(03) 9818 6333 / 1800 063 501 (Toll Free)
If you have recently received a positive diagnosis, are worried about what the future holds, or are watching a loved one live with Huntington’s disease, adjusting to this new reality can be overwhelming. If you find yourself in any of these situations, or if Huntington’s disease has impacted your life in any way, it is crucial to seek support in a way that works best for you.
This might mean reaching out to a friend for comfort, reconnecting with family members who understand what you are going through, or seeking professional help. If you need someone to talk to without fear of judgment, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Alternatively, keep scrolling to explore professional support options.
This page is designed to provide you with all the essential information needed to make informed decisions about seeking help from a psychologist. Here, you will find details about Medicare and private health rebates, and a list of counselling services that you can access at your convenience.
Medicare Rebate Policy
Through Medicare’s “Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative,” you may be eligible for a rebate on focused psychological strategies.
This initiative is available to individuals whose GP believes they meet specific criteria for counseling support and refers them for in-person or individual psychological counseling. Reasons for eligibility could include experiences such as loss, grief, relationship breakdowns, or major life changes that are difficult to cope with.
Under the Medicare Benefits Scheme, individuals who participate in psychological counseling sessions lasting at least 50 minutes may be eligible for a rebate of up to 85% on up to 10 sessions per year. We strongly recommend discussing this with your GP to determine your eligibility for a Medicare referral.
Private Health insurance
If you have private health insurance, it’s important to discuss your eligibility, rebate caps, and the necessary steps to maximize your rebate for psychological sessions with your insurance provider.
Please note that you may need to find practitioners who accept your specific insurance provider. In many cases, you can contact your health insurance company to obtain a list of bulk-billing services that are covered by your policy.
Keep in mind that rebate percentages vary across providers and depend on your coverage type and insurance level. Therefore, it’s essential to clarify these details with both your insurance provider and GP before obtaining a referral for psychological counseling.
At Huntington’s Victoria, we have established a collaboration with Independence Australia, who are passionate about helping individuals and families living with disability, mental health concerns and/or facing challenging situations, at no out of pocket expense to the client. Please contact us to discuss the specific supports you are seeking, and we will send a referral to the team at Independence Australia to contact you.
Alternatively, please find the links below for psychological support services that you can access at your convenience.
Berry Street
Service for children and families where violence/trauma/abuse is present.
A: 1 Salisbury Street, Richmond VIC 3121
P: 9450 4700
W: https://www.berrystreet.org.au
Care in Mind
Government initiative, no cost psychological services for low-income earners who live in the Northwestern Melbourne Primary Health Network. See website for details of services.
P: 9088 4277
E: [email protected]
W: https://nwmphn.org.au/health-systems-capacity-building/careinmind/
Other: 24/7 phone & web counselling support – 1300 096 269 or visit careinmind.com.au
CoHealth
Community health organisation that provides low or no cost counselling depending on income.
P & E: see website
W: https://www.cohealth.org.au/health-services/counselling/counselling/
Drummond Street Services
Services for – LGBTQI clients, Refugees & Migrants, AOD, Youth, Families, Couples, Parenting, Child Sexual Abuse/Royal Commission Support.
A: 100 Drummond Street, Carlton VIC 3053 (main location). Also: Family & Community Space at 253 Hoddle Street, Collingwood VIC 3066.
P: 9663 6733
E: [email protected]
W: https://ds.org.au
Employee Assistance Program
Please seek details through your workplace/HR department.
W: http://www.eapaa.org.au/
Melbourne Affordable Psychology
Sessions are conducted by supervised provisional psychologists & placement students.
A: 412 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032
P: 0455 850 064
W: https://melbourneaffordablepsychology.org.au
Mingary Counselling Services
Low-cost counselling service available to all members of the community.
A: 120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
P: 9654 5120
W: https://www.mingarycounselling.com.au
Relationships Victoria
Community-based organisation that provides a range of services, including relationship counselling, multicultural program and family violence services.
A: Kew & Melbourne CBD.
P: 1300 364 277
W: http://www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au/
Uniting Care – Prahran Mission
Government funded, no cost mental health services for people who are severely impacted by mental health concerns.
A: Inner East Melb: Kew East / Mt Waverley. Bayside: Armadale, Cheltenham, Prahran
P: Inner East Melb: 1300 785 358. Bayside: 1300 379 462
W: http://www.prahranmission.org.au/ourservices/#page_2
Relationships Australia
P: 1300 364 277
Grief Australia
Grief Australia – 1800 642 066
Australia Counselling
Australia Counselling was created as a resource for all Australians to connect with counsellors and therapists in their local area.
P: 1800 642 066
Lifeline
HealthDirect
HealthDirect
This is a government-funded service that provides health information, including local service providers as GPs, psychologists, counsellors etc.
P: 1800 022 222
MensLine Australia
Quest for Life Foundation
Quest for Life Foundation
The Quest for Life Foundation provides practical skills and strategies for people to create peace and resilience in their lives.
P: 1300 941 488
ReachOut.com
ReachOut.com
ReachOut.com is a web-based service that provides practical tools and support to young people.
Contact Huntington's Victoria For More Support
If you cannot find the right service that you are looking for, please reach out to us for further assistance with finding as service that suits you the best.
P: 03 9818 6333