Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are in the heart of Brunswick East, with parking easily available on Taranaki Ave and Stewart Street. We are close to the final stop on the 96 tram line. We are a short walk down from Lygon Street trams.
Accessibility and sensory needs?
The space has been designed to be quiet and minimises sensory stimulation. You’ll hear very soft neutral music playing to support nervous system regulation. The tones of the therapeutic space are designed to be relaxing and non-distracting. If you find sensory fiddle toys are supportive we welcome you to bring your favourites with you. I also have some available in the space.
The primary therapeutic space is upstairs and due to the compact size of the building we do not have a lift. Please let us know your accessibility requirements and we can arrange a virtual appointment.
The front gate to the property is 84cm wide. The front door is 88cm wide. The step into the property is 8cm high. There are 17 stairs up to the first floor where our treatment room is. We have a gender neutral toilet on the ground and first floor.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on Stewart Street and on Taranaki Avenue.
Do you do telehealth sessions?
Both in person and teleheath session are available. You can opt to attend at the Brunswick clinic or you can opt for a telephone or online video session.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
No you don’t need a referral. If you would like to be able to claim Medicare rebates you will need a referral and a Better Access Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
Am I able to get a Medicare rebate?
Under a Mental Health Plan, you will be eligible for Medicare rebates. You can ask your GP for a Better Access Mental Health Plan and let them know you’d like to attend sessions at Stable Self. Your GP will give you a referral letter. You’ll then be eligible for Medicare rebates for each session cost.
Your Medicare rebate will be between $85 and $187, depending on if you have reached your Medicare Safety Net Threshold for the annual year. On the day of your session you’ll pay the full standard session fee of $200 and then you can immediately claim back your rebate on the Medicare app or MyGov website. There is a 10% surcharge on appointments after 5pm or on Saturdays.
Can I claim on Private Health Insurance?
If you have private health insurance your session cost may be rebated by your insurer, depending on your insurer and the level of cover you have. You can check this with your insurer. Some clients find it helpful to utilise private health insurance when their Medicare rebates have been exhausted for the year, whilst others prefer to pay the full fee themselves.
If I need to cancel my appointment will I be charged a cancellation fee?
We require a minimum of 48 hours for any appointment changes or cancellations, because it is highly unlikely that cancellations made within 48 hours of a scheduled session will be able to be filled by another client. The full treatment fee will apply to changes made with less than 48 hours. You will receive an email reminder of your appointment 5 days before to allow you plenty of time to make any changes.
Why are cancellation fees charged?
When you book an appointment, we reserve that time slot for you. Charging a cancellation fee is an uncomfortable but necessary part of running a practice because cancellations with insufficient notice result in other clients missing out. Cancellation fees also cover the cost of the work your therapist has put into preparing for your session.
What can I expect from my first session?
Your first appointment will allow your to ask any questions and It will allow your therapist to gain an understanding of your current situation and what is important to you. This first session usually involves talking about your concerns, any past mental health interventions, your personal history, as well as your expectations and goals around therapy. The first session also allows you to gauge whether your therapist is a good match for your needs.
The first few sessions will involve your therapist gaining a rich understanding of you and breath and depth of your life. Often we’ll be introducing techniques and information to support your current symptoms or distress.
For those with numerous or intricate concerns, some individuals opt for an extended (90-minute) initial consultation. This decision is entirely at your discretion. Please bear in mind that the Medicare rebate of remains the same.
How do manage my information and privacy?
We are committed to complying with privacy legislation. You can view our privacy policy here