Bookings, Fees, Terms and Conditions
BEFORE YOU BOOK
ALL NEW CLIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ THE BELOW POLICIES BEFORE FIRST APPOINTMENT
What to expect
If you are booking a therapy session via Telehealth, prior to your first session it is required to fill in the intake form above. This is to ensure you are provided with the best service, confidentiality and safety. This will also be discussed in your first initial session. No need to fill in for in-person sessions.
If you are requesting clinical supervision, please email me on mariamichalos8@gmail.com so that I can send you out a contact.
To make a booking click on the button below
If you are requesting clinical supervision, please email me on mariamichalos8@gmail.com so that I can send you out a contact.
To make a booking click on the button below
In-person sessions are located at 15 Brock Street PORT ADELAIDE on the ground floor.
Depending on the booking you have made, I will either call you on your appointment time (if you have opted for a telephone session, please provide your phone number on the booking form) and/or a link will be sent for an on-line session.
Your first initial session will take 60 minutes which will include a basic assessment of your problem, express your concerns and or conduct an assessment. Some areas of discussion may include a holistic overview of your situation, such as emotions, thoughts, beliefs, sensations, medications, health, sleep, exercise, diet, social interactions, spirituality and coping mechanisms to get a better understanding of you. We will then determine what treatment will be suitable.
All subsequent appointment are no more than 50 minutes. There is no limit of sessions, you choose to do as many as needed.
Depending on the booking you have made, I will either call you on your appointment time (if you have opted for a telephone session, please provide your phone number on the booking form) and/or a link will be sent for an on-line session.
Your first initial session will take 60 minutes which will include a basic assessment of your problem, express your concerns and or conduct an assessment. Some areas of discussion may include a holistic overview of your situation, such as emotions, thoughts, beliefs, sensations, medications, health, sleep, exercise, diet, social interactions, spirituality and coping mechanisms to get a better understanding of you. We will then determine what treatment will be suitable.
All subsequent appointment are no more than 50 minutes. There is no limit of sessions, you choose to do as many as needed.
Prior to Booking Information
For Telehealth services -
At times on-line or telephone therapy is not suitable for people that may be experiencing major depression, suicidal thoughts, or have a history of significant trauma. Therefore in-person sessions may be recommended.
If you are unable to provide an emergency contact person in case you need additional supports after your session or if you have poor internet connection, or uncomfortable using technology then on-line therapy may not be suitable. Please discuss these issues before making your appointment.
If you are late on your appointment time, I will wait for 20 minutes into your appointment time. If you find it difficult to logon, having technical issues, or are late attending personally please call 0439 800 973. After 20 minutes I will call you once and if there is no response, I will no longer be trying to contact you, and your session will be forfeited. Please be aware that I have other appointments after your appointment, so being on time is appreciated.
I do not respond to emails, phone calls or text messages in-between appointments unless it is an emergency or if you are making bookings or changes to your appointments. As I am usually busy in sessions these will be answered as soon as possible.
At times on-line or telephone therapy is not suitable for people that may be experiencing major depression, suicidal thoughts, or have a history of significant trauma. Therefore in-person sessions may be recommended.
If you are unable to provide an emergency contact person in case you need additional supports after your session or if you have poor internet connection, or uncomfortable using technology then on-line therapy may not be suitable. Please discuss these issues before making your appointment.
If you are late on your appointment time, I will wait for 20 minutes into your appointment time. If you find it difficult to logon, having technical issues, or are late attending personally please call 0439 800 973. After 20 minutes I will call you once and if there is no response, I will no longer be trying to contact you, and your session will be forfeited. Please be aware that I have other appointments after your appointment, so being on time is appreciated.
I do not respond to emails, phone calls or text messages in-between appointments unless it is an emergency or if you are making bookings or changes to your appointments. As I am usually busy in sessions these will be answered as soon as possible.
Billing
When making your booking you will receive an email confirmation which will direct you how to pay for your upcoming appointment.
Due to high demand, I charge a full price of the session, even if you miss a session. Your credit/debit card will be charged after your booking time on the same day and a receipt will be sent to you via email. If you are attending in-person you can also pay on the day of your appointment. All credit card information is encrypted through Square and I do not have access of information of your card.
You cannot claim on medicare as I am not a clinical psychologist, however medicare only pay a portion leaving you with a gap and our prices are based on a gap you would normally pay with a psychologist.
You can also pay via health insurance with eligible providers with PACFA, however please let me know before your appointment to verify if your health insurance can cover counselling as I do not have HICAPS and all paid invoices will be emailed to you so that you can claim with your health provider.
You can also claim on National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if you are plan managed or self managed. This will be billed directly to the client and after signing a service agreement.
Due to high demand, I charge a full price of the session, even if you miss a session. Your credit/debit card will be charged after your booking time on the same day and a receipt will be sent to you via email. If you are attending in-person you can also pay on the day of your appointment. All credit card information is encrypted through Square and I do not have access of information of your card.
You cannot claim on medicare as I am not a clinical psychologist, however medicare only pay a portion leaving you with a gap and our prices are based on a gap you would normally pay with a psychologist.
You can also pay via health insurance with eligible providers with PACFA, however please let me know before your appointment to verify if your health insurance can cover counselling as I do not have HICAPS and all paid invoices will be emailed to you so that you can claim with your health provider.
You can also claim on National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if you are plan managed or self managed. This will be billed directly to the client and after signing a service agreement.
Cancellation Policy
You must provide 24 hours' notice of any cancellations otherwise your appointment will be billed accordingly. If you miss an appointment you are more than welcome to make another one, bearing in mind all missed appointments occur a full fee of service with no refunds. Unless it is a legitimate emergency.
Disclaimer
Therapy and supervision is a confidential process designed to help you address your concerns, come to a greater understanding of yourself, and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies.
It involves a relationship between you and a trained therapist who has the desire and willingness to help you accomplish your individual goals. It includes sharing sensitive, personal, and private information that may at times be distressing. The outcome is often positive; however, the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable. I am available to support you throughout this process.
Where the sessions are delivered online or over the phone the therapist takes all reasonable endeavours to protect and secure the privacy of sessions.
The Therapist and client are strictly forbidden to record their sessions without consent from both parties and the guaranteed security of the recording is clear.
AI-medical scribe software may be used by the therapist during session to transcribe clinical notes. Please let your therapist know if you do not wish this to occur.
It involves a relationship between you and a trained therapist who has the desire and willingness to help you accomplish your individual goals. It includes sharing sensitive, personal, and private information that may at times be distressing. The outcome is often positive; however, the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable. I am available to support you throughout this process.
Where the sessions are delivered online or over the phone the therapist takes all reasonable endeavours to protect and secure the privacy of sessions.
The Therapist and client are strictly forbidden to record their sessions without consent from both parties and the guaranteed security of the recording is clear.
AI-medical scribe software may be used by the therapist during session to transcribe clinical notes. Please let your therapist know if you do not wish this to occur.
Consent and Confidentiality
All interactions with therapy and supervision services including scheduling of or attending appointments, content of your sessions, progress notes, and your records are confidential.
Access to client information is limited to Maria Michalos, who is involved in delivering services to clients.
All personal information received from clients is kept safe, secure, confidential, accurate and up to date and clients understand why their personal information is collected.
You may request at any time in writing for access to your records about your sessions, however the way it will be delivered is negotiable.
Clients are able to withdraw their consent at any time to the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information, unless stated by law.
Maria Michalos obtains client consent before collecting, using, sharing or releasing client information, except as set out in this policy or permitted or required by law.
Exceptions of confidentiality
At times I may consult with a clinical supervisor about your situation to ensure and provide the best possible care. These consultations are for professional and training purposes. However no names of identity are mentioned to protect your privacy.
Client information can be used for related purposes only where it is reasonable to expect that it would be used for these purposes, for example to provide other services to the client in a multi-disciplinary setting, in these cases names may not be disclosed.
If there is evidence of clear and imminent danger of harm to self and/or others, all therapist are legally required to report this information to the authorities responsible for ensuring safety.
Australian law requires that staff of Therapy Services who learn of, or strongly suspect, physical or sexual abuse or neglect of any person under 18 years of age must report this information to child protection services.
Maria Michalos is compliant with the child safe environment policy of South Australia and holds working with children check (DHS Screening) and 'Through their eyes training'.
A court order, issued by a judge, may require to release information contained your records and/or require to testify in a court hearing.
Any external agents to whom Maria Michalos releases information have a need to know and only use and disclose client information for the purposes for which it was originally provided, such as National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) requesting information or mandated reporting requirements as stated by Australian Law.
All legal, ethical and regulatory requirements regarding client information are met and maintained.
Access to client information is limited to Maria Michalos, who is involved in delivering services to clients.
All personal information received from clients is kept safe, secure, confidential, accurate and up to date and clients understand why their personal information is collected.
You may request at any time in writing for access to your records about your sessions, however the way it will be delivered is negotiable.
Clients are able to withdraw their consent at any time to the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information, unless stated by law.
Maria Michalos obtains client consent before collecting, using, sharing or releasing client information, except as set out in this policy or permitted or required by law.
Exceptions of confidentiality
At times I may consult with a clinical supervisor about your situation to ensure and provide the best possible care. These consultations are for professional and training purposes. However no names of identity are mentioned to protect your privacy.
Client information can be used for related purposes only where it is reasonable to expect that it would be used for these purposes, for example to provide other services to the client in a multi-disciplinary setting, in these cases names may not be disclosed.
If there is evidence of clear and imminent danger of harm to self and/or others, all therapist are legally required to report this information to the authorities responsible for ensuring safety.
Australian law requires that staff of Therapy Services who learn of, or strongly suspect, physical or sexual abuse or neglect of any person under 18 years of age must report this information to child protection services.
Maria Michalos is compliant with the child safe environment policy of South Australia and holds working with children check (DHS Screening) and 'Through their eyes training'.
A court order, issued by a judge, may require to release information contained your records and/or require to testify in a court hearing.
Any external agents to whom Maria Michalos releases information have a need to know and only use and disclose client information for the purposes for which it was originally provided, such as National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) requesting information or mandated reporting requirements as stated by Australian Law.
All legal, ethical and regulatory requirements regarding client information are met and maintained.
Clients rights
The client may ask questions on what to expect during and end result of therapy.
The client may decline to precede the therapy as to the techniques, which may be conducted by the therapist.
The client may cease to continue therapy anytime, without any impediment and may return to therapy anytime.
The client has the right to view their records from the therapist, however delivery of notes is negotiable.
The client has a right to confidentiality and privacy in accordance with limitations provided by law. Therefore the client is aware that certain information will not be kept confidential.
Client records and information acquired by the therapist shall be kept strictly confidential and information will not be shared or revealed to any person, agency, or organisation without the prior written consent of the client.
The client can raise any concerns and to speak with the therapist immediately of any concerns provided that the therapist is likewise available to discuss matters with the client.
The client, then, has the power to decide what information they will share with their therapist.
The client may decline to precede the therapy as to the techniques, which may be conducted by the therapist.
The client may cease to continue therapy anytime, without any impediment and may return to therapy anytime.
The client has the right to view their records from the therapist, however delivery of notes is negotiable.
The client has a right to confidentiality and privacy in accordance with limitations provided by law. Therefore the client is aware that certain information will not be kept confidential.
Client records and information acquired by the therapist shall be kept strictly confidential and information will not be shared or revealed to any person, agency, or organisation without the prior written consent of the client.
The client can raise any concerns and to speak with the therapist immediately of any concerns provided that the therapist is likewise available to discuss matters with the client.
The client, then, has the power to decide what information they will share with their therapist.
Telehealth Sessions Instructions
How you need to prepare for your online session:
This service is for video-link sessions only. It is not a service that uses chat, email or text to deliver therapy and supervision. This service is not a crisis service so cannot be used without at least a 2 day lead up to the appointment.
The on-line space is different to in-person sessions in that you are not meeting at the office. You will need to have a few things prepared before your session:
1. Completed the on-line form, signed and dated (or completed contract for supervision)
2. Have paid the agreed fee by direct debit or credit card.
3. Have access to a device (phone, tablet, computer) which has good internet connectivity and reliability.
4. The device you use must have a camera, or a webcam that you can connect to
5. Test your audio before the session so you know your microphone is working.
6. Clean the camera lens so it is clear.
7. Have your earphones or ear buds ready to use so others cannot overhear what the therapist is saying to you. This also creates a much clearer and consistent audio for your therapist.
8. You need to have a private space where you can guarantee that you will not be disturbed. This cannot be in a public area, such as a café or park (outside of often a problem if it is windy).
9. You will need 50 minutes for the session, so make sure you have put that time aside.
10. You need to have family or a friend available to contact if you need further support at any time.
How the session starts:
You will be sent a link via Google Meet. Save it in your calendar. You just need to click on the link at the time of your appointment, then click on the button 'Meet'. You will then be taken into the session you may need to adjust your video and audio to be on.
At the end of the session, the therapist will end the ‘on-line session’ and the platform will close on your device. The therapist will finish the appointment 50 minutes after beginning regardless of the client’s lateness as other clients also have scheduled appointment after yours.
What to do if the technology or connection fails:
The client will phone the therapist on 0439 800 973 and continue the session until connectivity is resumed or the technological issue rectified.
This service is for video-link sessions only. It is not a service that uses chat, email or text to deliver therapy and supervision. This service is not a crisis service so cannot be used without at least a 2 day lead up to the appointment.
The on-line space is different to in-person sessions in that you are not meeting at the office. You will need to have a few things prepared before your session:
1. Completed the on-line form, signed and dated (or completed contract for supervision)
2. Have paid the agreed fee by direct debit or credit card.
3. Have access to a device (phone, tablet, computer) which has good internet connectivity and reliability.
4. The device you use must have a camera, or a webcam that you can connect to
5. Test your audio before the session so you know your microphone is working.
6. Clean the camera lens so it is clear.
7. Have your earphones or ear buds ready to use so others cannot overhear what the therapist is saying to you. This also creates a much clearer and consistent audio for your therapist.
8. You need to have a private space where you can guarantee that you will not be disturbed. This cannot be in a public area, such as a café or park (outside of often a problem if it is windy).
9. You will need 50 minutes for the session, so make sure you have put that time aside.
10. You need to have family or a friend available to contact if you need further support at any time.
How the session starts:
You will be sent a link via Google Meet. Save it in your calendar. You just need to click on the link at the time of your appointment, then click on the button 'Meet'. You will then be taken into the session you may need to adjust your video and audio to be on.
At the end of the session, the therapist will end the ‘on-line session’ and the platform will close on your device. The therapist will finish the appointment 50 minutes after beginning regardless of the client’s lateness as other clients also have scheduled appointment after yours.
What to do if the technology or connection fails:
The client will phone the therapist on 0439 800 973 and continue the session until connectivity is resumed or the technological issue rectified.
Complaints Policy
Complaints about Maria Michalos privacy policies and procedures are handled efficiently and effectively by contacting Maria Michalos directly on 0439 800 973 or via email mariamichalos8@gmail or made to the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) board if necessary on 03 9046 2270 admin@pacfa.org.au
Client Rights and Code of Conduct
As a health service provider in South Australia, I am committed to providing safe and ethical care. In accordance with the Health and Community Services Complaints Act 2004, I abide by the Code of Conduct for Certain Health Care Workers.
Your rights:
Client Rights and Code of Conduct
As a health service provider in South Australia, I am committed to providing safe and ethical care. In accordance with the Health and Community Services Complaints Act 2004, I abide by the Code of Conduct for Certain Health Care Workers.
Your rights:
- You have the right to receive services in a safe and professional environment.
- You have the right to be informed about my qualifications and the costs of services.
- You have the right to make a complaint if you are unhappy with the service provided.
- Read the Code of Conduct (Plain English PDF)
- How to make a complaint (HCSCC Website)
FEES
Please quote your surname as your reference number upon payment.
All telephone and on-line bookings must be paid in advance to ensure your booking, these are payable once your booking is confirmed.
Individual TherapyIndividual session
First and subsequent sessions Allow 50 minutes Cost $150 |
Family TherapyFamily Session
Sessions for families Two to four people Allow 1.5 hours Cost $200 |
Clinical SupervisionClinical Supervision Session
Allow 1 hour Cost $130 |
To book an appointment via Telehealth (on-line or telephone) click the button below
To book an appointment in-person in Port Adelaide, please call or text Maria on 0439800973
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Maria Michalos
Clinical Supervisor, Counsellor and Psychotherapist Contact Details
0439 800 973 Located at 15 Brock Street, PORT ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5015 Available in-person at Port Adelaide and via Telehealth Australia Wide Tuesdays - Fridays 10am - 6pm Bookings are essential. |
Acknowledgment to Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to the Kaurna People of the Adelaide Plains, throughout Australia and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community, and extend that respect to all First Nations people visiting this website 
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
We welcome and support people of all sexualities, gender identities, and expressions. Our practice is a safe and inclusive space where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and care. |