We help people develop and grow with life's challenges

Counselling

Counselling Services

Evidence-based counselling for children, adolescents, and adults across Mount Waverley and Frankston. Below you'll find an overview of our approach, what to expect, and current fee ranges.

About our Counselling Services

We provide counselling for children, adolescents, and adults, and tailor our approach to each person's age, goals, and stage of life.

Our clinicians draw on evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, mindfulness, and play therapy — chosen to fit you, not the other way around.

Who We Work With

Counselling at Level Up is offered both in person at our Mount Waverley and Frankston clinics, and via telehealth across Australia.

Children

Play-based and developmentally appropriate therapy for younger children, with regular involvement from parents and carers.

Adolescents

A safe, collaborative space for teenagers navigating school, identity, mood, relationships, and the pressures of growing up.

Adults

Individual counselling for adults working through life transitions, mental health concerns, relationship difficulties, or stuck patterns.

Parents & Families

Parent consultations and family-focused sessions to support behaviour, relationships, and the wellbeing of the whole family.

Telehealth

Secure video sessions for clients across Australia — the same evidence-based care, from wherever feels comfortable.

Funded Clients

We work with clients accessing Medicare, NDIS (self- and plan-managed), WorkCover, TAC, DVA, and EAP arrangements. See funding & rebates for detail.

Areas of Support

Our clinicians commonly support people with:

  • Anxiety, panic, and worry
  • Depression and low mood
  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress
  • Grief and loss
  • Stress, burnout, and life transitions
  • Relationship and family difficulties
  • Self-esteem and identity
  • Body image and disordered eating
  • Behavioural challenges in children and teens
  • Sleep difficulties
  • And much more — see our team page for areas each clinician works with

How It Works

01Enquire

Call our reception team or send an enquiry. Let us know what's bringing you in and any preferences (clinic, day, telehealth, funding).

02Get Matched

We suggest clinicians whose experience and availability suit your situation, or you can choose someone directly from our team page.

03First Session

Your first session is an intake — your clinician learns about your story, goals, and what's worked (or hasn't) before.

04Ongoing Sessions

You and your clinician agree on an approach, frequency, and goals. Sessions run for 50–60 minutes; cadence is flexible.

05Review & Wrap Up

You'll review progress together regularly and decide when it's time to space sessions out, pause, or finish — on your terms.

Counselling Fees

The Australian Psychological Society recommended fee for a standard psychological consultation of 45-60 minutes is $318. The Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated recommended fee is $330. Level Up Psychology offers a sliding scale of fees based on the experience and qualifications of the clinician you are working with. Fees are charged on the day of appointment.

Counselling sessions run for 50–60 minutes and cost between $160 and $335 per hour, depending on the clinician you see. We work with clients of all ages.

Clinician Price per 50-60 minutes
Aisling McKenna (she/her) $255
Dr. Ally Marinucci (she/her) $285
Angela Loo (she/her) $270
Aoife Bearsley (she/her) $270
Brydie Brooks (she/her) $300
Dr. Grace Mackie (she/her) $285
Hannah Schena (she/her) $255
Hashara Fernando (she/her) $255
Henrique Salles (he/him) $270
Dr. Jake Kraska (he/him) $335
Louisa Trainer (she/her) $270
Melissa Lay (she/her) $300
Rachelle Fries (she/her) $285
Rhoda Lai (she/her) $255
Samantha Tsang (she/her) $255
Sarah Sturton-Gill (she/her) $270
Sean Redpath Diggle $255
Sophie Erczmann (she/her) $270
Steve Lanham (he/him) $260
Tasma Dunn (she/her) $255
Wren Jablonka (they/them) $160

Cancellation policy

The following cancellation fees apply at Level Up Psychology:

  • 0 - 24 hours notice: 100% of fee
  • 24 - 48 hours notice: 50% of fee
  • 48 - 72 hours notice: 25% of fee

Cancellations can be completed by emailing admin@leveluppsychology.com.au or leaving us a message on 03 9115 7372.

Counselling Funding and Rebates

Medicare

Some rebates may be available for counselling. The rebate you receive will differ based on the type of referral you have. You may be eligible for one or more of these types of referrals, and each referral provides a rebate for a specific number of sessions. Your GP can discuss your eligibility with you. You must get a referral from your GP prior to your appointment with your psychologist in order to receive a rebate.

MHTP – Individual (50+ mins, MBS 80110) $98.95
MHTP - Clinical Psychologist – Individual (50+ mins, MBS 80010) $145.25
MHTP – Group (60 minutes, MBS 80120) $25.25
MHTP - Clinical Psychologist – Group (60 minutes, MBS 80020) $36.85
Chronic Disease Management (MBS 10968) $61.80
Pregnancy Support Counselling (MBS 81000) $72.55
Services for People of ATSI Descent (MBS 81315) $61.80
Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment Services (MBS 82363) $98.95
Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment Services - Clinical Psychologist (MBS 82355) $145.25
Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder and Disability Services (MBS 82015) $98.95

Please note the rebate amounts listed above are the amount you receive back from Medicare. Our clinicians' full fee must be paid upfront, and we then process your rebate through Medicare for you. Medicare then pays you back the rebate amount, usually within a few days.

Provisional psychologists and counsellors are not eligible for Medicare rebates, and thus have reduced fees.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

We provide services to Self Managed and Plan Managed NDIS participants. For plan-managed participants we can invoice your plan manager directly, if you provide us with their details.

We require all clients that are using NDIS funds to complete a service agreement with us; this agreement sets out the goals of our work together and the cost of those services. You will receive this as part of your Intake and Consent package.

Private Health Funds

Many private health insurance providers offer rebates for psychological counselling services. To claim these rebates, you need to check with your specific health fund regarding their coverage policies.

Steps to Claim:

  1. Verify with your private health fund the level of coverage for psychological services.
  2. Provide necessary documentation, such as invoices and session details, as required by your insurer.
  3. Submit a claim through your health fund’s preferred method (online, mail, or through a broker).
Note: Coverage and rebate amounts vary between different health funds and policies.
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)

If you hold a DVA card, you may be eligible for direct payment for counselling services through DVA.

How to access:

  1. Contact your DVA representative to confirm eligibility - your eligibility will depend on what DVA card you hold.
  2. Obtain a referral for counselling services - this may come from your GP or a medical specialist, or from Open Arms (Veteran and Families Counselling).
  3. Provide your DVA and Medicare details to our team during the booking process.
  4. Our team will liaise directly with DVA to process your payments - you will not be charged any 'gap' fees.
Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)

If you have received funding from the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme (VOCAT/FAS), this may help you cover the cost of counselling sessions. You may be eligible for this funding if you have been the victim of a crime - you can apply through the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme website (https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/fas).

Depending on your circumstances, you may even be granted immediate funding for counselling from VOCAT/FAS while your application for greater funding is being processed.

You don't need a referral from your GP in order to use this funding for counselling.

VOCAT/FAS pays for a certain amount per session - if this is less than your clinician's fee, you may be charged a 'gap'.

Transport Accident Commission (TAC)

If you have recently experienced a car accident, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) can help pay for up to 6 psychological counselling sessions without you or your clinician needing to contact them for approval first. However, you will need a referral from your GP.

After the first 6 sessions or 90 days after the accident, if you need further sessions, your clinician can contact TAC to help you get more funding.

Please note that TAC will only pay for counselling if it is directly related to your transport accident.

TAC pays for a certain amount per session - if this is less than your clinician's fee, you may be charged a 'gap'.

WorkSafe

If you have an approved WorkCover claim, this may help you cover the cost of counselling sessions. You may be eligible to make a claim through WorkSafe if you have experienced a workplace injury - you can apply through the WorkSafe website (https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/claims).

Depending on your circumstances, you may even be granted immediate funding for counselling from WorkSafe while your application for greater funding is being processed.

You will need a referral from your GP in order to use this funding for psychological counselling.

If you are using WorkSafe funding, your clinician may be required to liaise with WorkSafe and your employer as part of your treatment.

WorkSafe pays for a certain amount per session - if this is less than your clinician's fee, you may be charged a 'gap'.