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.
How do I know if individual therapy is right for me?
If you're facing challenges that affect your daily life, relationships, or self-esteem, individual therapy can be incredibly beneficial. Our free initial consultation can help you determine if it's the right step for you.
Is your counselling covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Safe Refuge is not a Medicare provider, so a Medicare rebate is not available. We are currently in the process of applying for private health insurance provider numbers with several major funds. Until those applications are approved, no private health rebate is available. We will update this as soon as that changes. If a Medicare rebate is essential for you, your GP can refer you to a psychologist who holds Medicare provider status.
How long does each therapy session last?
Our individual counselling sessions typically last 50 minutes, providing ample time to explore your concerns in depth.
How often will I need to attend therapy sessions?
Initially, we recommend weekly sessions to build momentum in your healing journey. As you progress, we may adjust the frequency based on your needs and goals.
Is everything I say in therapy confidential?
Absolutely. We adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. The only exceptions are cases where there's a risk of harm to yourself or others, which we'll discuss with you in our initial session.
How often should I attend counselling?
The frequency of sessions depends on your individual needs. We typically recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions to start, adjusting as needed.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. We adhere to strict privacy guidelines, with some legal exceptions that we'll discuss in your first session.
How much does counselling cost?
Our standard fee is $140 per 50-minute session. Prepaid blocks are available: 6 sessions for $780 ($130 per session, valid for 10 weeks) or 10 sessions for $1,250 ($125 per session), which suits longer-term trauma or attachment work. A concession rate of $110 is available for healthcare card holders, pensioners, and those experiencing genuine financial hardship — a limited number of concession places are reserved at all times. Occasional pro bono places are also available for women in genuine crisis, typically referred through local crisis services. Please ask if cost is a barrier.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes, we provide secure online counselling options for those who prefer or require remote sessions.
Can counselling help with anxiety and depression?
Yes, counselling is effective for anxiety and depression. We use evidence-based approaches to help you manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
We understand that life can be unpredictable. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid a cancellation fee.
How do I know if I need counselling?
If you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, relationship difficulties, or struggling to cope with life's challenges, counselling can be beneficial. Our free discovery call can help you decide if it's right for you.
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
While there's overlap, counselling typically focuses on specific issues and is often shorter-term, while psychotherapy tends to explore deeper patterns and may be longer-term. We tailor our approach to your needs.
Do I need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to book?
No. You can book directly without a referral, a GP visit, or a Mental Health Care Plan. This removes two appointment barriers and several weeks of delay. Simply contact us or use the online booking to arrange a discovery call.
What are the advantages of private counselling compared to seeing a psychologist through Medicare?
There are five key advantages for many women. First, no wait: psychologist waitlists in regional SA commonly stretch 3–6 months — Safe Refuge can often see you within the week. Second, no diagnosis required: Medicare requires a formal mental health diagnosis on your medical record; private counselling does not. Third, no session cap: Medicare limits you to 10 sessions per year, which is not enough for complex trauma, grief, or attachment work — there is no artificial ceiling here. Fourth, no GP gatekeeping: book directly, no referral needed. Fifth, the effective cost is comparable: at $140 per session, Safe Refuge matches the out-of-pocket cost most women pay for a psychologist after their Medicare rebate.
I've already used all my Medicare psychology sessions this year — can you help?
Yes, and this is exactly the situation private counselling is well suited for. Once your 10 Medicare sessions are exhausted, GPs have limited referral options for continued support. You can continue your therapeutic work here without interruption at $140 per session, or reduce the per-session cost further with a prepaid block.
Do you offer perinatal or postnatal mental health support?
Yes. Supporting mothers through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period is one of our core areas. We work with women experiencing anxiety, low mood, identity shifts, birth trauma, pregnancy loss, and the emotional complexity of new motherhood — including women who are struggling but do not meet the clinical threshold for a postnatal depression diagnosis. You do not need a GP referral or a formal diagnosis to access support.
Do you offer faith-informed or Christian counselling?
Yes. For clients who want it, we offer counselling that holds space for faith, spirituality, and a holistic mind-body-spirit framework. This is not imposed on anyone — sessions are tailored to each client's values and preferences. We are familiar with the Catholic and broader Christian tradition and can integrate this naturally into the therapeutic relationship where it is meaningful to you.
Still Have Questions?
We'd Love to Hear From You
A discovery call is the simplest way to get the specific answers you need for your specific situation.