Mercedes Pasco
Psychology
PsyBA(Hons), PGDip Counselling(UC), MAPS, MAAPi.
Mercedes IS NOT currently accepting NEW clients (updated 13/02/24)
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Existing Clients
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Mercedes is a Registered Psychologist and Counsellor.
She has over years of experience working in a number of diverse mental health settings
She provides a range of psychotherapy options for adults, adolescents, children of any age and their carers.
In adults, Mercedes has a professional interest in: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, ASD, ADHD, Eating Disorders and Postnatal Anxiety & Depression.
In Children and Adolescents, Mercedes has extensive experience with Anxiety, Behavioural Symptoms, Depression, Eating Disorders, ADHD and ASD.
Mercedes' work experience has included:
- working with Employee Assistance Programs, providing psychotherapy to adults and completing psychological assessments;
- empowering clients with dual diagnosis (a mental health condition and drug and alcohol misuse);
- counselling clients who have experienced sexual abuse and/or domestic violence;
- providing parent Counselling at Parentline ACT; and,
- working as a School and Family Counsellor.
Mercedes offers evidence-based psychotherapy and formal psychometric testing for different mental health conditions.
Her services are delivered face to face or via Telehealth.
With her values of respect, empathy, and non-judgement, Mercedes creates a safe space for clients where they can feel secure to talk about their struggles, and where they are able to develop the awareness and skills to reflect on the impact their psychological distress has on their behaviours and thinking. Moreover, her gentle approach encourages clients to feel empowered to work toward their goals.
When not at work, Mercedes is a busy mother of three children: one girl and two boys. She enjoys family bushwalks, spending time her with her spoodle, and tending to the family’s numerous guinea pigs. Mercedes is also fluent in Spanish.
Evidence-based therapeutic modalities include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- CBT for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Person Centred Humanistic Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Accredited Provider for CBT Anxiety Programs: Little Cool Kids (3-6yo), Cool Kids (7-12yo) and Chilled Out (13-17yo). Macquarie University
- Art and Play Therapy
- Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Mercedes is available on the following days:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Bungendore Medical Centre - Bungendore NSW
- Thursdays: Lantern Psychology - Deakin ACT
Professional Registrations
Mercedes provides psychological therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Services can be provided either Face to Face at offices in Lantern Psychology (Deakin, ACT), Bungendore Medical Centre (NSW) or via Telehealth. She works at Bungendore Medical Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also, at Lantern Psychology on Thursdays.
MEDICARE FEES with GP Mental Health Plan: Initial sessions and follow up sessions are 45 -50 minutes in duration and are $248 per session. As per July 2023, The Medicare Rebate stands at $92.9, leaving you with an out-of-pocket of $155.1 per session.
Bulk billing or Reduced fees: Unfortunately, Mercedes is not in the position to bulk bill or reduce her fees at present. If bulk billing is your preference, please discuss bulk billing counselling services in your area with your GP.
Medicare Rebate:
Your GP will need to complete a Mental Health Care Plan (Item 271X billed) and provide you with a current and valid, referral letter stating the number of sessions you are eligible for, and must be signed by your doctor. You must bring both the Mental Health Care Plan and the GP referral letter to your first appointment.
If you don’t have a Medicare Referral from your GP but you do have psychological extras cover with your Private Health Fund, you may be able to claim some of the cost back. Please check with your health fund provider.
Payment:
Payment for face-to-face and telehealth consults is required at the end of your session. You can receive your Medicare Rebate immediately if your Medicare details are current and you have already linked your Medicare to a Bank Account or Debit Card.
For Private Health Insurance funds, we will provide you with an invoice so you can approach and lodge your claim through your health fund. Please contact your health fund provider to check your level of cover and eligibility.
Accepted methods of payment: Cash, EFTPOS or Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard).
Cancellation Fees:
There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for appointments that cannot be attended (business hours only).
You may cancel or reschedule without charge, prior to 48 business hours of your consultation time by via our online portal. You will be charged the full consultation fee if you cancel or reschedule within 48 business hours of your consultation time, unless a medical certificate can be provided.
We do not accept rescheduling or cancellations by email, and cancellation fees cannot be claimed through Medicare.
NDIS Self-Managed, Workers Compensation, Comcare, DVA, Open Arms & Other Third-Party Insurances:
Mercedes doesn’t work for any of these funds as prefers to work independently. However, she can provide services for clients under these schemes. Mercedes always provides the client with a detailed invoice of psychotherapy sessions.
Clients can approach any of the above schemes for full or partial reimbursement. It is the client responsibility to negotiate fees with their own scheme before their first consultation. Mercedes is unable to assist with negotiating fees or lodging reimbursement forms with third-party providers.
Please note that APS Fees apply for these sessions which, as at July 2023, stand at $300 for a 46-60min session.
Clients can always access Mercedes’ services through Medicare or Private Health Fund - see "Medicare Rebate" at the start of this section.
What about privacy and confidentiality?
As a psychologist, Mercedes adheres to strict guidelines regarding the privacy and confidentiality of clients. Any information disclosed to Mercedes, and any records relating to her work, are confidential and will not be disclosed without her clients’ consent, except under exceptional circumstances, or if required by law. Any questions regarding confidentiality can be discussed during the initial consult session.
What will happen at the first appointment?
Prior to their first appointment, clients will be sent Client Details and Consent forms. These should be completed and emailed to mercedespasco@gmail.com or delivered in person. The first appointment is an initial assessment session, where Mercedes will gather information about the reason for referral, presenting problem and background information about the client's main difficulties and concerns. Mercedes may find appropriate to use a questionnaire or screener to measure symptomatology.
How many sessions will I need?
This can depend on different factors. It takes time to learn the knowledge and skills to feel better and it depends on the current difficulties for which clients are seeking assistance. Some clients find that they are able to achieve what they need to with only a few sessions (10 sessions or under). For those whose difficulties are more complex and long standing, they may need to attend for longer. Sessions can take place weekly or fortnightly. Currently, a Mental Health Plan through Medicare allows you to receive a rebate of up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Children of separated parents.
Does my child need both parents’ consent to access psychological services?
In the case of separated families for clients under 14 years of age, the consent of both parents' is required, unless there is a court order outlining sole parental responsibility.
In order to make an informed decision about psychotherapy for your child, there is some essential information that you should consider:
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-Notes from child therapy are not always kept confidential. It is important that parents (and their child) understand that child therapy case notes may be accessed by parents or by other authorities (such as Child Protective services or Court Orders).
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-When working with children and their parents, it is essential to clearly identify the client. Considerations include who is*:
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1. The recipient of the service AND
2. The person making health decisions
When the recipient of the service and the person making health decisions is the same person, ethical decision-making is simplified.
During the first appointment, Mercedes will be happy to discuss this information with separated families to help them make an informed decision regarding their children accessing psychotherapy.
*Accessed from the Australian Psychological Society (2021) Vol 43 Feb/Mar Issue 1.
Urgent Assistance:
If you are in need of urgent support or if you have any thoughts of harming yourself or others, you can contact a number of different 24-hour mental health services for immediate support:
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Emergency Services (24 hours): 000
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Lifeline (24 hours): 13 11 14
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1800 Respect (24 hours): 1800 737 732
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Kids Helpline – for 25 years and younger (24 hours): 1800 551 800
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Contact your local doctor or hospital
For Existing Clients ONLY, Please use the following secured online portal to book and manage your appointments:
Book Appointment
Existing clients
Bungendore Medical Centre
36 Ellendon Street
Bungendore
NSW 2621
PH:(02) 6238 1417
Fax:(02) 6238 1656
Lantern Psychology Centre
Rowland House, Level 1
5/10 Thesiger Court
Deakin
ACT 2600
Fax:(02) 6188 7368
For General Practitioners:
Please provide your patient with a MHP (Item 271X) and a referral letter. Make sure that Mercedes receives your provider number and date of MHP. Also, confirm the number of sessions you believe your patient needs (an initial 6 sessions is typical). If the Referral Letter cannot be physically provided to the patient during the MHP, please preferably email them to mercedespasco@gmail.com or Fax: (02) 6238 1656.