What it costs, and what you’re not signing up for

No. Counsellors and psychotherapists aren’t covered by Medicare rebates, which means there’s no GP referral, no diagnosis, no eligibility criteria, no ten-session limit and no waitlist.

For many people this is the reason they choose a counsellor rather than a psychologist. Nothing about your sessions appears in your medical record, and no letter goes back to a doctor who may also be your family’s doctor.

Medicare provides rebates for psychologists, social workers and some mental health nurses. Counsellors and psychotherapists aren’t included in that scheme. The practical effect is that your sessions are private, confidential, and not tied to a diagnosis.

Some funds offer rebates for counselling. I can provide receipts, though I don’t process claims directly. It’s worth checking with your fund.

Psychologists can diagnose and provide structured assessments. Counsellors work with emotional distress, life challenges, grief, overwhelm and coping patterns. I work relationally and at your pace, without labels.

If what you need is a formal diagnosis or an assessment, I’ll say so and help you find the right person.

English, Hindi and Gujarati.

Sessions are online across Australia. Walk-and-talk sessions in Western Sydney are available on request — outdoors, side by side, which some people find easier than sitting opposite someone in a room. Mention it on your introductory call.

Online across all of Australia, including every state and territory. Walk-and-talk sessions are available on request across Western Sydney — Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Ropes Crossing, Parramatta, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Stanhope Gardens, Westmead and surrounding suburbs.

We’ll talk about what’s brought you here and what you’re hoping for. You share as much or as little as you want. We’ll cover confidentiality, answer your questions, and work out together how to proceed. There’s no assessment to pass.

It depends. Weekly or fortnightly to begin with, to build trust and momentum, then adjusted as things settle. Some people come for six sessions, others for a year.

Life happens. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Without it, the full fee may apply unless there’s a good reason.