Thank you for choosing the Better Life Centre.
Fees & Payment Information
Prior to your first appointment you will receive an email containing information about your clinician, with the relevant fees and directions to the clinic. In some cases (e.g. for bariatric pre-operative consultations) we may attach forms to be completed and returned via email at your convenience, or in person on the day of your appointment. We ask that you please arrive 15 mins early to your first appointment to complete any intake and pre-session forms on secure in-house system.
You will also receive an SMS reminder a few days prior to confirm your appointment. Please respond as prompted or contact us to reschedule with at least 24 hours notice (see our Cancellation Policy below). We encourage you not to solely rely on this system, as this service is complimentary and technical errors occasionally occur.
Upon your arrival at Better Life Centre, please speak with one of our friendly reception staff who will advise your clinician of your arrival. While you wait feel free to browse our book stand, where you can find quality, evidence-based literature from top Australian and international authors.
At the completion of your visit we will accept payment for your session and process your Medicare or HICAPS private health fund rebate if applicable. Please remember to bring your Medicare and/or private health insurance cards with you to ensure we can assist you as effectively as possible. If you are referred by your General Practitioner (GP) or medical specialist, please also bring your referral or ensure we have received a copy prior to your appointment.
Your clinician may also benefit from supporting documentation such as previous therapy or diagnostic reports and questionnaires (e.g. DASS 21).
We ask that you review our Cancellation Policy and Privacy Policy.
Extended Medicare Safety Net
Please note that if you are receiving rebates from Medicare on the standard schedule you may be eligible for a higher rebate with the Extended Medicare Safety Net. For single individuals you do not have to register, but for those living with family with dependents or those in a de facto relationship, you can find out more information on the human services website here: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/medicare-safety-net
Bulk Billing
Some of our clinicians offer bulk billing services to accommodate exceptional circumstances (e.g. financial hardship). To access these services, you will require a recommendation from your General Practitioner (GP) under an appropriate plan (e.g. Mental Health Treatment Plan or Enhanced Primary Care Plan).
Availability is typically limited, and is not guaranteed, so should you be referred for bulk billing please contact us as soon as possible and notify one of our friendly receptionists of your circumstances. If your GP has requested Bulk Billing on your referral, please mention this to the receptionist when booking in an appointment as Bulk Billing may not be available with the clinician you were referred to or may not be available outside of specific times.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes life gets in the way. Should you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please phone the centre as early as possible to allow the appointment to be offered to clients on the waiting list. We ask that you do not contact us via Email or SMS for this, as immediate action is often required.
Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time will be removed and may attract a cancellation fee. Cancellation fees are charged at the clinician’s discretion.
Please note that we reserve the right to change the above cancellation policy without notice.
Privacy Policy
The handling of personal information is regulated by the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act).
Health information is regarded as one of the most sensitive types of personal information. For this reason, the Privacy Act provides extra protections around its handling. All organisations that provide a health service and hold health information (other than in an employee record) are covered by the Privacy Act, whether or not they are a small business.
The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), contained in schedule 1 of the Privacy Act, outline how these organisations must handle, use and manage personal information. The Privacy Act also includes provisions that generally allow an individual to access information held about them. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) regulates the handling of health information held in an individual’s My Health Record, and the handling of healthcare identifiers.
For more information, please see the OAIC Resources on the Privacy Act.
Resources
Online Counselling Resources
Follow the link below to eMHPrac for a list of helpful resources: http://www.emhprac.org.au/services/
FASD Hub Australia
An online resource with information, tools and resources that are current and evidence based about FASD in Australia. Relevant for parents & carers and health professionals.
Home Doctor Visits
Urgent after hours, 100% bulk billed visits
Visit House Call Doctor
Phone 13 55 66
Questionnaires
- Before Session (SDQ/DASS) – Enter your age to automatically select the appropriate questionnaire for your age group.
- K10+ – A different type of questionnaire for certain clients.
- Parent SDQ – Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for a parent or guardian to complete
Telephone counselling services
Below are several counselling services which you may call for help or visit their website for more information
Counselling services for anyone at anytime.
Phone 13 11 14
Telephone and online counselling for young people aged 12-25.
Phone 1800 551 800
Information, advice and referral for mental illness.
Phone 1800 187 263
Information and referral for depression and anxiety.
Phone 1300 224 636
Support, counselling and education for parents.
Phone 1300 301 300
Peer counselling service for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people and their families and friends.
Phone 1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight)
The American Cancer Society is working towards treatment for cancer and provides support for those who are affected by it.
Visit online
Addiction Resource was founded in 2014 to provide a community for those recovering from addiction and to help patients find the highest quality care for a successful recovery.
Visit online
A great website for digital mental health resources.
View Online
Mental health services for culturally and linguistically diverse people and communities.
Phone (07) 3848 1600
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service
Counselling and group programs for Australian veterans, peacekeepers and their families.
Phone 1800 011 046
Support for family, friends and carers of people with mental illness.
Phone 1800 351 881
Telephone and online support, information and referral service to help men with relationship and other problems.
Phone 1300 789 978
Mental Health Association of Queensland
Access to support, information and referral to mental health-related services in your area, 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday.
Connects you to an experienced mental health worker to find information and support.
Phone 1800 985 944 or go online.
Quit Smoking Community is a virtual community that offers support and information for those trying to kick the deadliest habit in the world.
Visit Online
NOFASD is an organisation that aims to spread awareness, support and prevention for FASD in Australia
View Online
Additional Resources
This is a powerful FASD 4 Corners documentary aired in 2015
ABC Documentary – 4 Corners
