FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

Anna Sheppard is a PACFA Certified Practising Counsellor. PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) is a leading national peak body for the counselling and psychotherapy profession.

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PACFA provides self-regulation functions for the counselling and psychotherapy profession, ensuring that our members have met PACFA’s Training Standards, which are the highest for our profession in Australia.

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Practising members of PACFA and PACFA Member Associations are listed on PACFA’s National Register.  PACFA registrants have demonstrated an approved level of training, experience and competence via meeting strict Training Standards and comply with PACFA’s ethical standards. Link to PACFA Code of Ethics

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More information can be found at this link: PACFA

Under the the PACFA Code of Ethics I am required to protect clients' privacy and confidentiality.  The only circumstances in which confidentiality would be broken is if:​

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• if your life is in danger or at serious risk of harm;

• if someone else’s life is in danger or at serious risk of harm; and/or

• if your counsellor is required, by law, to disclose information. For example: taking action to protect a child or young person from serious harm or responding to a court subpoena (request for copies of) relevant records.

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In the event a disclosure must be made due to the above circumstances, PACFA counsellors "inform their clients of the actions they will take, to the extent that this is practicable. If possible, they obtain consent in writing prior to making the disclosure." (PACFA Code of Ethics).

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Upfront payment is required for first appointments. Thereafter, appointments are payable on the day of your appointment. Please provide 48 hours notice of cancellations, otherwise payment will be required.

Clients who have the appropriate policy coverage will be able to claim some of the cost of counselling from their private health insurer if it is one of the funds listed below. Important Note: Clients may still be subject to waiting periods or annual limits, so it is best that the eligibility for cover is confirmed by the client directly with their fund.

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• BUPA Private Health Provider 
   

• ARHG (Australian Regional Health Group includes Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA, CUA Health (telehealth only), Teachers Union Health, AIA and Westfund.)

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Clients with the appropriate policy coverage will be able to claim some of the cost of counselling from their private health insurer if it is one of these funds. Clients may still be subject to waiting periods of annual limits, so it is best that the client confirms with their fund directly their status. 

PACFA and ACA registered counsellors work outside of Medicare, therefore no mental health diagnosis or GP referral is required and no Medicare rebates are applicable. My rates are designed to be at the usual psychologist out of pocket level.