Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Afiya InMind, all in one place. Browse our most common queries below.
What are the benefits of Telehealth or Online Therapy?
Accessible
Telehealth allows you to work together with your therapist or psychologist from a distance while maintaining the same level of connection, trust, and empathy. And with the added benefits of comfort and privacy in your own home, office, or other private setting, you can feel more at ease when starting on your healing journey.
Flexible
Therapy is available Australia-wide and within reach. Online sessions break down geographical barriers, so you can get the help you need without waiting weeks for an appointment or travelling long distances. No traffic issues. No car parking issues.
Privacy and Comfort
You can enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own space during therapy. The private setting at home, your office, or any quiet place of your choice, you can engage in therapy where you feel safest.
Predictability and Consistency
We know that our lives can be unpredictable so accessing online therapy ensures that you can maintain continuity in your treatment, no matter what’s happening in your personal life. Therapy remains accessible even if you are at home, work, on a break, holiday, etc.
What should I prepare before starting online therapy?
You need to ensure that this quick checklist is met to get the most out of starting online therapy:
- A reliable internet connection to ensure uninterrupted sessions.
- A digital device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone, along with audio and video capabilities.
- A quiet, private space where you can speak openly without distractions and
Backup communication: Keep your phone handy to remain contactable just in case we need to reconnect. - Comfort essentials – Grab a glass of water and tissues to ensure you’re comfortable during our session.
Is telehealth effective?
Research shows that therapy works whether it is in-person or online. It’s natural to be curious about whether online therapy will be right for you or if online therapy offers similar results to in-person therapy, it’s important to note that many therapists have been providing online therapy since COVID and have helped process, heal, and provide suitable interventions.
Psychological assessments can also be conducted online. However, there are some assessments that that can only be conducted in-person. Contact us to find out if any of our psychologists can conduct in-persona diagnostic assessments.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to book and pay for private psychotherapy, counselling, or psychological services.
Not needing a doctor’s referral allows you to bypass the primary care hurdle, saving you valuable time.
You can initiate care directly, often scheduling an appointment within the same week, and take immediate control of your personal growth or mental health without waiting for approval.
Advantages of not needing a referral
Faster intervention
You do not have to wait weeks for a GP appointment just to get the paperwork approved before booking a therapist. You can immediately book one of therapists.
Privacy and Flexibility
Many individuals seek therapy for various issues to assist with their mental health concerns, personal development and growth, general well-being, and relationships issues, which is much easier to pursue privately when using self-pay options.
No Diagnostic Label Required
To get a Medicare-subsidized referral, a GP must formally diagnose you with a mental health condition. Seeing a therapist privately allows you to seek help for general life coaching, stress management, grief, or personal development without a formal medical diagnosis.
Bypassing Medicare means your therapy details do not appear on your medical records or the My Health Record system. This is highly beneficial if you want to keep your mental health history separate from your general medical profile.
Therapist Choice
You can freely choose from a variety of counselors, psychotherapists, or specialists that best fit your unique needs
How can I access Medicare rebates?
If you would like to see a psychologist, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP or psychiatrist please make sure your referral must include:
⦁ A letter addressed to Afiya InMind or name of an Afiya InMind psychologist.
⦁ A copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan
Please have your GP’s medical centre (or yourself) email or fax the referral to appointments@afiya.au before your first session. If you’ve used some of your 10 annual sessions elsewhere, the remaining number carries over.
Why Is There a Gap Between the Medicare Rebate and the Fee When Seeing Psychologists?
The Medicare rebate does help to reduce the cost of psychological treatment but it does not cover the full session fee. The cost to provide healthcare in terms of practice operations, insurances, registrations, continue to rise.
Our rates are still below the recommended APS and AAPI rates.
- Medicare rebate with a valid Mental Health Care Plan for a 50-minute appointment to see a psychologist is $101.55
- Medicare rebate with a valid Mental Health Care Plan for a 50-minute appointment to see a clinical psychologist is $149.05
Note: There may be opportunities for bulk billing at certain periods. Please complete our online contact form and mention this request to be placed on our waiting list.
I have a Work Injury or Motor Vehicle Accident insurance claim
Any psychologist treating you under these schemes specialise in trauma, recovery, and / or returning to work. We recognise the importance of psychologists also needing to appropriately providing a diagnosis where needed to further assist in supporting your claim.
Before booking, ensure you have these four details ready to provide us with:
- Claim Number: Provided by your insurer (WorkCover or CTP etc).
- Case Manager Details: Their name and contact information.
- GP Referral: A medical certificate or Certificate of Capacity from your doctor.
- Insurer Approval Letter: Written confirmation that they will cover the initial consultation and treatment plan.
There are circumstances where you can access psychological interventions straight after being involved in a motor vehicle accident if you are not the driver at fault. Contact us to found out how.
Will I have to pay out-of-pocket for my sessions?
No. Once your claim is accepted and your insurer approves the psychological treatment plan, they are billed directly. This means $0 out-of-pocket (no gap fees) for your approved sessions.
Are my sessions confidential?
No Disclosure Without Consent: Information discussed in sessions remains strictly private. Your therapist cannot discuss your case or share notes without your signed permission.
To ensure safety, there may be circumstances to break confidentiality in a few specific situations. These will be discussed during your first session.
Can I change my therapist or psychologist?
Yes, you can. We respect your individual preferences and needs. You can contact our intake officer to request another therapist or psychologist. We are here to help you.
Can I request a female or male therapist?
Yes. You can request a male or female therapist when you schedule your sessions. You can begin the process by filling out our interactive form, where you can indicate your preference for a female or male therapist.
Are the services by Afiya InMind only for Muslims?
No. We can While we specialize in Muslim-centered therapy, our licensed therapists can also work respectfully with clients from other faith backgrounds.
Can I use my private health insurance?
A rebate may be available through your private health insurance. Each health insurance provider is different in terms of coverage and individual policies, so please check with your provider to confirm what you are eligible to access. We will provide you with a receipt to provide to your provider.