When are appointments available?
In-person and online appointments are available Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Appointments are not available on public holidays.
Where do appointments take place?
In-person appointments take place at Simon’s consulting room at 568 Grimshaw Street, Bundoora, and via Zoom for Telehealth.
Who is treatment available to?
Simon doesn’t specialise in any particular gender or age, but primarily treats adults.
What sorts of problems can you help with?
Treatment is available for a range of psychological concerns, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Therapy can also assist individuals in managing challenges within their personal and romantic relationships, as well as difficulties arising in their professional lives. Simon provides support for more complex presentations such as trauma, addiction, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dissociative identity disorder (DID), and health-related stress conditions.
How much do appointments cost?
The out-of-pocket cost for a standard 50-minute appointment is approximately $130 with a valid GP referral ($280 fee with a $149.05 Medicare rebate). Patients who set up automatic payments will have their Medicare rebate processed automatically at the time of payment. Alternatively, rebates can be claimed through the Medicare app or Medicare online using the provided payment receipt. To faciliate longer-term therapy, Simon offers a discount on his rate for patients paying privately after they have used their Medicare sessions each year.
What funding sources are services provided under?
Simon can assist patients with funding from Medicare, DVA, NDIS (self-managed only), WorkCover, TAC, and private health insurance.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. We require two full business days’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. For example, if your session is on a Thursday, notice must be provided by Monday so that Tuesday and Wednesday serve as the full notice period. This policy helps ensure the functional and financial sustainability of the practice so we can continue providing high-quality care.
What benefit could I see from therapy?
Although benefits of therapy vary, many patients experience short-term symptom relief, medium-term personality changes, and long-term shifts in attachment style. Therapy often helps patients gain greater insight into their own minds and empowers them to build the life they desire.
How many appointments will I need?
While symptom relief may occur within 10 to 20 sessions, lasting change that prevents symptom relapse and supports personality and attachment style development may require longer-term therapy
How frequent should therapy appointments be?
Effective therapy relies on consistent sessions, as infrequent or irregular appointments often hinders progress. So, Simon works with patients on a weekly or fortnightly basis, on a consistent day and time. Cancellations should generally occur only in rare circumstances with appointment rescheduling with several weeks notice.
What are Simon’s qualifications?
Simon holds a Master of Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), and a Bachelor of Science. He is currently completing a PhD in psychology, with a focus on anxiety, alcohol use, and relationships. Simon has undertaken a two-year clinical psychology registrar program developing advanced skills in formulating and treating complex psychological issues, and is endorsed as a clinical psychologist by the Psychology Board of Australia. Simon is an ongoing member of the Australian Psychological Society.
What style of therapy is provided?
Simon primarily offers psychodynamic therapy, but also incorporates cognitive behavioural and mindfulness based interventions where best suited. His training primarily includes psychoanalytic psychotherapy, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mindfulness, acceptance and commitment based therapy. Simon prioritises building a good relationship with patients by taking a friendly, curious, and relaxed approach to treatment. His goal is to help patients process unconscious emotions and trauma while identifying thinking and behavioural patterns which contribute to ongoing suffering.
How do I get a GP referral?
Speak to a GP about getting a mental health care plan (MHCP). These are typically available to individuals experiencing some anxious and/or depressive feelings. A MHCP provides 10 rebates sessions per calendar year. Additional Medicare sessions may also be available on a chronic disease management plan.
Does Simon prescribe medication?
No, Simon is not a prescriber but will work with your GP to determine if medication is appropriate.
Does Simon provide assessment?
Yes, Simon can provide psychological assessment and diagnosis of conditions such as ADHD and can provide letters in legal or educational settings.
Get in contact to arrange an appointment