Social Work and Counselling

NDIS

Tara offers Social Work for to NDIS participants who are plan managed and self-managed under Capacity Building line item 15_621_0128_1_3. This item number is used for therapy, assessments and report writing. Travel costs are billed at the standard rates in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Social work therapeutic support is a specialised service focusing on the psychosocial aspects of participants' lives. It addresses emotional, social, and psychological challenges commonly experienced by individuals with disabilities. Social workers in the NDIS offer therapeutic interventions, counseling, and support to help participants develop coping strategies, increase resilience, and enhance their mental health and overall well-being.

Medicare

Mental Health Care Plans

If you’re experiencing challenges with your mental health, your GP or Psychiatrist can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This plan allows you to access Medicare rebates for up to 10 counselling sessions per calendar year. We work closely with your GP to ensure the plan supports your individual goals and wellbeing.

Chronic Condition Managament Plans

If you are living with a long-term health condition, your GP may prepare a Chronic Disease Management Plan (sometimes called a Chronic Conditions Plan). These plans provide Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year, which can include social work therapy. We can support you in managing the impact of chronic health issues on your daily life, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

If you hold a DVA card, you may be eligible for fully funded sessions with a referral from your GP. We are committed to supporting veterans and their families with safe, respectful, and tailored care.

Health Funds

Some private health insurers provide rebates for sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW). These rebates depend on your level of cover and are only available through funds that have a formal arrangement with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Currently, the following health funds recognise and provide rebates for services delivered by AMHSWs:

• Bupa

• Medibank Private

• ahm

• Teachers Health Fund

• UniHealth

• Police Health

• Emergency Services Health

• Phoenix Health Fund

• St Luke’s Health

• GMHBA

• Frank Health Insurance

• Westfund

Important Note

• Rebates are only available if you hold extras cover that includes counselling/mental health/social work services.

• The rebate amount and the number of sessions you can claim vary between funds and policies.

• You will need to provide your social worker’s AASW membership details and a receipt with their provider number for claiming.

• Always check with your health fund directly to confirm eligibility and rebate amounts under your specific policy.

SelfRefer Program

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) SelfRefer Program is a safe and supportive way to reach out for help before things become overwhelming. Through this program, you can choose to connect with counselling and other community supports without fear of judgment or punishment. As a counsellor, I provide up to six one-hour sessions in a caring and confidential space, where we can work together on what’s happening for you, build healthier coping strategies, and create positive change. Whether you’re experiencing stress, trauma, family conflict, or challenges with mental health or substance use, this pathway is about giving you the support you need to feel safer, stronger, and more in control of your future.

Aged Care

If you have a Home Care Package (HCP), you may be able to access counselling and social work services as part of your supports. These services can assist with:

• Coping with changes in health, independence, or living situations

• Managing grief, loss, anxiety, or depression

• Supporting family and carer relationships

• Building confidence and maintaining wellbeing

How it works:

• Through your package provider – Many providers include counselling or social work as part of their service options. You can ask your Care Manager to include these supports in your package.

• Self-managed packages – If you self-manage your Home Care Package, you have greater choice and flexibility to engage your own preferred social worker or counsellor, and claim the service costs through your package.

Important to know:

• Services must be related to your care needs and approved under your package.

• Some providers may have preferred professionals, but you can request to see an accredited social worker or counsellor of your choice.

• If you’d like counselling/social work included in your plan, talk with your Care Manager or provider about adding this into your package budget.

Employee Assisted Program (EAP)

If your workplace offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you may be able to access free, confidential counselling and support sessions through your employer. This gives you the opportunity to talk with a qualified professional about personal, family, or work-related concerns at no cost to you.

EAP services are designed to support challenges such as stress, anxiety, relationship issues, workplace conflict, grief, or major life changes. Sessions are completely private and separate from your workplace, so you can feel confident knowing your privacy is protected.

Please note: The number of sessions and types of services available depend on your employer’s EAP provider and their contractual arrangements. As this is a contracted service, you will need to contact your EAP provider directly to arrange sessions with me.

Private Funded Sessions

Some clients choose to access counselling and social work services privately. This means you can book sessions without needing a referral from your GP, a Mental Health Treatment Plan, or approval from a funding body.

Privately funded sessions provide:

• Flexibility – you decide how often and how long you would like to attend.

• Privacy – no information is shared with Medicare, NDIS, or insurers.

• Choice – you can access services even if you are not eligible for funded supports.

Payment is made directly at the time of the session. Please contact me for current rates and availability.