Client Information

Everything you
need to know

Before your first session, please read through this information carefully. It covers your rights, how we protect your privacy, how sessions are managed, and what applies to your funding type. Reach out if anything needs clarifying.

Consent & Rights· Privacy· Appointments· Funding· Crisis Support· Feedback
02

Privacy & Confidentiality

Cheree’s practice complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Your personal and health information is collected, used and stored with care.

How your information is stored

All records are held in Halaxy, a secure, encrypted, Australian-hosted practice management platform. Only Cheree and authorised administrative staff can access your file.

How long records are kept

  • Adult clients: a minimum of 7 years from the date of last contact
  • Clients under 18 at time of treatment: records are retained until the client’s 25th birthday, or 7 years from last contact — whichever is later

Limits of confidentiality

Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. There are, however, circumstances where disclosure may be required:

Confidentiality has legal limits. Cheree is legally required to act or disclose in the following circumstances:
  • Risk to life — if there is a serious and imminent risk to your life or the life of another person, Cheree is obligated to take action to prevent harm
  • Mandatory reporting — under the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld), Cheree is legally required to report a reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm
  • Court order or subpoena — Cheree may be compelled by a court to disclose records or provide testimony

These limits exist because some obligations override the therapeutic relationship. Cheree will always aim to discuss any disclosure with you first, where it is safe to do so.

  • Professional supervision — Cheree participates in regular clinical supervision as required by AASW standards. Cases may be discussed in de-identified form
  • Your written consent — where you have expressly authorised Cheree to communicate with another professional or service
Where disclosure is necessary, Cheree will share only the minimum information required, and will discuss this with you first wherever it is safe to do so.

Telehealth & online sessions

Video sessions introduce additional privacy considerations. You are responsible for ensuring your session takes place in a private, confidential environment. Cheree uses a secure, encrypted platform for all video appointments. Sessions are never recorded without your explicit written consent.

Accessing or correcting your information

You may request access to, or correction of, personal information held about you at any time. Requests should be made in writing to sessions@chereemcgarry.com. Cheree will respond within 30 days. In some circumstances, access may be limited where disclosure could pose a risk to you or another person.

For privacy-related complaints, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au or on 1300 363 992.

03

Appointments & Cancellations

Scheduling is managed through Halaxy, our secure online booking and billing platform. You can book, reschedule or manage appointments through your client portal.

Session types & intake requirements

  • Individual sessions — standard 60-minute appointment at the current session rate
  • Children — one intake session with at least one parent or guardian is required before child counselling begins. Both parents are welcome to attend together. The intake covers background information, consent, and treatment planning.
  • Couples & groups — each person attends a separate individual intake session first. Joint sessions then proceed at the standard session rate — charged per session, not per person.
Couples & children require an intake session before joint or child sessions begin. This cannot be skipped. Please select the appropriate intake option when booking.

Separate intakes ensure each person has space to share their perspective openly, before the shared process begins. It also allows Cheree to assess whether the service is the right fit.

Telehealth (video) appointments

Video sessions are available for clients who prefer remote support or are unable to attend in person. To get the most from a telehealth session:

  • Choose a private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted
  • Ensure your device is charged and your internet connection is stable
  • Use headphones where possible for better audio and privacy
  • Have a glass of water nearby — just like an in-person session

Running late

If you are running more than 10 minutes late, please contact the practice. Your session will still end at its scheduled time, and the full session fee applies.

Appointment reminders

Halaxy sends automated SMS and email reminders before your appointment. Receiving — or not receiving — a reminder does not affect your obligation to attend or cancel with adequate notice.

Cancellation policy

Notice givenFee applicable
48 hours or moreNo charge
24–48 hours50% of session fee
Less than 24 hours or no-showFull session fee
Medicare and private health rebates cannot be applied to cancellation fees. Cancellation fees must be paid out-of-pocket regardless of your funding type.

Session time is reserved specifically for you. Short-notice cancellations are rarely fillable, which is why fees apply — they reflect the protected time, not a penalty.

Genuine emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis — please contact the practice as soon as possible.

To cancel or reschedule
Call first0418 742 087 — preferredor0400 075 525 if Cheree is unavailable
Text / emailsessions@chereemcgarry.com if you can’t reach us by phone
04

Fees & Your Funding Pathway

The standard session fee is $195 per 60-minute appointment. This rate applies to private, Medicare, and NDIS self/plan-managed clients. Clients funded through QFES, ADFHSC, or DVA are billed at the rate set by their funder. Payment is processed via Halaxy and a tax invoice is issued after each session.

Select your funding pathway

Private / Self-funded
No referral required
Rate$195 per session
ReferralNone — book directly via Halaxy
PaymentProcessed on the day; tax invoice issued immediately
NotePrivate health extras may apply — check with your insurer. You cannot claim both Medicare and private health for the same session.
Medicare
Medicare — Better Access
GP Mental Health Care Plan required
Rate$195 per session — net out-of-pocket $107.75 after rebate
ReferralMental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist, naming Cheree McGarry — AMHSW
Rebate$87.25 — claim via Services Australia yourself, or ask Cheree to submit on your behalf (case-by-case)
SessionsUp to 10 per calendar year; GP review required after the first 6
ChildrenBring the child’s and a parent/guardian’s Medicare card for under 14s
Your MHCP must name Cheree McGarry — AMHSW specifically before your first session. Medicare will not process the rebate for a plan naming a different provider.

Medicare links rebates to the specific provider named on the plan. Ask your GP to include her full name and credentials when they prepare your referral.

NDIS
NDIS — Self-managed
Private rate applies
Rate$195 per session — same as private rate
ApprovalConfirm counselling is within your funded supports before booking
PaymentPaid on the day; NDIS-compliant invoice provided for self-managed reimbursement
BringNDIS plan number and relevant support budget line item
NDIS
NDIS — Plan-managed
Pre-approval required before first session
RateNDIS price guide rate — confirmed with you before your first session
ApprovalWritten approval from your plan manager required before booking — confirm counselling is in your funded supports
BillingInvoiced directly to your plan manager in NDIS-compliant format
BringNDIS plan number, plan manager name and contact details
CancellationsMay be covered by your plan (subject to policy) or charged to you directly — check with your plan manager
Written approval from your plan manager is required before your first booking. Sessions cannot proceed without it.

Plan-managed funding is paid by your plan manager directly. Without prior written approval, there is no guarantee the sessions will be covered, and you may be liable for costs.

QFES
QFES
Employee Assistance Program
RateBilled to QFES — you are not charged for sessions you attend
ReferralVia QFES EAP — contact your EAP coordinator before booking
CancellationsMay be covered by QFES (subject to their policy) or charged to you directly
DVA
ADFHSC & DVA
ADF members, families & veterans
RateBilled to your funder — you are not charged for sessions you attend
ReferralContact your unit health officer, Medical Officer, or DVA case manager before booking
CancellationsMay be covered by your funder (subject to their policy) or charged to you directly
Outreach (travel) appointments and reports, letters or documentation incur additional fees. These are negotiated case-by-case and may vary depending on your funding type — please contact the practice for details before arranging.

Fees are reviewed periodically. A minimum of two weeks’ written notice will be given before any change takes effect.

05

Crisis Support

Counselling sessions are scheduled appointments — Cheree is not available for crisis support between sessions. If you are in distress outside of a session, please contact one of the services below.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) now.

24-hour crisis lines

Lifeline
Crisis support & suicide prevention
13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service
Counselling for people at risk of suicide
1300 659 467
Beyond Blue
Anxiety, depression & mental health support
1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline
For people aged 5–25
1800 55 1800
1800RESPECT
Family & domestic violence, sexual assault
1800 737 732
QLD Mental Health Access Line
Queensland mental health triage & referral
1300 642 255

Between-session safety planning

If you are going through a difficult period, Cheree may work with you during sessions to develop a personal safety plan — including identifying your supports, warning signs, and coping strategies. Please raise this with Cheree if it would be helpful.

06

Feedback & Complaints

Your experience matters. Feedback — positive or constructive — helps Cheree provide the best possible care. If something isn’t working, raising it early is always welcome.

At the conclusion of your counselling, you will be invited to complete a brief anonymous survey. If you’ve had a positive experience, a review on Google, Facebook or Psychology Today is warmly appreciated.

If you have a concern

Please feel comfortable raising any concern directly with Cheree in the first instance. Most issues can be resolved through open conversation. If you prefer to raise a concern in writing, you may do so at sessions@chereemcgarry.com.

Formal complaints pathways

  • Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) — Cheree’s professional registration body. Complaints regarding ethical conduct can be lodged at aasw.asn.au or on 1800 630 124
  • Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) — Queensland — for complaints about health service providers in QLD. Contact oho.qld.gov.au or 133 600
  • Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) — for privacy-related complaints. Contact oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992
AASW Website