Intervention
Compassion, Commitment, Responsibility and Respect
Therapeutic Treatments
Neurotree offers one-on-one psychological therapy and creative arts therapy with clients around a broad spectrum of life experiences, challenges, and psychological, emotional and social concerns. These may manifest as depression, anxiety and anger, addiction, chronic mood disturbances, stress and burn-out, low self-esteem, relationship problems and trauma.
We work with clients to address a range of therapeutic goals such as developing healthy coping strategies, changing their thinking patterns, behaviour and managing anger and anxiety.
therapeutic goals
When therapeutic treatments are needed
Therapeutic interventions may be helpful for:
- Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stressful life events or any other mental health difficulty
- Individuals who feel like life is more difficult and need support to cope
- Individuals who would like an assessment of their mental health
- Individuals who are dealing with loss, family and relationship issues, identity and self-image, unhealthy habits and addiction
Carefully tailored, evidence-based psychological interventions may be helpful in managing various conditions including (and not limited to) depression, anxiety, dementia, ADHD and ASD.
Referral process
How a referral process work
Clients do not need a referral to see a psychologist or a therapist. Clients can self-refer.
To claim a Medicare rebate, clients need a written referral letter from medical professionals such as their psychiatrist or a Mental Health treatment Plan referral from their GP.
The referral is valid for up to 6 sessions prior to review by the GP. After review if the GP decides that further treatment is required, they may then write another referral for up to 4 more sessions.
A maximum of 10 Medicare rebateable sessions is available each calendar year.
Therapy structure
How the treatments proceed
In the first few sessions, we will begin to clarify the issues clients want to work on in therapy. We will address any questions clients have about what to expect in psychological therapy and/or creative arts therapy. Clients may also discuss what their goals are for treatment.
Clients are seen on an ongoing or ‘as-needed’ basis depending on the level of care required. Therapies may range from brief consultations to several sessions. Session numbers will depend on the service clients access with us and on discussion with a psychologist and/or a psychotherapist early in therapy.
Neurotree Services
Approach to Therapeutic Treatments
The main component of Neurotree initial assessment process is the careful and detailed consideration of what may be most appropriate for clients’ needs. There are a range of available therapeutic approaches to address different issues. The choice of therapeutic approach depends on the clients’ particular issues, circumstances and their preference as assessed by the clinician.
Our belief is that if people know more about how their brain and mind works, they may lead more meaningful, connected and fulfilling lives. Our psychologist and psychotherapist specialise in cognitive-behavioural, expressive therapeutic and insight-oriented approaches. We may combine exercises or practices from different approaches of psychological therapy and/or creative arts therapy to best meet the needs of the client attending treatment.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is often utilized to help clients who struggle with negative thoughts or are looking to break a habit. In CBT practices, we study a client’s patterns of thinking and gain understanding of the origins of these patterns. Once identified, clients learn practical self-help strategies to combat thought patterns that are causing emotional harm, to focus on developing healthy coping strategies that will help clients deal with issues as they arise in the long term.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy builds upon the principles of CBT by using techniques such as mindfulness meditation to teach clients to consciously pay attention to thoughts and feelings in every possible moment, while keeping a non-judgmental outlook and a present-oriented attitude. In MBCT practices, mindfulness helps clients observe and identify their own bodily and emotional responses while cognitive therapy teaches clients to interrupt automatic thought processes and work through feelings in a healthy way.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is designed to increase clients’ psychological flexibility using acceptance strategies, mindfulness, and commitment to behavioural change. It aims to help clients explore and understand how to work with thoughts and emotions to make important behavioural change, even if they can’t get rid of the unwanted thoughts, emotions or sensations. The ultimate purpose of ACT is to develop skills and strategies that clients need to become their own therapist so as to effectively deal with the situation on their own.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is based on CBT but it’s specially adapted for clients who feel emotions very intensely and uncontrollably. ‘Dialectical’ means trying to understand how two things that seem opposite could both be true. For example, accepting yourself and changing your behaviour might feel contradictory. But DBT practices teach that it’s possible for clients to achieve both these goals together.
Cognitive-Behavioural Approaches
Expressive Therapeutic Approaches
Neuro-Dramatic Therapy
Neuro-Dramatic Therapy is an experiential form of creative arts therapy. It gives clients the opportunity to engage in the psycho-physiological process of creating a scene, as a way of addressing painful feelings and experiences without talking about them directly. No previous experience in using the arts is necessary to benefit from this intervention, only a willingness to explore using creativity as part of the therapy process.
This approach maintains the belief that everyone has an innate capacity for creative expression. When clients explore their inner lives through this therapy, they may psycho-physiologically access hidden parts of themselves, develop new ways of relating to others, and find new solutions to old problems. It is mainly concerned with what is happening in day-to-day life or about understanding the connections between the past and the present.
Neuro-Dramatic Therapy utilises different theatre techniques and actor-training methods, which include: Sensory and Emotional Memory; Circle of Attention and Cognitive Engagement; Verbal and Non-Verbal Symbolisation; Narration; Inner Monologue; Personification and Impersonification; and Developmental Transformation.
Psychodrama therapy
Psychodrama Therapy is an in-depth creative arts therapy that allows clients in treatment to explore issues by dramatising events from their own life – past, present, and future. The therapy often begins with a current problem or difficulty and traces it back to earlier life situations. Clients may have the chance to experience what was missing but needed at that time. The enactment then returns to the present, where new learning can be integrated and put into practice. In psychodrama practices, as clients move from ‘talking about’ into action, opportunities arise to heal the past, clarify the present and imagine the future.
Music Thearapy
Music Therapy is the clinical use of music interventions to accomplish clients’ goals within a therapeutic relationship. A wide range of musical styles and instruments can be used, including the voice, and the music is often improvised. Using music in this way enables clients to create their own unique musical language in which to explore and connect with the world and express themselves.
Music therapy practices touch all aspects of mind, body, brain and behaviour. They can provide a distraction for the mind and slow the rhythms of the body. They can also alter the mood, which in turn can influence behaviour. The therapy uses this connection to facilitate positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication through the engagement in live musical interactions.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on self-reflection and self-examination, which is designed to guide clients toward identifying the root cause of emotional distress. Another hallmark is the use of the relationship between therapist and client as a window into problematic relationship patterns in the client’s life. It aims to support clients form a practical and positive sense of self.
In this approach, recognising recurring patterns may help clients see how they avoid distress or develop defence mechanisms to cope. According to psychodynamic theory, defence mechanisms may keep painful feelings, memories, and experiences in the unconscious or unconscious mind, while behaviour is influenced by unconscious thought. Once vulnerable or painful feelings are processed, the defence mechanisms may reduce or resolve. This insight may allow clients to begin changing those patterns.
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychoanalytic Therapy is a more intensive form of Psychodynamic Therapy. It aims to explore deeply how the subconscious influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Specifically, psychoanalytic practices examine how clients’ experiences, often from childhood, may be contributing to their current experiences and actions. The therapy uses a variety of techniques to gain insight into clients’ behaviour. Some of the more popular techniques include: Dream Interpretation; Free Association; and Transference.
Insight-oriented Approaches
Fees & Rebates
Profesionalism, Authenticity and Transparency
Standard Treatments
Neurotree service is a private-billing practice, not bulk-billed. Our therapy rates are based on the type of service received and the qualification of our psychologist and psychotherapist.
Our rates for one-hour therapy session range from $200 to $250, which is below Recommended Schedule of Fees set by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
There will be a consultation fee for clients to pay on the day of their appointment. The initial consultation takes 60 minutes and we charge $230.
Upon clients’ request, we may be able to conduct creative arts therapy sessions in the community such as a client’s home, school, and office. In this case, return travel costs are capped to 60 minutes at $170 (pro-rata in 15 minute increments).
Clinical file review and photocopying of file records for subpoena or other purposes will be charged as per APS Schedule of Fees.
Medicare Rebates
For our psychological therapy sessions, Medicare rebates are available. Our psychologist is registered with Medicare to provide therapeutic intervention.
When clients come to therapy appointment, clients pay us at the end of each session by EFTPOS, credit card, cheque, or bank transfer. Our staff can then put in their Medicare rebate claim on their behalf.
To be eligible for the rebates, clients need a written referral letter from medical professionals such as their psychiatrist or a Mental Health treatment Plan referral from their GP.
If clients are not eligible for Medicare rebates, they can still receive psychological therapy. They will have to pay the full fee or arrange psychology cover with their private health provider.
For our creative arts therapy sessions, Medicare rebates are not available.
Cancellation Policy
All appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a fee that is half the rate of the scheduled fee.
100% of the scheduled fee will be charged in situation where there is a failure to attend the appointment without notice.
Thank you for understanding the need for a cancellation policy, in order to allow the clinic to run smoothly while providing the opportunity for all clients to have access to their preferred appointment times.
Mental Health Treatment Plan
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (previously known as a mental health care plan) is a plan for people with a mental health issue.
They need to visit their GP who will assess whether they have mental health issues and will benefit from a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
When GP writes the plan, clients will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychological appointments per calendar year. After their first 6 appointments with the psychologist, clients need to see their GP again for a mental health plan review to decide if they need a referral for further sessions.
The Mental Health Treatment Plan is part of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access)initiative. This initiative aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically diagnosed mental health issue.
Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas students may eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and be able to claim some of the cost with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The health cover pays for some but not all of the psychologist fee.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Some NDIS participants may be able to access funding for our creative arts therapy under the support cluster of ‘Capacity Building’ – Improved Daily Living (assessment, training, strategy development and/or therapy supports) to assist the development or increase a participant’s skills and/or capacity for independence and community participation. Its item number is 15_615_0128_1_3.
Self-managed NDIS participants can contact us directly to organise and schedule assessment services.
For plan-managed NDIS participants, their planner can typically confirm whether funds have been allocated for these purposes and seek approval to access our services under the participants’ plan.
Private Health
Private health insurance rebates may be available depending on clients’ level of cover, for Australian Unity, HBA, Medibank Private, MBF, and most other health funds.
The rebate from each health fund may vary. Some health funds require their clients to have exhausted their Medicare-funded sessions for the year before private health fund rebate is applicable for psychological services. Clients need to check with their private health provider to determine the possible rebate rate available.
Address List
PO Box 000, Camberwell South,
VIC 3124, Australia
(+61) 410 610 355
info@neurotree.com.au
Compassion Commitment Responsibility and Respect
Neurotree acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of the land in each of the communities where we work and pays respect to their Elders’ past and present.