FEES AND REFERRALS
Deslee is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), and is a registered provider with Medicare. This means that if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP, you are eligible to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. For more information about MHTP, Click here.
Referral Information
GP Referral
Self Referrals
Self Referrals
If you are referred by your GP (with a MHTP), the following fee's will apply:
$130 per scheduled 50 minute session. *(Small Fee increase taking place for all clients on 01/01/26)
If you have a MHTP, the Medicare Rebate is $87.25 (Gap fee of $42.75).
To refer: Some GP's will email us direct. If not, please email info@connectgrowthrive.com.au with your GP referral and MHTP. Or please feel free to give us a call if you would like to discuss further.
Self Referrals
Self Referrals
Self Referrals
If you are referring yourself or a loved one and you do not have a MHTP/referral from your GP, the following Fees will apply.
$130 per scheduled 50 minute session. *(Small Fee increase taking place for all clients on 01/01/26)
To self- refer, please email info@connectgrowthrive.com.au with your name, phone number, email, and a brief description of the reason for your referral. Or please feel free to give us a call if you would like to discuss further.
Other important information
NDIS:
Connect Grow Thrive welcomes NDIS Self-managed Clients. Fee's as per NDIS pricing arrangements.
Family Reconciliation Mediation Program (FRMP) - Melbourne City Mission:
FRMP is funded by the Victorian Government to support young people (16-25) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness https://www.mcm.org.au/services/homelessness/support-services/family-reconciliation-mediation-program
**Des is a FRMP registered practitioner.
TAC:
Connect Grow Thrive can offer Counselling services to those who have eligible funding via Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
** Des is a TAC Registered Provider
Private Health Funds:
You may be able to claim via some private health funds, including:
- HCF
- Bupa
- Teachers Health Fund
- Doctors Health
- St Lukes Health
- Australian Regional Health Group Ancillary Provider Accreditation Service
**Please enquire direct with your private health fund first to ensure your insurance provides coverage.
Victims of Crime - Financial Assistance Scheme
If you have been affected by a crime, you may be able to apply for financial assistance.
This can cover counselling sessions from an accredited mental health social worker - such as Connect Grow Thrive Counselling Service. Please enquire with Des if you would like to discuss.
https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/fas
**Des is a registered Service Provider with Victims of Crime.
Payments
Full payment is required within 48 hours of appointment by direct bank transfer, or via a Square terminal following your session.
Cancellations
At times a cancellation cannot be avoided. A cancellation fee of $50 will be charged for cancellations without 24 hours notice and/or non-attendance, to cover our operating costs.
If you cannot attend your appointment, a text message, email or phone call is appreciated to reschedule/cancel.
Referring GP's
Deslee is an Accredited Mental Health Social worker (AASW), and is a registered Medicare provider for the Better Access Initiative. She specialises in working with; depressive related disorders, family violence, anxiety, stress, anger, emotional dysregulation, occupational burnout, parenting stress, grief, and addiction. Deslee works across all ages of the lifespan and has a strong interest in working with young people, and supporting parents through the complex dynamics of parenting children with complex needs/behaviours.
Deslee's therapeutic approach is informed by evidence-based psychological focused strategies including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT, CBT, and Narrative Therapy. Her practice approach is client-centred, trauma informed and strengths focused. She values the importance of rapport, connection and meeting clients where they are. Deslee is an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and works with a neuro-affirming practice approach.
Deslee is able to provide services to individuals on self-managed NDIS Plans, and some Health Insurance funds may provide coverage.
How to Refer:
Deslee is committed to collaborative and coordinated care and we aim to provide a high level of communication with referrers.
The first step is for you to formulate a Mental Health Care Treatment Plan for your patient. You are eligible to bill Medicare to complete this plan.
To be able to claim a rebate via the Better Access Initiative, A written Referral as well as a Mental Health Treatment Plan is required by Medicare.
Your clinic can fax/email the referral and MHTP direct to our practice and we will contact the client to review and make a suitable appointment time.
Alternatively, you can provide your patient with the referral and MHTP and they can contact us direct to make a suitable time.
Face to face appointments are available in Inverloch, or telehealth options are available if clients would prefer.
We acknowledge the Boonwurrung people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.
Hello, Des is currently on annual leave from 23/12/25 - 19/01/26. Please send any enquiries or referrals through and she will get back to you when she can.
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