FAQs
Can I use Medicare or a Mental Health Care Plan?
1.
Currently, the Australian Government doesn't include counselling or lived experience services under the Medicare rebate model. This means Mental Health Care Plans cannot be used here.
On the upside, we’ve intentionally set our rates to be lower than the average psychologist’s "out-of-pocket" cost. Even without a rebate, you’ll likely find our sessions more affordable. Plus, unlike Medicare (which caps at 10 sessions), our pricing stays consistent year-round, so you aren't hit with a $300+ bill once your rebate runs out.
Can I use my NDIS funding?
2.
Yes, we can invoice anyone who is self-managed or plan managed.
The item we invoice under for Counselling is 15_043_0128_1_3 - Improved Daily Living Skills - Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training – Counsellor - $140 for a 50min session, or $200 for an 80min session (you choose).
The item we will invoice under for our Lived Experience Practitioners is 01_741_0128_1_3 - Disability-Related Health Supports - Other Professional - $140 for a 50min session, or $200 for an 80min session (you choose). However there are other items that we can use, and you’re welcome to get in touch with us if there is a different item number you’d like to be invoiced under.
Why is the price different to the private-paying fees? The service we provide under the NDIS is different to our private-paying services, so that we can comply with NDIA regulations. This includes but is not limited to; developing and managing service agreements, admin time spent on invoicing management, liasing with plan managers, and care teams.
The pricing set complies with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26.
What is the current wait time?
3.
Last updated: 29 January 2026.
We have three new team members joining our team across February, all with immediate availability. You should be able to book in for an appointment within a week!
You can view our available appointments by navigating to our online booking system, here.
What is the difference between the Peer Counsellors and the Lived Experience Practitioners?
4.
At Therapy Shmerapy, the distinction between a Peer Counsellor and a Lived Experience Practitioner is minimal in practice, and this is by design:
All of our Peer Counsellors intentionally use their lived/living mental health experience in their sessions.
All of our Lived Experience Practitioners have extensive experience working in mental health and supporting people through complex mental health experiences.
Regardless of their title, both roles are designed to support you by prioritising connection and skill-building. The distinction between a Peer Counsellor and a Lived Experience Practitioner at Therapy Shmerapy is based purely on formal qualifications and registration status. Their differing credentials don't change their shared value. We consider both approaches equally vital, and charge the same price for both services.
If you’re unsure which to choose from, we recommend looking through our Meet the Team page to see which practitioner you feel most drawn to work with. Research has shown time-and-time-again that having a good connection with your practitioner is invaluable in comparison to their job title.
How many sessions can I have? or, How long should I expect to be seeking support?
5.
We do not generally suggest a minimum or maximum amount of sessions for our services. They can be as long-term, short-term or sporadic as you like.
There is a connotation that mental health support is time limited (eg. 10 sessions maximum, or for 3 months maximum) but this comes from government services that will only fund a certain amount of support per person. This does not apply to our service, and is a big reason why we do not pursue a government funded model. We believe that as long as we are working together well and you are finding it helpful, we will continue to work with you as you see fit.
Similarly, we do not have a minimum amount of sessions. This means you can try one or two sessions, and if you're not feeling it you do not need to book back in. It is completely up to you.
Not at all! While our practice was born from a need for specialised support within the neurodivergent and LGBTQIASB+ communities, and our entire team identifies with both, we welcome everyone.
Our neuro-affirming approach isn't just for a specific diagnosis. It’s about honouring how your unique brain works. Instead of forcing you to fit into a rigid therapeutic box, we adapt our methods to fit you. Whether you are neurotypical or neurodivergent, you’ll find a supportive, flexible environment here.