FAQs
Fees & Rebates
What are the fees for sessions?
Last updated: 22 July 2025
Therapy Fees
I endeavour to provide affordable therapy in a private setting. My fees can be discussed directly upon enquiry.
As a response to the increased cost of living, I have a limited number of low cost sessions available for those wanting to make a commitment to their therapy, please enquire.
I also accept billing through Medicare, private health insurance, and private fees, as well as through the NDIS, TAC, Workcover and Victims of Crime. Bookings.
The Medicare rebate from July 2025 is $99. We can process your Medicare reimbursement on the day. Everyone with a Medicare card, can obtain a referral. Without a referral, no rebate applies.
Psychoanalysis Fees
Psychoanalysis fees and treatment agreement is separately discussed as there are usually more than one session during the week.
Private Health Insurance
Private insurance options may also help reduce the gap fee, depending on your level of coverage.
What is the Medicare rebate in 2025?
Medicare rebate is $99 with a valid referral from your GP, for up to six sessions to help people begin therapy. But real change takes time over many sessions. The pace and rhythm is about what's important for your treatment.
A valid referral from your GP is required for Medicare rebates.
Can I use private health insurance?
If you have coverage, yes. Session fees are settled at the time of each session, and receipts will be provided afterward. Your insurance provider can inform you about your psychology coverage. Reimbursement is determined by your own insurer.
What should I ask my GP to include in my referral?
Medicare Referrals
If you're seeing me under a Mental Health Care Plan, please ask your doctor to include the following in your referral letter: The date and their signature, a Medicare-recognised diagnosis, your full name (as listed on Medicare), date of birth, address, Medicare number, a brief summary of your current concerns and any past diagnoses, a list of current medications, the number of sessions requested (usually up to 6 initially, with a review for 4 more), and their provider number.
Bringing a referral means you consent to your psychologist sharing brief updates with your GP, as required by Medicare.
A gap fee applies. Concession rates are available for students and part-time workers. Fees vary depending on the service feel free to contact the practice to discuss options.
How will my private information be handled?
All electronic data and information will be handled according to the Australian government regulations, Business Victoria standards, and best practice guidelines for private practice psychologists and psychologist in Hawthorn and psychologist in Belgrave. You can find more information about my privacy practices. I'd be happy to answer your questions.
Sessions
What happens if something else comes up?
There are regular times given for us to meet every week, which helps us plan for therapy on a regular basis. Keeping the regular time is your responsibility and our joint commitment to your therapy. Sessions whether attended or missed, are payable. If unexpected issues come up such as arranging childcare, we may be able to reschedule the session to another time in the same week, depending on availability. I usually request 48 hours notice for scheduling changes (unless we have another agreement), before your next appointment.
This frame holds continuity in therapy and creates space to discuss changes as meaningful, while respecting the therapeutic agreements we have made together in sessions.
I am sick, what can I do about my session?
You are responsible for attending your scheduled session. If you are absent, the fee applies.
If you are too unwell to attend in person, I may offer an online or rescheduled session depending on availability — but this must be discussed and agreed before the scheduled session. If a session is missed without prior discussion and agreement, the fee remains payable. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required for all other changes.
What is the duration of a therapy session?
I use a variable-length session model. Sessions ranging between 35 to 75 mins. The duration of each session is guided by clinical consideration and the unfolding of the analytic process.
According to the eminent French Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst, Jacques Lacan, the ending of a session at the right moment when something crucial surfaces is more powerful than talking for a set time. It creates a point from which generates desire, interpretation, and movement in the treatment.
Can I attend sessions online?
Online sessions are not automatic and are discussed during our sessions. Usually online sessions are considered when we are not in Melbourne, or if we are sick to attend an inperson session, or we have a discussed arrangement for an online session. An online session depends on it being beneficial for your treatment.
What therapy do you offer?
I have over a decade of of training in offering psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
My clinical work is supervised with a senior psychoanalyst / former director of the Lacanian School (EPFCL) in Paris, and I have had over a decade of my own analysis.
Information for GPs & Allied Professionals
Why psychoanalysis is becoming popular for treating mental health issues?
Psychoanalysis can be helpful for treating a range of chronic and severe mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality problems, relationship issues, sexuality and identity struggles. It is particularly effective for complex trauma and treatment resistant depression. It is also helpful for people wanting to engage with therapy on a longer term basis to gain knowledge about themselves.
How can I refer a patient for child psychology in Hawthorn?
As a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist, you can make a referral to Bita Psychology in Hawthorn by providing the patient with a valid referral letter and a Mental Health Care Plan. Parents are also eligible to be seen for two of those sessions in the child's plan. Please include the child's details, presenting concerns, and any relevant clinical history. Patients can then bring this referral to their appointment or email it after booking.
Report Writing, TAC, Workcover, NDIS
What is the process for requesting reports?
If you require a report, please book an appointment at either Hawthorn or Belgrave. During the session, we will discuss the purpose of the report, relevant content, privacy and confidentiality considerations, and my assessment of your situation. Informed consent is obtained from the client prior to preparation. After I have obtained informed consent* to write a report, I generate an invoice. Reports are prepaid.
*Informed consent: This is different from a signed consent form. Informed consent involves a discussion about the potential implications associated with writing and releasing a report and addressing them as best as possible.
Are you a provider for TAC and Workcover?
Yes, I can indicate my provider number if you contact me directly: bitariazati[at]pm.me. Please include the client claim number in the subject line and specify whether it is TAC or WorkCover, along with the number of funded sessions. Be sure to attach a copy of the psychology sessions approval letter.
Do you provide therapy to victims of violence and write reports?
Yes, I am familiar with the VOCAT process and have experience writing reports. Solicitors can email me at bitariazati[at]pm.me with the patient’s contact details. Please advise the client to obtain a GP referral letter as this will enable communication with the doctor if needed to support the client.
Are you a provider for NDIS?
No, I am not a registered provider. However, I can offer services and invoice the plan manager directly. The plan manager can email me at bitariazati[at]pm.me, including the client number and the number of funded psychology sessions.