacy and confidentiality, fear of negative parental reactions, and a desire for autonomy in managing their own health. However, please note that young people aged under 18 years do require parental/ caregiver's consent to access support from Stable Wellbeing. A signed consent form is required prior to the first appointment. ​

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Is counselling and social work support confidential?​

Client records are stored securely in accordance with privacy legislation and professional standards. You may request access to your records in writing.

 

Counselling and social work support is strictly confidential, and information shared in sessions will not be disclosed to any third party without your explicit consent. The only exceptions occur when there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose information. These circumstances may include:

• Threats of harm: If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, I have a duty to take appropriate steps to ensure safety

• Abuse or neglect: Suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or neglect must be reported to the relevant authorities

• Court orders: Information must be disclosed if required by a legally binding subpoena or court order

• Serious threat to public safety: Disclosure may be necessary to prevent or reduce a significant threat to public safety

 

If any of these situations arise, I will clearly explain the implications and provide full support throughout the process.

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Information may also be shared:

• If an organisation (for example GP, school or workplace) or other personnel request information about you, I would require your approval and you would be asked to complete a consent form prior to this occurring

• If the referral comes from your employer, general recommendations may be provided to assist them with organisational harmony or improvement. However, your name and the details of the counselling session will not be disclosed without your consent

• In de-identified form for clinical supervision or professional consultation​

 

Can I contact you out of hours?

To ensure quality care and healthy professional boundaries, I respond to all communication during my standard working hours only. Any messages received after hours will be responded to as soon as possible. 

If you require immediate support or are in crisis, please contact emergency services or your local mental health crisis line:

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·       Lifeline- 13 11 14 ​

·       Beyond Blue- 1300 22 4636​

·       Kids Helpline (5-25 years)- 1800 55 1800​

·       Mental Health Triage Service - 13 14 65

·       Women’s Children’s Hospital (Under 16 years)- (08) 8161 7044

·       Neami Urgent Mental Health Care Centre (16+ years)- (08) 8448 9100

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For help in a mental health emergency, the Mental Health Triage Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This service is the main point of access to state funded mental health services and can provide advice and information in a mental health emergency or crisis. This service is staffed by mental health clinicians who will assess and refer to acute response teams where appropriate.

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Regional residents should call the mental health triage service (to access the Rural and Remote Distance Consultation and Emergency Triage and Liaison Service) 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 13 14 65.

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For life threatening emergencies please call 000 

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What is your data protection policy?

By scheduling your appointment through Halaxy’s practice management and booking system, you acknowledge and accept their privacy and security policy. All information is encrypted and stored securely in accordance with Australian data protection requirements under the Privacy Act 1988. If you prefer not to use Halaxy for booking, please contact me directly to arrange an alternative method.
 

How do I make a complaint?

If you are unhappy with any aspect of counselling, social work or psychotherapeutic services provided to you, please contact me in the first instance and I will work with you and endeavour to resolve any issues. As a registered practitioner I abide by the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) Code of Ethics and Practice and the AASW (Australian Association of Social Work) Code of Ethics, and the Code of Conduct of the Health and Community Services. If you believe I have been unwilling to listen, you can raise your concerns with the Australian Counselling Association or the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner.
 

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