FAQ

Do I need a referral?

No! You do not require a referral to receive services from Teens Matter 2.
You also do not require a mental health care plan – one less step to receiving the therapy/intervention you have identified.
We may ask a few short questions over the phone or via email to ensure Teens Matter 2 is the right service to best suit your needs. This will also assist in prioritising your initial appointment in the event of a waiting list.
Am I limited to a specific number of sessions?

No!
Under Medicare, services provided by a Nurse Practitioner are not limited by a specific number of sessions.
Am I eligible for a Medicare Rebate?

Consultations with Rachel, as an endorsed Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, attract a Medicare rebate for eligible services. As a private billing practice, payment is required on the day of your appointment. Your Medicare rebate can then be claimed, with eligible rebates typically processed directly back into your nominated bank account by Medicare. Many families are also unaware that out-of-pocket medical expenses may contribute towards the Medicare Safety Net. Once your family reaches the applicable Safety Net threshold, Medicare may pay a higher benefit for eligible out-of-hospital services, reducing your out-of-pocket costs for the remainder of the calendar year. Our administration team is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding fees, Medicare rebates, or the Medicare Safety Net. Please note that Teens Matter 2 is a private billing practice and does not offer bulk-billed appointments. If private services are not suitable for your circumstances, we are happy to provide information about alternative services that may better meet your needs. We also happily accept clients who are self or plan managed under NDIS.
What are your hours of service?

Our clinic is open the following times • Monday – closed • Tuesday 9am – 5pm • Wednesday 9am – 5pm • Thursday 9am – 5pm • Friday 9am – 2pm Out of hours appointments are negotiated directly with Rachel
What do I need to bring to my initial session?

We will require your Medicare details so please have your Medicare Card handy.
You may also wish to bring copies of previous reports/summaries or other information you feel may be relevant to your concerns.
Similarly, if there are any court documents or relevant court orders, please have copies available at the initial appointment.
If you are on medication, please ensure you write down what you are currently prescribed and the dose you are taking (this includes any over the counter or homeopathic prescriptions) If you have any questions regarding your initial appointment, please contact our friendly administration staff who will be able to help you with your questions.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)?

AAT is a mode of therapy where an animal is involved throughout the therapeutic process. Animal Assisted Interventions assist the practitioner working with clients (individually or within a group setting) reach their treatment goals.
AAT has proven effectiveness in many areas can have an immediate positive effect on an individual, improving mood and reducing anxiety. AAT can support immediate reduction in the physiological symptoms of anxiety and can allow individuals to feel more comfortable in therapy.
AAT enhances and supports the development and sustainability of healthy attachment in relationships. Working with a therapy dog can support the development of empathy and sharing and can support skill building and enhanced confidence.
Research indicates AAT can be an effective treatment for adolescent depressive disorders and Animal Assisted Interventions can be beneficial in the treatments including low self-esteem, emotional lability and regulation, anger management and improving confidence. Animal Assisted Therapy can support the teaching of empathy, emotional regulation and social skills within the Autistic Spectrum.
We know therapy can be confronting and distressing at times; however, the presence of a dog can provide a safe and comforting environment, can promote relaxation and enhance the therapeutic experience.
Can you initiate ADHD Stimulant Medication?

Rachel is unable to initiate stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD, as Queensland prescribing legislation requires these medications to be commenced by an authorised medical specialist. However, if you are already established on a stable stimulant medication regimen, there may be options for Rachel to provide ongoing prescribing and medication management in accordance with current legislation and prescribing requirements. As every situation is unique, this can be discussed during your appointment to determine the most appropriate pathway for your individual circumstances.
What about Prescriptions & Completion of Forms Outside Scheduled Appointments?

As with General Practitioners and other medical specialists, requests for prescriptions outside of a scheduled consultation attract a $50 administration fee. This fee is not eligible for a Medicare rebate and is payable on the day the prescription request is processed. Every effort will be made to complete prescription requests as promptly as possible; however, processing times will vary depending on clinical priorities, scheduled appointments and the demands of the practice. We appreciate your understanding that urgent requests may not always be able to be accommodated immediately. Requests for the completion of forms, letters or reports outside of a scheduled consultation will also incur a fee. Charges are based on the time required to review records and complete the requested documentation. These services are not eligible for a Medicare rebate. Where appropriate, you will be advised of any applicable fees before work is commenced.
Can you assist me with referrals to other specialists if needed?

Within a Nurse Practitioner scope of practice, referrals to specialists is possible, this may include referral to a Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.
Do you work collaboratively with other private health practitioners?

Yes!
Nurse Practitioners are authorised to initiate some pharmacological interventions or provide continuing medication monitoring and adjustments. If you are currently happily engaged with a practitioner however require medication support, a Nurse Practitioner may be able to offer assessment and intervention within their scope of practice.
Please contact our administration team for more information regarding this.
What is your cancellation policy?

To ensure fairness to all clients and to protect dedicated clinical time, we require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling requests. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or appointments not attended without notice, will incur the full consultation fee. Please note that cancellation fees are not eligible for a Medicare rebate and must be paid in full by the client prior to the next scheduled appointment. Failure to settle the account will suspension of future appointments. As a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner service, significant time is allocated to each appointment, including preparation, clinical documentation, care planning, and coordination of care. Late cancellations often prevent this time from being offered to another client who may be waiting for an appointment. If sufficient notice is provided, every effort will be made to offer the appointment time to another person on the cancellation list. Where a late-cancelled appointment is successfully filled by another client, the cancellation fee will be waived. We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise and encourage clients to contact the practice as soon as possible if they are unable to attend their appointment. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide timely access to care for all clients.