Welcome to Newport Counselling & Psychology Service (NCPS)

We’re a small, busy and caring service in the heart of Newport, inner west Melbourne. At NCPS, we are with you, every step of the way.

This page answers many common questions to help you feel confident and informed about starting therapy with us. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate in reaching out.

Getting Started

1. Do I need a referral to book an appointment?

No referral is needed—you’re welcome to book and pay privately at any time.
However, if you’d like to access Medicare rebates, you’ll need a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician referral (see below for more).

2. How do I book an appointment?

You can call our Client Support Team on (03) 9603 0313, or we can invite you to our Halaxy Patient Portal where you can manage bookings online. We aim to offer appointments within 1–2 weeks.

3. Who is the best person to see at your clinic?

We’ll help match you with a clinician based on your needs, preferences, and the type of support you’re after. Our team includes Psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers, Social Workers/Family Therapists and Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapists.

Fees, Rebates & Funding

4. How much does it cost?

Our session fees range from $130–$290, depending on the clinician's qualifications and experience.
Evening/weekend sessions: +$20 surcharge.

We keep our rates well below the national recommended fees (Australian Psychological Society: $311/hr, Australian Association of Social Workers: $289/hr)

5. Can I get a Medicare rebate?

Yes, if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or a referral from a Psychiatrist/Paediatrician.


Rebates from 1 July 2025:

  • Clinical Psychologist: $145.20

  • Psychologist: $98.95

  • Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW): $87.25

  • Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapist: $87.25

Once you reach the Medicare Safety Net, 80% of your fee may be covered.

6. What if I can't afford the full fee?

We understand finances can be tough. While we’re a private service and don’t bulk bill, we may offer reduced fees in cases of financial hardship.

Please reach out and talk to us.

7. Can I use Private Health Insurance?

Yes—just pay us upfront, then claim a rebate from your fund. Most insurers cover Psychologists and some support AMHSWs (e.g. BUPA, Medibank, HCF).

8. Do you accept NDIS, TAC or WorkCover clients?

Yes! We accept:

  • NDIS (Self or Plan Managed)

  • TAC

  • Workcover

  • DVA / Open Arms (Veterans)

  • VOCAT

  • Family Reconciliation Program (FRMP)
    Fees are set in line with each program.

Our Clinicians & Referrals

9. Which clinicians can I see with a Medicare referral?

You can see the following Medicare-accredited clinicians:

  • Tim Jezard (Principal Psychologist)

  • Kristen Fawcett (Acc. Clinical MHSW, Clinical Family Therapist)

  • Anthea Barry (Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapist)

  • Ian Connop, Salva Crusca, Matt Dellosa, Jay Dineen, Jackson Liu, Susan Saxe (Accredited Mental Health Social Workers)

  • Rudy Gonzalez, Grace Lopez (Psychologists)

Clinicians awaiting Medicare approval (offering reduced private rates):

  • Roni Sokolic (Social Worker/Family Therapist), Tiahn Biundo (Social Worker)

10. What’s the difference between a Psychologist, Social Worker, Acc. Mental Health Social Worker and Mental Healt Occupational Therapist?

  • Psychologists focus on clinical psychological assessments and providing therapy

  • Social Workers work with a range of clients with complex life challenges, family, trauma issues and related mental health issues

  • Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) have advanced training in complex mental health issues and can provide treatment and therapeutic support

  • Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapist (MHOT) have worked in clinical settings and have additional training to provide mental health treatment and therapeutic interventions

All of our clinicians at NCPS, can provide effective and evidence based treatment and support.

Types of Therapy & Services

11. Do you offer Family, Couples or Relationship Counselling?

Yes. Several of our clinicians specialise in this area. Please note: Medicare rebates don’t apply, so these sessions are private-pay only.

12. What services do you offer?

We support individuals, couples and families with:

  • Mental Health Counselling

  • Family Therapy & Mediation

  • Relationship Support

  • Group Therapy Programs

  • Assessments & Reports

  • Supervision & Training for professionals

13. Do you run group programs?

Yes! We offer group therapy (usually towards the end of the year..depending on interest and numbers attending).

Your GP can refer you under a Mental Health Plan for up to 10 group sessions.

Referrals We Accept

14. What types of referrals can I bring?

We accept:

  • Mental Health Treatment Plan (6 + 4 sessions)

  • Carer/Family Sessions (2) as part of MHTP

  • Pregnancy Counselling (3)

  • Eating Disorder Plans (up to 40 sessions)

  • Chronic Disease Management (5)

  • NDIS, TAC, Workcover, FRMP, VOCAT

  • Referrals from Psychiatrists & Paediatricians

Access & Cancellation Policy

15. Is the clinic wheelchair accessible?

Yes, we have a portable access ramp. Just let us know in advance so we can have it ready for you.

16. What is your cancellation policy?

  • <48 hrs notice: Full session fee applies

  • No-show: Full session fee applies

  • Illness? Switch to a phone/video session to avoid fees

  • Emergencies: Let us know—fees may be waived

  • Frequent cancellations: May affect booking priority

We'll send you a text reminder 4 days before your appointment.

Payments & Rebates

17. How do I pay?

  • Credit Card: Auto-processed via Halaxy (secure)

  • Bank Transfer: Pay before/on your appointment

    • BSB: 083 004 | Acc No: 92 013 0852

  • Third-Party Payments: We invoice programs like TAC, NDIS (Plan Managed), etc.

18. How do Medicare rebates work?

Once payment is complete, we process your rebate via Halaxy. The refund is sent to your bank account linked with Medicare or what you have provided to us at intake.

Contact & Support

19. How can I reach you?

  • Phone: (03) 9603 0313 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

  • SMS: 0448 817 949 (for appointment updates)

  • Email: For confidential/non-urgent matters
    You can also manage your bookings via the Halaxy Portal.

20. What if I need an urgent appointment?

We don’t keep a waiting list, but aim to book within 1–2 weeks. Let us know your situation so we can prioritise if needed.

21. Can I pause or end therapy?

Absolutely. You can:

  • Put your treatment on hold

  • Ask to be transferred to another clinician

  • End therapy and return any time
    We’ll close inactive files after 6 months.