Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

Our practice is a Registered NDIS Provider specialising in providing affordable and comprehensive NDIS psychology services:

1. Our experienced psychologists have guaranteed immediate (same week) capacity for new NDIS clients.
2. We are a Registered NDIS Psychology Service Provider and we take on all NDIS participants, including NDIA managed.
3. Our NDIS session rate is around 25% less than the recommended NDIS billing rate for psychology ($165 vs $214.41 p/s). Leaving participants with more funding for additional services.
4. We treat all age groups and presentations.
5. Our 24/7 Telehealth service is available to everyone, anywhere in Australia, no matter how remote or what time of day it is.
6. We provide a home visit service for all metropolitan areas in capital cities around Australia, for the convenience of our NDIS participants.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia provides funding for various services, including psychological support, to assist participants in achieving their personal goals and improving their well-being. Understanding the recommended rates for psychology sessions under the NDIS, as well as the actual charges by clinics, is crucial for participants and their families to make informed decisions. This article explores the NDIS recommended rates for psychology sessions, average charges by clinics, and the range of fees from the highest to the lowest.

The NDIS sets out pricing arrangements for various support services to ensure participants receive value for money while maintaining access to high-quality care. The rates are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the market and cost structures.

As of the latest update in July 2023, the NDIS recommended rates for psychology services are as follows:

• Individual Therapy Session (up to 60 minutes): $214.41
• Group Therapy Session (per participant, up to 60 minutes): $68.52
• Psychological Assessment and Reporting (per hour): $214.41 (NDIS, 2023).

These rates are intended to cover the costs associated with delivering psychological services, including clinician time, administrative support, and other overheads.

While the NDIS sets recommended rates, the actual fees charged by clinics can vary based on several factors, including location, the experience of the psychologist, and the type of service provided. It’s important for participants to be aware of these variations when selecting a provider.

Based on a survey of clinics across Australia, the average charges for psychology sessions are as follows:

• Individual Therapy Session (up to 60 minutes): $180 to $220
• Group Therapy Session (per participant, up to 60 minutes): $60 to $75
• Psychological Assessment and Reporting (per hour): $180 to $220 (Australian Psychological Society, 2023).

These averages indicate that many clinics charge rates within the NDIS recommended range, but there can be significant variability.

In some cases, clinics may charge above the NDIS recommended rates due to specialised services, high demand, or the reputation and experience of the psychologist. The highest charges observed include:

• Individual Therapy Session (up to 60 minutes): Up to $250, With some outliers charging even more.
• Group Therapy Session (per participant, up to 60 minutes): Up to $90
• Psychological Assessment and Reporting (per hour): Up to $250 (National Disability Insurance Agency, 2023).

Conversely, very few clinics charge below the recommended NDIS rate in comparison to the number charging a higher rate. The lowest charges observed include:

• Individual Therapy Session (up to 60 minutes): As low as $150
• Group Therapy Session (per participant, up to 60 minutes): As low as $50
• Psychological Assessment and Reporting (per hour): As low as $150 (National Disability Insurance Agency, 2023).

Geographic location significantly impacts the cost of psychology services. Clinics in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane often charge higher fees compared to those in regional or rural areas due to higher operating costs.

The experience and specialisation of the psychologist can also influence fees. Psychologists with extensive experience, advanced qualifications, or specialised expertise in areas such as trauma, child psychology, or neuropsychology may charge higher rates.

The overhead costs associated with running a clinic, including rent, administrative support, and equipment, can affect the fees charged for services. Clinics with higher overheads may need to charge more to cover these expenses.

While the NDIS sets recommended rates, it does not strictly prohibit service providers from charging above these rates. However, there are important legal and ethical considerations that providers must adhere to:

Service providers and participants enter into service agreements that outline the terms and conditions, including the cost of services. These agreements must be clear, transparent, and mutually agreed upon. Providers can legally charge more than the recommended rates if the participant consents to the higher fees and it is clearly documented in the service agreement (NDIS, 2023).

Informed consent is crucial. Participants must be fully aware of the costs involved and agree to them willingly. Service providers are responsible for ensuring that participants understand their rights and the implications of accepting higher charges (National Disability Insurance Agency, 2023).

The ability to charge above the recommended rates may also depend on whether the provider is registered with the NDIS.

Registered NDIS providers are generally expected to adhere to the NDIS price guide. Charging above the recommended rates may be scrutinised, and providers must justify the higher costs while ensuring that participants are not disadvantaged (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, 2021).

Unregistered providers are not bound by the NDIS price guide and have more flexibility in setting their fees. However, they must still ensure that their charges are fair, reasonable, and transparently communicated to participants (NDIS, 2023).

Service providers charging above the recommended rates must ensure that their services offer value for money. This includes providing high-quality care, being transparent about the costs, and not exploiting participants (Australian Psychological Society, 2023).

Providers must comply with NDIS standards and regulations, which include accountability for their pricing practices. Failure to do so can result in penalties, loss of registration, and damage to their reputation (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, 2021).

Participants need to be aware of the financial implications of agreeing to pay more than the recommended rates. Higher charges can impact their NDIS funding and reduce the amount available for other necessary services (NDIS, 2023).

Participants should consider whether paying higher rates is justified by the quality and necessity of the services provided. They should also explore alternative providers who offer services within the recommended rates to maximise their NDIS funding.

Understanding the recommended NDIS psychology session rates and the actual charges by clinics is essential for NDIS participants seeking psychological support. While the NDIS sets out recommended rates to guide pricing, actual fees can vary widely based on factors such as location, the psychologist’s experience, and clinic overheads. It is legal for service providers to charge more than the recommended NDIS session rates, provided that they obtain informed consent from participants and clearly document the agreement. Both registered and unregistered providers have a responsibility to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money in their pricing practices. Participants should be fully informed about the costs and implications of accepting higher charges and consider their options carefully to make the best use of their NDIS funding.

• Australian Psychological Society. (2023). Fees and charges for psychological services. Retrieved from https://www.psychology.org.au/
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. (2021). NDIS Code of Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/document/847
• National Disability Insurance Agency. (2023). NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2023-24. Retrieved from https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing
• National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2023). NDIS Support Catalogue 2023-24. Retrieved from https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing
• National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2023). Service agreements and consent. Retrieved from https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/service-agreements

How to get in touch

If you or your NDIS participant need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – NDIS@therapynearme.com.au.