Cost of Consultations with David

Counselling services with me are competitively priced and designed to make my services affordable. My standard fee is significantly discounted from the recommended fee structure.  I also offer a limited number of low-fee places for clients on a Centrelink payment.  Ultimately I want people to get the help they need.

How Much Should Cost Matter?

I am sometimes asked about the cost by people who are clearly using service cost as their sole guide for choosing a counsellor. Of course the cost matters. Rarely is therapy completed in one or two sessions and for some people therapy can last for quite some time, so there is a considerable cost involved and it should be taken into account. However, if this is your sole guide, then you are likely to be less than satisfied with the outcome. The training and ongoing professional development costs for professional therapists are high and I need to charge enough to make my practice viable.

By all means consider the cost, but also consider what the training and experience of the therapist you would like to work with might be.  

How long? Usually 60 minutes in duration or an initial appointment for 1.5 hours for couples attending a joint session.

What does it cost? $110 including GST for the hour or an initial consultation $165 including GST for 1.5 hours for some couples. Telephone calls or email dissussions longer than 15 minutes will be charged to your account. 

When do I pay? Fees are due at the end of a consultation and can be paid in cash, cheque, credit or EFTPOS.  Cheques can be made out to David Nielsen.  Counselling fees are not usually reimbursed by private health funds, though counselling related to your employment may be tax deductible.  Top level cover in some funds may give a refund for counselling.  I encourage all of my clients to check with their insurer first.

MediBank Private.  A rebate from Medibank Private may be avaliable for counselling fees if you have the correct cover.  (Package Bonus)

Low-income or Health Care Card Holders

I operate on a sliding scale based on family and individual income for full-time students and Health Care Card Holders.  Please discuss any matters related to fees when you make your appointment.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that when you make your appointment I allocated this time especially to you.  I hope that you understand this if you forget your appointment, arrive too late, or give less than 24 hours notice for your inability to attend; you will be charged the usual fee for this session. 48-hour advance cancellation is preferred and 24 is required. 

Appointment Times

I am available for appointments at the following times: