faqs
Frequently asked questions
You can self-refer without a MHCP (please note that Medicare rebates are not available for self-referred clients).
We accept referrals by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). The first step would be to make an appointment with your medical practitioner and request a MHCP. A referral letter attached with a MHCP can be emailed to hello@thekindspace.com.au. If you already have a valid MHCP, you can directly email this to us.
For more information: Referrals & Fees
If you are a GP or other medical practitioner wishing to refer a patient, please email the referral letter and the patient’s valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to hello@thekindspace.com.au.
Once the referral is received, we will contact the patient directly to arrange an initial appointment. Referring practitioners are provided with written communication following the initial engagement, as well as a discharge summary upon the client’s completion of therapy.
Medicare’s Better Access Initiative is a government program designed to improve access to mental health services. Under this initiative, individuals with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) prepared by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician can access up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year with eligible mental health professionals.
For more information, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative.
Several private health insurers in Australia recognise services provided by Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) under their Extras cover. However, coverage varies between funds and depends on your specific policy. Here are some insurers that currently acknowledge AMHSWs:
Bupa
HCF
Medibank
St.LukesHealth
Teachers Health, UniHealth, and Nurses & Midwives Health
Doctors Health Fund
Please contact your health fund directly to confirm your eligibility and rebate amounts, as this can vary depending on your provider and level of cover. If you are eligible, you can make a claim with an issued invoice.
Please note you cannot use your private health insurance if you are claiming rebates under the Better Access Initiative.
Yes, professional supervision is available for social workers seeking to meet CPD requirements or those looking for a dedicated space for ongoing professional reflection, support, and development.
Professional supervision is a supportive space for social workers to reflect on their practice, build clinical skills, and navigate the challenges that come with working in the mental health field. Whether you're looking to grow in confidence, strengthen your professional identity, or simply have a space to talk through client work, supervision is tailored to meet your individual needs and goals.
For those working towards becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), supervision can also include guidance around the accreditation process — from preparing your application and documentation to developing case reflections and preparing for the mental health credentialing exam.
The initial appointment is focused on getting to know you, understanding your story, and exploring what has brought you to therapy. This includes discussing current concerns and challenges, as well as relevant psychosocial background such as family, work, relationships, and mental health history.
The session also involves identifying your goals for therapy and assessing which therapeutic approaches are most appropriate to support those goals. It provides an opportunity to establish a clear direction for ongoing sessions and ensure that therapy is tailored to your individual needs.
Only existing clients can book an appointment online. You can book an appointment using the online booking system on our website - "Book an Appointment." Please ensure you provide correct contact details when making your appointment.
If you are a new client wishing to commence a service, we require further information and documentation. Please contact via email at hello@thekindspace.com.au or call us on (08) 8166 2499 to enquire about new client referrals.
We kindly ask that you contact the practice at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a 50% cancellation fee, unless there are exceptional circumstances. An SMS reminder is sent 24 hours prior to your appointment — this serves both as a reminder and as a prompt to contact us if you are unable to attend.
If you do not attend your appointment without providing notice, the full session fee will be charged, unless under exceptional circumstances.
Please note: Cancellation and non-attendance fees are not eligible for a Medicare rebate.
An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) is a qualified and experienced therapist with specialist training in mental health. They've completed a social work degree, extra clinical training, and have at least two years of supervised practice.
AMHSWs are also Medicare providers, so with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for rebated sessions under the Better Access initiative.
For more information: https://www.aasw.asn.au/professional/aasw-credentials/mental-health/.