Carol Fraser

- Psychotherapist, Mental Health Social Worker, Social Worker & Counsellor - 

As a graduate of both the University of Melbourne and Victoria University and the Director and Founder of Dynamic Choices, Carol has more than 40 years of counselling psychotherapy and social work experience, especially re mental health issues. Carol holds Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Mental Health Social Worker and Social Worker accreditation & is an Associate Member of Australian Psychological Society (APS) (Non-Practicing Psychologist) Carol is skilled in providing counselling and psychodynamic therapy to a wide range of clients:
- Children
- Adults,
- Couples and families,
- Older persons and their carers
- Culturally and linguistically diverse people especially Greek and Pacific Islanders. Carol speaks Greek fluently as well as having a strong knowledge of Pasifika culture
- Work Cover Clients
- Victims of Crime
- TAC clients
- Veterans who hold a DVA Gold or White Card
- NDIS both self and plan managed
- Telehealth Counselling

Carol’s Practice Approach includes:
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy/Psychoanalysis/Insight Oriented Psychotherapy
- Focused Psychological Strategies:
- Motivational Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Solutions Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for both individuals & couples
- Problem Solving
- Systems Theory
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Reflective Practice
- Child Play Therapy
- Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Life Coaching

Carol’s practice is based upon a client sensitive approach ensuring the creation of a safe environment based upon respect and sensitivity to each person’s needs; this is also underpinned by a philosophical base which allows exploration and discussion of important unconscious and relevant life issues and questions.

Carol’s Areas of Expertise:
- Mental Health Issues
- Adjustment Disorder
- Anxiety and Phobias
- Bereavement/Loss and Grief Disorder
- Dementia
- Depression
- Relationship/Couples Therapy
- Intimacy/Sexual Issues
- Children’s Developmental Disorders/Psychotherapy with Children
- Eating Disorders
- Trauma/Harm Including Sexual Abuse
- Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse
- Issues related to Ageing
- Life Coaching and Life Transition and Adjustment
- Bullying includes also Work place stress and bullying
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Carer Support

Medicare and Fees 
Medicare rebates ($87.25) are available under the Medicare Better Health Access Program for both in person counselling/psychotherapy services as well as telehealth counselling for therapy services provided by Carol as an AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Medicare provides rebates for ten (10) individual and ten (10) group sessions per calendar year. If you wish to apply for the Medicare rebates, you will need to make an appointment with your GP, paediatrician and/or psychiatrist to complete a Mental Health Care Plan Assessment. There will usually be an out-of-pocket gap (Gap Fee) between the Medicare rebate and the full-session fee (see above for indicative costs). At completion of the first six (6) sessions under the Medicare Plan, a review letter will be sent to your GP, paediatrician and/or psychiatrist; then you will need to book an appointment with your GP, paediatrician and/or psychiatrist for a Mental Health Treatment Plan Review which then will provide you with another four (4) Medicare rebated sessions. Please note that Medicare does not provide a rebate for couples therapy Rebates for Counselling/Psychotherapy/Accredited Mental Health Social Worker therapy sessions are also available from Private Health Care Funds such as BUPA, Medibank, HCF, Teachers Health Fund, Doctors Health, St Lukes Health, and Australian Regional Health Group Ancillary Provider Accreditation Service. Liaison needs to be undertaken with these funds prior to therapy commencing for approval to be given for the rebate/s. However, you are not eligible to be provided with simultaneous rebates from both Medicare and your Private Health Care Fund and/or to top up Medicare rebates. You will have to choose one or the other.

Sessions are 50-60 minutes duration. Fees: $190 for both individuals and Couples/families. NDIS Sessions for social workers are $193.99 and hence there will be no gap fee. There will however be GAP fees for other third-party services such as FAS, DVA, TAC and Workcover. Re EPA if your employer agrees to cover the full fee there will be no Gap fee. Discussion and information re these Gap fees will be outlined at the first session.

Third Party Payment Policy:
For therapy session fees claimed under the following prior approval must be sought in all cases and in writing before therapy can commence: These additional requirements also apply:
- Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) Victims of Crime - An application reference number or if compensation was granted through the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT), a letter of approval as well as a tribunal reference number also needs to be provided; and the compensation award must have been transitioned to FAS.
- Workcover - Claim number must be provided prior to initial consultation for the client’s employer or insurance provider to be billed
- Transport Assistance Commission (TAC) -claim number must be provided
- Employee Assistance (EPA) - Referral/Approval letter from employer
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - Support Care Coordinator plan managed and if self-managed from NDIS Insurer as well as a service agreement for both categories
- Department of Veterans Affairs – a valid DVA Card (Gold or White) is required plus a GP referral for a Medicare Better Mental Health Access Plan – prior approval from DVA before therapy commences is recommended once GP referral has been made. Medicare rebates then will be paid at the social worker rate ($87.25).

Carol’s Qualifications:
2024 Certified Life Coach and Neurolinguistic Practitioner (NLP)
2023 Upgraded Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE) 40116 – Kangan TAFE
2022 Masters of Psychoanalysis
2019 Graduate Diploma of Psychology – 4 th Year Honours- (Victoria University)
2010 Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies – (Victoria University)
2009 Master Practitioner/ and Train the Trainer – Neuro Linguistic Programming
2008 Master of Social Work (Mental Health) - (Melbourne University)
1991 Certificate of Developmental Child Psychiatry for Allied Health

Professionals
1983 Bachelor of Social Work 1983 – (Melbourne University)
1980 Bachelor of Arts 1980 – (Melbourne University)