covid-19 and changes to practice
we have made several changes to our practice and the ways that we work during the COVID-19 global pandemic
We are in the middle of unprecedented times brought about by this global pandemic. This is not ‘business as usual ’ and pretending that it is can cause further stress and pressure. Children’s daily lives have been turned upside down, they are no longer seeing friends, extracurricular activities have been cancelled and they are now often home with their parents, who are trying to juggle a multitude of unexpected responsibilities. It is understandable that children are stressed and parents are stressed. This is a completely new situation and it requires new ways of thinking and of being.
changes
the blue sky aims to support parents through COVID-19 with information on child development and family wellbeing
clients
the changing world means a change in how we work. social distancing requirements mean that we are no longer able to see children in our practice. we have shifted our focus in order to provide support directly for parents via telehealth
sessions
we will be offering two forms of support for parents during this time; an individual information session or ongoing supportive sessions
frequently asked questions
who can access the revised services?
Parents of children aged between two and twelve are able to access support through the blue sky via telehealth (secure online video sessions).
what is the difference between an information session and ongoing support?
The information session is a standalone session where information is provided on childhood development, stress and wellbeing, as well as on family wellbeing as a whole. There will be time to ask questions, and work on some actionable steps for you to be able to support your child during this time. Ongoing support is for parents who would like the opportunity to have a little extra support and guidance on a regular basis. Sessions will be focused on supporting parents and working collaboratively to develop solutions to problems that are being experienced during this time. Detailed psychoeducation (specific information) on childhood development, needs, stress and wellbeing will be provided throughout. If further support for parental mental health concerns is required, referral options will be provided.
what are the costs?
Given the amount of strain families are currently experiencing during this time, these services are provided at a reduced rate.
Information session: This is a one hour standalone session. The cost for this is $80 and payment can be made at the time of the session through the secure online telehealth platform where sessions will be held.
Ongoing support: Sessions are 50 minutes and the cost is $110. Payment can be made at the time of the session through the secure online telehealth platform where sessions will be held.
are there any rebates available?
There have been many changes in recent weeks regarding access to psychological support via telehealth. Given the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, Medicare have provided new telehealth items whereby specific clients are able to access bulk-billed psychological services.
You are able to access services provided by the blue sky in one of three ways;
1) Mental Health Care Plan (specific COVID-19 eligibility criteria). You would need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP along with a referral letter and meet the eligibility criteria (under the age of 16, a concession card holder, or vulnerable to COVID-19) in order to access bulk-billed telehealth services.
2) Mental Health Care Plan. You would need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP along with a referral letter in order to access subsidised telehealth services. The session fee is $110 and at this time the rebate from Medicare is $86.15. This means that you will pay a gap fee of $23.85 per session.
3) Private Paying Clients: You can choose to pay for sessions directly. You may be able to claim a portion of the session fees from your Private Health Insurer, so please get in touch with them directly for details. Please note that the information session will be paid in this way as it is not part of ongoing treatment.
appointment availability
Telehealth appointments are available on a Tuesday and a Thursday between 8:30am and 11:30am.
how do I begin the process?
Please get in touch via phone or email to discuss your needs further and to book a session that is suitable for you.
information in the meantime
The blue sky is following all guidance provided by the Australian Psychological Society, and the World Health Organisation. For additional information on COVID-19, please consult the following.
Australian Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources#find-the-facts
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html