70% of adults with neurological disorders reported cognitive and emotional difficulties, an absence of adequate support, and barriers to seeking care*
For General Practitioners
Medicare Rebate Access
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Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment by registered psychologists under the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative.
Under this scheme individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder can access up to 10 individual and 10 group treatment sessions per calendar year.
Medicare Benefits Schedule lists Focussed psychological strategies to include:1. Psycho-education (including motivational interviewing)
2. Cognitive-behavioural therapy including:
Behavioural interventions; Behaviour modification; Exposure techniques; Activity scheduling; Cognitive interventions; Cognitive therapy
3. Relaxation strategies
Progressive muscle relaxation; Controlled breathing
4. Skills training
Problem solving skills and training; Anger management; Communication training; Stress management; Parent management training
5. Interpersonal therapy
6. Eye-Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
A valid referral under the Better Access Scheme must include:
- Referral Date
- Client’s name
- Client’s date of birth
- Client’s Address
- Diagnosis
- Request for services under Better Access
- Number of sessions requested
- Referring practitioner’s Medicare provider number
- Practitioner’s signature
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Medicare benefits are available for up to 5 services per eligible patient, per calendar year if clinically indicated and each service meets all the item requirements. The 5 services can be made up of one type of service (e.g. 5 psychology services) or a combination of different types of services (e.g. one dietetic and 4 psychology services).
You can use the government referral form: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/referral-form-for-chronic-disease-allied-health-services-under-medicare?language=en
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Neuropsychologists provide comprehensive support services for patients navigating the initial diagnosis of neurological conditions. COG. clinicians offer tailored psychoeducation to help patients understand and adjust to their diagnosis and symptoms, as well as strategies to manage cognitive and emotional changes.
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Neuropsychologists provide ongoing psychological therapy to assist in managing both cognitive and psychological symptoms stemming from neurological diseases, such as anxiety, low mood, fatigue and cognitive changes. Depression and anxiety can arise organically as a consequence of the neurological disorder, and/or from the challenges of living with it, such as changes in quality of life. Clinicians aim to collaborate closely with GPs, neurologists, psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals, ensuring a cohesive approach symptom management and patient care.
What specific issues can psychological therapy address?
Adjustment Support:
Provide psychological support to individuals adjusting to a new diagnosis, dealing with the emotional impact of illness
Assisting with adjustments to cognitive or functional changes associated with changes in medical status
Mental Health Interventions:
Management of anxiety and depression associated with medical conditions
Stress management techniques
Counselling for grief, loss, and emotional distress
Monitoring and management of mood and functional cognition
Pain, Sleep, and Fatigue Management:
Psychological interventions for chronic pain management
Intervention for sleep difficulties
Fatigue management strategies
Management of treatment side effects
Behavioural and Lifestyle Interventions:
Behavioural strategies to improve adherence to medical recommendations
Develop personalised intervention plans to support sustainable lifestyle change
Techniques for enhancing daily functional abilities
Social and Interpersonal Relationships:
Support for maintaining and improving social and interpersonal relationships
Work with patients and their families to navigate the psychological challenges of living with and managing a serious health condition.
Caregiver counselling
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Neuropsychologists can provide specialised cognitive rehabilitation services designed to help patients manage and improve cognitive functions affected by neurological diseases. Through personalised interventions, clinicians aim to enhance function in cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
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For patients in telehealth eligible areas, defined as those within MMM classifications 4 to 7, group therapy sessions are offered via telehealth throughout the year. Patients and providers can easily determine their eligibility by utilising the Modified Monash Model locator tool available on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website (https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/health-workforce-locator).
Group sessions encompass a range of beneficial components, including psychoeducation, general cognitive rehabilitation strategies, and symptom management techniques. These sessions provide a supportive environment where patients can learn about their condition, develop essential skills to manage cognitive challenges, and acquire effective strategies for symptom control.
Services
Email: info@cogroup.com.au
Fax: +61 3 7067 9948
Where possible, please provide any recent neuropsychological assessment report/letter.
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COG. can provide services to clients whose funding is self-managed or plan-managed. We cannot provide services to clients whose funding is NDIA-managed. See FAQ for more details.
Patient Population
The neuropsychologists in this facility primarily provide services to individuals with neurological conditions ranging from no to moderate cognitive impairments who can independently engage in targeted intervention.
If you have a patient with severe cognitive changes or if you are not sure if this is the right service for them, please feel free to reach out to discuss further.
Cognitive Impairment
COG. neuropsychologists provide psychological services to patients with a wide range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms. These include, but are not limited to:
Epilepsy
Functional Neurological Disorder
Multiple sclerosis
Other neuroinflammatory disorders including neuromyelitis optica, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, autoimmune encephalitis
Stroke (e.g. post stroke fatigue)
Brain tumour
Neuropsychologists who practice at COG. also have expertise in providing psychological services for a wide range of treatments that may impact CNS or psychological health. These include, but are not limited to:
Pre and Post autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation counselling for MS patients
Exploration of expectations for AHCST, development of coping mechanisms and psychological crisis management plans, and post-treatment psychological follow-up
Post CAR-T Therapy for haematological patients
Addressing cognitive or emotional changes that may occur post-CART treatment
If you're uncertain whether your patient is the right fit for these services, please don't hesitate to reach out. The team can provide guidance to ensure the best possible care for your patients.
Neurological Disorders
What specific issues can psychological therapy address?
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Provide psychological support to individuals adjusting to a new diagnosis, dealing with the emotional impact of illness
Assisting with adjustments to cognitive or functional changes associated with changes in medical status
-
Management of anxiety and depression associated with medical conditions
Stress management techniques
Counselling for grief, loss, and emotional distress
Monitoring and management of mood and functional cognition
-
Psychological interventions for chronic pain management
Intervention for sleep difficulties
Fatigue management strategies
Management of treatment side effects
-
Behavioural strategies to improve adherence to medical recommendations
Develop personalised intervention plans to support sustainable lifestyle change
Techniques for enhancing daily functional abilities
-
Support for maintaining and improving social and interpersonal relationships
Work with patients and their families to navigate the psychological challenges of living with and managing a serious health condition.
Caregiver counselling
*Gandy, M., Karin, E., Fogliati, V. J., Meares, S., Nielssen, O., Titov, N., & Dear, B. F. (2018). Emotional and cognitive difficulties, help-seeking, and barriers to treatment in neurological disorders. Rehabilitation Psychology, 63(4), 563