Making Appointments

How do I make an appointment?

Complete a registration form online and email it through to our intake team.  Intake meetings are held twice a week and clients are allocated to an appropriate therapist based on the needs of the client and availability (as all of our therapists work part-time).  On acceptance of a referral, a therapist will call a client directly to book an initial appointment.

Do you have a waiting list?

We currently have a high demand for services and some of our therapy streams have a waiting list. At times, we will close the waiting list because it is at capacity and the wait times have become too high. We reassess this regularly, and in the meantime ask that you try another service elsewhere. You are welcome to try us again in three months. Please call us to find out the availability of therapists before filling in registration forms.

Do you have a triage system?

We have an intake team that will allocate clients on the waiting list to an appropriate therapist when they have availability. As we are not a crisis centre, we do not have a triage system that prioritises certain clients over others, based on need. In a crisis, we will refer clients to other services.

Funding and Fees

Are there any Medicare rebates for services?

Yes, partial rebates are available with an eligible Medicare plan by a GP or Paediatrician are possible for Psychology, Speech, OT, Family Therapy and Group Therapy.

Do I need the name of the therapist to get a referral?

No not for MHCP, but please advise if you would like a particular therapist at the intake process.  Yes, you do need a name for an Enhanced Primary Care plan.

Is Crisalida NDIS registered?

Yes, Crisalida is a registered NDIS provider for NDIA managed NDIS participants that have funding under Improved Daily Living Category only for Therapeutic supports.  We can see NDIS participants who are Plan Managed or Self Managed for categories in addition to Improved Daily Living. These categories should fit in with services Crisalida provide – Psychology, OT, Speech, Groups, Art therapy and Music therapy.

Do I have to get a referral?

No, you are welcome to refer yourself or your child. However, you will not be able to access a Medicare rebate on fees charged unless referred by a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. You may be able to use Private Health Insurance if you self-refer, check with your Insurance Provider. Our psychiatrist requires a referral.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will incur a cancellation fee that is 100% of the appointment cost. For appointments on Mondays and Tuesday, notice of cancellation needs to be provided before 11am on the Friday prior. For more detail, please see our full cancellation policy here.

Services

What is the difference between Psychology and Mental Health Occupational Therapy?  

The main differentiation is that mental health OT’s use foundational training in sensory-motor development and self-regulation, in addition to their Mental Health training.

What is a Mental Health OT?  

A Mental Health OT has had further mental health training/clinical experience to provide focused psychological services under the Better Access to Mental Health Plan (eligible for GP referral/medicare rebate for individual and group work).  At Crisalida, the majority of our Occupational Therapists are also experienced Mental Health providers – our OT’s often work to improve physical and sensory-motor skills, as well as facilitating stronger social, emotional and psychological skills and coping strategies.  

Can you see my child at their school/home?

Some of our therapists are able to make a home or school visits within a reasonable distance from our centres. Please note that some schools have restrictions on external service providers, so please do check with your school to see if this is available.

What is the difference between Psychology and Clinical Psychology?

Following the completion of 4 years psychology training Clinical psychologists undertake a masters degree in assessment and treatment of complex and moderate to severe psychiatric disorders.  Psychologists undertake 2 years supervised practise in an area of specialty such as counselling, developmental psychology or another area of interest to further develop their training. *Please note years of experience and additional training play a significant role in a psychologist’s or clinical psychologist’s suitability to work with any given client presentation.  All of this is taken into account during the intake process.

What a music or art therapist be suitable for my child?

Quite possibly! Music and art therapy can address many of the same presenting issues and needs as OT and psychology. They can work on self-regulation, anxiety, communication skills and many more and can be great for those who are neuro-divergent or who might want to express themselves in ways not limited to words. You can find out more about our art and music therapy services here.

Feedback and Complaints

Crisalida aims to provide you with the best service possible, and we are always trying to improve where we can. We are happy to hear from you about your experience and any suggestions you may have as to how we can do better. If you wish to give feedback, you can contact the office on 03 9484 6299, via email at admin@crisalida.com.au or in person at 678 High Street, Thornbury 3071.  If you’re not happy with the provision of supports and wish to make a complaint, you can speak with Crisalida Director Melissa Bryan on 03 9484 6299 or via admin@crisalida.com.au. Or complete the 8E Client Feedback Form that can be downloaded from our website.

If you are an NDIS participant and are not satisfied or do not want to talk to this person, then you can raise a complaint with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission by calling 1800 035 544 or emailing feedback@ndiscommission.gov.au. To find out more go to www.ndiscommission.gov.au