Psychologists and psychiatrists both play crucial roles in mental health care, but psychologists typically focus on therapy and behavioural interventions, while psychiatrists can prescribe medications and have a more medical approach.

Psychologists can conduct psychological assessments and use evidence-based practices to help clients manage and overcome mental health issues. They use various therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and more.

At Oqea Cares, the two professions collaborate to provide comprehensive mental health care.

The initial assessment with a psychologist costs $1720 (incl. GST). This fee includes the 90-minute appointment and comprehensive assessment review, as well as a client report and the 30-minute feedback session with the psychologist. No Medicare rebates apply for the assessment and feedback appointments.

The subsequent appointment with a psychiatrist, if required, will cost up to $825 (GST free) for a 45-minute session but you can claim a $255.90 rebate from Medicare with a valid referral from a GP or medical specialist.

Any additional appointments with a psychiatrist will cost up to $324.50 per 15-minute session, with a $85 rebate from Medicare with a valid referral from a GP or medical specialist.

Yes. Online sessions are available with our psychologists and psychiatrists via phone or video through Telehealth on our Oqea platform. We’ll schedule the appointment with you and send you a link.

You do not need a GP referral to start on the ADHD Pathway, as there is no Medicare rebate for the initial two appointments yet. However, if you proceed to the medical appointment, we recommend getting a referral from your GP before the appointment to claim the Medicare rebate. For more information about referrals please visit Health Direct.

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and people may need to cancel or reschedule their appointments. We appreciate as much notice as possible to appropriately service our clients and individuals on the waiting list. Due to the limited number of appointments available and the high demand for these services, any appointment cancellations or changes with less than 48 hours notice will incur a fee.

The cancellation fee must be settled before the appointment can be rescheduled. We thank you for your understanding.

Please note, if appointment 1 (psychology) is cancelled and not rescheduled – appointments 2 and 3 will also be cancelled and can result in extended wait times.

AT LEAST 1 week before: Complete the set of assessments sent to your email. Please ensure the ‘ADHD Informant (Family Member) Assessment Form’ is completed by your designated family member, friend or spouse. This is a crucial part of the assessment process, and we appreciate your time in completing these.

Any time before: Login to your account on the  Oqea app.

If you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for your psychiatry appointment, please obtain a valid referral from your GP.  Create a list of any current medications and obtain any previous investigations or tests that may be helpful for your clinician to consider.

Depending on your individual needs and outcomes, continued psychological therapy may be recommended as an option for you. For these services, we recommend seeing your GP to discuss if you are eligible for Medicare refunded services via a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan. The Oqea Cares psychology team are happy to support you or your family member with ongoing psychology support.

Ongoing appointments with the psychiatrist will be required if medication is prescribed. After the initial sessions, psychiatry appointments are usually on a 6-monthly basis.

Please reach out to the Oqea Cares reception team, the phone lines are open between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Thursday. 

Email: hello@oqeacares.au    Phone: (08) 6559 6900  

Please email the Oqea product team on info@oqea.com.