Arts therapy - FAQ

Location and frequency

Where are you?

I am based in the Dandenong Ranges, just outside the eastern fringe of Melbourne. I work mostly in that area, including the outer easter suburbs.

Can you travel to my home/my child’s school/another location?

I do travel to homes, schools and other sites - so this may be possible, depending on the location and timing. Additional fees for travel will usually apply.

Do you do online sessions/telehealth?

Yes. This works really well for some people, although it’s not for everyone. This option means we can work together regardless of where in the country you are.

Can I come to you?

Very possibly. I have access to a spacious, calm studio adjoining a bushland reserve in Monbulk. This is used by other therapists, so it depends on availability.

Can you time travel?

Sadly not (probably for the best).

How often are sessions?

Most people I work with choose to have sessions either weekly or fortnightly. This enables us both to hold a regular, predictable timeslot for a period of time. Although you can stop whenever you want, I usually suggest a cycle of approximately 5-10 sessions, after which we check in and decide whether to continue, conclude or find a new timeslot.

I usually align these cycles loosely with Vic school term periods, using the school holidays as checkpoints to reset my schedule as needed.

An initial session can be a good idea to see how we fit together in person (if I’m the right person to support you) before planning an recurring timeslot.

Fees and funding

What are your fees?

Standard: $190/session (75 mins: inclusive of 60 min session + ~15 mins of billable non-face-to-face time*)

Reduced: $160/session**

Travel is calculated as travel time (by hour) x 50% of hourly rate, to a maximum of $90. For example: location is 0.5 hours drive (one way) from previous location. Standard billing (one way) would be 0.5 x (50% of $190)= $47.5. If a session requires me to drive both to and from my base location, travel is billed for both legs of the drive, which in this example would total $95, rounded down to $90. I understand that this a bit complicated, so enquire within.

NDIS progress reports: $190

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*Non-face-to-face (NF2F) service as billable time is industry standard for allied health private practitioners with equivalent level of training, including OTs and speech therapists alongside creative arts therapists. While the need for NF2F service is determined on a case by case basis, this type of service is required for almost all sessions. It includes tasks such as session-specific planning and preparation, clinical note taking, space setting, and equipment sourcing/maintenance.

**This is a reduced fee offered at my discretion - generally for folks who have high need for support and no external funding.

Do you work with NDIS participants? Can I use NDIS funding?

Yes, I do. It is possible to use NDIS funding to see a registered arts therapist under Capacity building - Improved Daily Living (Therapy and Assessment) - Item Number: 15_610_0128_1_3 (Art Therapist). This information remains accurate as of November 2025, in line with the Price Guide implemented from Nov 24 into 2026.

Can I get money back through Medicare if I have a MHCP from my doctor?

Medicare rebates do not currently exist for arts therapy. MHCPs can only be used to access psychology. However, if you have a MHCP and no external funding, I may offer the reduced rate listed above. This may be helpful while you are on a waiting list for a suitable psychologist.

What is your cancellation policy?

There is no fee if a session is cancelled with 48 hours notice. Full session fee is charged if cancellation is within 24 hours of the appointment, or 50% of the fee if cancelled with 24-48 hours notice. Travel fees are not charged unless travel took place before the session was cancelled.

Availability

What is your availability?

My availability is constantly changing, in line with the shape of my client schedule and other commitments. It also depends on your preferred location - for example, an online session may be available at a time when an in-person session is not. Please contact me to discuss your situation and preferences, and I will let you know if I have capacity.*

I don’t usually schedule sessions on weekends or evenings (after 5pm).

I don’t have set office hours, but I’ll usually be able to respond to emails within a few days.

*I am one person with my own set of responsibilities to care for my health, relationships and soul. Keeping my caseload manageable is essential to my ability to show up helpfully for the people I am working with.

Formal accreditation

What is your registration/qualification?

I am an arts therapist registered (AThR) with ANZACATA. This requires me to undergo regular professional development and supervision.

AThRs are considered allied health practitioners by the standards of Allied Health Professions Australia.

My qualification is Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Dance Movement Therapy) from the University of Melbourne.

Intake process

To make a referral or lodge your interest in working with me, please fill out this service request form. Please be aware that this does not necessarily mean that I will be able to provide service - that depends on availability, delivery format, and whether I’m the right person to meet your needs. Filling out this form will start the process, and I’ll contact you with a response as soon as possible.

General enquiries: therapy@cardzerostudio.com.au