Fees, Rebates & Funding
How Fees Work at SHIPS
SHIPS practitioners come from a range of professional backgrounds, including psychology, counselling, sexology, relationship therapy, and other health professions.
Fees vary depending on a practitioner's qualifications, registration type, experience, and level of training in sexual health psychology or sexual health psychology-informed practice.
As a guide, individual appointments at SHIPS generally range from approximately $200–$330 per session. Relationship therapy appointments typically range from approximately $330–$350 per session.
Current fees and information about Medicare rebate eligibility can be found on each practitioner's individual profile page, please see Our Team page.
What is Sexual Health Psychology or Sexual Health Psychology-Informed Practice?
Sexual health psychology applies psychological treatment modalities to address issues related to sex, sexuality and intimacy. This integrative approach combines psychological theory with sexual health research to deliver evidence-based, biopsychosocial care that supports both individual and relational wellbeing.
At SHIPS, we use sexual health psychology when referring to the work of psychologists, and sexual health psychology-informed practice when referring to clinicians from other professional backgrounds who apply relevant psychological knowledge and approaches within their own discipline, such as social workers, counsellors and sexologists.
Our practitioners undertake ongoing training, supervision and professional development in this field through the Institute of Sexual Health Psychology Australia (ISHPA).
What is Sexual Health Psychology or Sexual Health Psychology-Informed Practice?
Sexual health psychology applies psychological treatment modalities to address issues related to sex, sexuality and intimacy. This integrative approach combines psychological theory with sexual health research to deliver evidence-based, biopsychosocial care that supports both individual and relational wellbeing.
At SHIPS, we use sexual health psychology when referring to the work of psychologists, and sexual health psychology-informed practice when referring to clinicians from other professional backgrounds who apply relevant psychological knowledge and approaches within their own discipline, such as social workers, counsellors and sexologists.
Our practitioners undertake ongoing training, supervision and professional development in this field through the Institute of Sexual Health Psychology Australia (ISHPA).
Practitioner experience and training
At SHIPS, all practitioners receive ongoing supervision and training to make sure they are providing ethical, evidence-based and high-quality care in sexual health psychology.
Each practitioner has different qualifications, therapeutic styles, professional experience, areas of interest and registration. All practitioners are qualified and registered in their respective fields. Further information can be found on their individual profiles in the Our Team section of the website.
We use Emerging, Established, Experienced, or Senior to describe a practitioner's level of training and experience within sexual health psychology or sexual health psychology-informed. We use these terms to be transparent about each practitioner’s level of experience.
Emerging practitioners are in the earlier stages of developing their knowledge, training and experience within sexual health psychology or sexual health psychology-informed practice.
Established practitioners have completed core training and/or have substantial experience working with trauma, sexual health, and/or relationship concerns.
Experienced practitioners have completed advanced training and have significant experience working with trauma, sexual health and/or relationship concerns.
Senior practitioners have completed advanced training, have significant experience working with trauma, sexual health and/or relationship concerns, and hold a leadership role within SHIPS.
How do I choose the right practitioner for me?
There is no single "best" option. The right practitioner is one who aligns with your goals, preferences, presenting concerns, and funding requirements.
We encourage you to read individual practitioner profiles to learn more about their background, qualifications, areas of interest, therapeutic style, fees, and rebate eligibility.
If you are unsure who may be the best fit, our Online Practitioner Matcher and intake team can help guide you.
Medicare Rebates & Mental Health Treatment Plans
Medicare rebates may be available when you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and see an eligible SHIPS practitioner.
Not all SHIPS practitioners are eligible to provide Medicare-rebated services. If you would like to access Medicare rebates, please check the practitioner's individual profile page to confirm their eligibility and current rebate information.
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a plan prepared by your GP to support treatment for mental health concerns.
If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and attend sessions with an eligible SHIPS practitioner, you may be able to receive a Medicare rebate for part of the session cost.
How do Medicare rebates work?
You pay the full session fee to SHIPS at the time of your appointment.
Following your appointment, SHIPS will submit the Medicare claim on your behalf. Medicare then pays the rebate directly into your nominated bank account.
How many sessions can I access?
Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Typically, an initial Mental Health Treatment Plan provides access to six sessions. Following a follow-up appointment with your GP, up to four additional sessions may be approved if appropriate.
What happens when I have used all of my rebated sessions for the year?
You are welcome to continue therapy after your 10 Medicare-rebated sessions for the calendar year have been used. In this case, appointments continue at the practitioner's standard fee and no Medicare rebate applies. You can speak to your GP about accessing Medicare-rebated sessions the following year.
Can I use private health insurance?
If you have private health insurance, your extras cover may include psychology or counselling. Before booking, we encourage you to confirm with your insurer that you’re eligible for rebated sessions at SHIPS. No GP referral is required to use your private health insurance for sessions; simply ask our receptionist to send you a paid receipt, which you can then use to claim your rebate through your insurer’s app or website.
Funding & Reduced-Fee Options
At this time, SHIPS is unable to offer reduced-fee or bulk-billed appointments to new referrals.
We are also unable to accept third-party managed funding arrangements, including:
WorkSafe
TAC
NDIA-managed NDIS funding
NDIS plan-managed funding
If cost is a barrier to accessing support, please view our list of alternative services.
Other Important Information
Appointments commencing from 5:00 pm incur a 10% after-hours surcharge.
Your fee may increase annually as part of SHIPS’ standard fee review.
SHIPS practitioners are currently unable to provide services under an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDTP).
Cancellation Policy
When you book an appointment, your practitioner reserves that time specifically for you. Providing notice allows us to offer the appointment to another client who may be waiting for support.
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
More than 48 hours' notice: No charge
Between 24–48 hours' notice: $100 fee
Less than 24 hours' notice: 80% of the full session fee
Non-attendance (no notice): Full session fee applies
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us provide timely and sustainable care to everyone who needs it. If you are unsure about your ability to attend an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.