Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The things women most often want to know before booking. If your question is not here, we are happy to answer it in a discovery call.
Looking for current prices, Medicare information, or referral requirements? Visit the Fees and Medicare guide.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
Counselling may be worth considering when emotional distress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, or a life transition is affecting your wellbeing or daily life. A free discovery call can help you decide whether Safe Refuge feels like the right fit.
How long does each counselling session last?
Individual counselling sessions usually last 50 minutes. Your booking confirmation will show the length of the appointment you have selected.
How often should I attend counselling?
The right frequency depends on your needs, goals, availability, and budget. Many people begin weekly or fortnightly and review the timing with their counsellor as the work progresses.
Is counselling confidential?
Privacy and confidentiality are central to counselling. There are limited legal and safety-related exceptions, which will be explained before or during your first session so you can ask questions about how your information is handled.
How much does counselling cost?
A standard 50-minute Safe Refuge session is $140. Prepaid blocks and a limited number of concession places are also available. The Fees page has the current prices, conditions, and clear Medicare and referral information.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate for Safe Refuge sessions?
No. Safe Refuge sessions are not eligible for a Medicare rebate. Better Access is a separate Medicare program with its own eligibility, referral, provider, and claiming rules; the Fees page explains the distinction and links to the official Australian Government guidance.
Do I need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan to book?
No. You can contact and book Safe Refuge directly without a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan. Those documents may be required when an eligible person seeks Medicare-rebated treatment through the separate Better Access program, but they are not required for a Safe Refuge booking.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. Online counselling is available for people who prefer or need to attend remotely. You can discuss whether in-person or online appointments are a better fit during a discovery call.
Can counselling support anxiety or low mood?
Counselling can provide space to understand anxiety or low mood, develop practical coping strategies, and work towards personally meaningful change. A discovery call can help determine whether Safe Refuge is appropriate for your circumstances.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
We understand that plans change. Please give as much notice as possible when cancelling or rescheduling. Online changes are available until 24 hours before your appointment, and the counselling contract explains any applicable late-cancellation fees.
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms overlap. Counselling often focuses on a particular concern or period of life, while psychotherapy may involve longer-term exploration of recurring patterns and experiences. The approach and pace should be tailored to you rather than determined by the label alone.
Do you offer perinatal or postnatal mental health support?
Yes. Safe Refuge supports women through pregnancy, birth, pregnancy loss, the postnatal period, and the emotional changes of motherhood. This can include anxiety, low mood, identity changes, grief, and birth trauma.
Do you offer faith-informed or Christian counselling?
Yes. Faith and spirituality can be included when they are meaningful to you, including within Catholic and broader Christian traditions. This is always led by your preferences and is never imposed; clients who do not want a faith-informed approach are equally welcome.
Prices and rebate arrangements can change. Check the current Safe Refuge fees before booking.
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A discovery call is the simplest way to get the specific answers you need for your specific situation.