ALLIED HEALTH
When there is more going on than your appointment can hold.
You know the moment. An appointment that begins with pain, recovery or function opens into anxiety, grief, burnout, a difficult relationship or something from the past. You can see that it matters, but it needs more time and a different kind of space.
You want to respond without overstepping your scope, minimising what the patient has shared or leaving them without a useful next step.
Comma + Co gives you a counselling option you can recommend with confidence: private, considered support for the person alongside the care you provide.
WORKING ALONGSIDE ALLIED HEALTH
A recommendation you can make with confidence.
Your recommendation carries trust and when a patient needs more room than your appointment can offer, you want to know where they can go next. Comma + Co may be a helpful option for adults experiencing:
01 ANXIETY + MOOD
Anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, burnout or chronic stress affecting how they are coping.
02 RELATIONSHIPS + CONNECTION
Relationship difficulties, separation, caring pressure or recurring relational patterns affecting their wellbeing.
03 CHANGE + IDENTITY
Grief, illness, injury, recovery, major life transitions or changes in identity, function or self-worth.
These are not diagnostic or referral criteria. They are signs that an additional, dedicated space may be useful.
04 PAST + PRESENT
Difficult past experiences that continue to shape present emotions, relationships or responses.
A STRAIGHTFORWARD PATIENT PATHWAY
A clear option, without
another referral process.
When Comma + Co appears suitable, just give the patient the details, and they can take the next step themselves. No formal GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan is required.
01
Suitability assessed
Every enquiry goes through Comma + Co’s usual intake and suitability process before counselling begins.
02
Direct patient access
Patients can book a first appointment, arrange a free 15-minute introductory call or send a written enquiry.
03
Transparent costs
Session fees, Medicare ineligibility and possible Bupa rebates are explained before the patient books.
04
Brief follow-through
Each enquiry is assessed for suitability. With the client’s consent, Comma + Co can let you know that counselling has commenced or that the introduction was not a suitable fit.
PRACTICE INFORMATION
The practical details for your
next patient conversation.
If you’re considering counselling for a patient, the details below outline who we see, how appointments work, and the costs involved to support them in taking the next step.
Who
Counselling for adults aged 18 and over.
Where
In-person counselling in Highett and online across all Australian states and territories.
Current availability
In-person and online appointments are currently open. New-client capacity is assessed week to week, with additional times available on request.
Appointment hours
Monday to Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm
Thursday: 11 am to 8 pm
Friday: 10 am to 3 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 2 pm
Fees
First session: 80 minutes, $250
Standard ongoing: 55 minutes, $180
Extended ongoing: 80 minutes, $250
Long ongoing: 110 minutes, $315
Rebates
Medicare rebates are not available. Bupa rebates may be available to eligible members.
Access
No GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan is required.
Response
Patient and professional enquiries are answered within one to two business days.
CLINICAL BOUNDARIES
Clear boundaries
support better introductions.
Comma + Co is not an emergency or crisis response service. It is not intended to act as the sole counselling response where a patient is experiencing:
Acute suicide or self-harm risk
Psychosis or mania
Severe substance dependence
An eating disorder requiring specialist or multidisciplinary care
Current family violence requiring safety planning or specialist support
Significant functional deterioration.
Where urgent or escalating concerns are identified, Comma + Co’s documented crisis and risk protocol applies.
ABOUT KATE REDDIN
A qualified practitioner, accountable for the work.
Kate holds a Master of Counselling and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Monash University. She is registered with both the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
Her practice is supported by ongoing professional supervision and professional development.
Kate’s counselling is active and purposeful. She helps clients make sense of current difficulties, recognise recurring emotional or relational patterns and focus on the changes they want to make in their relationships, decisions and daily lives.
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
The introduction can be simple.
You do not need to persuade the patient, diagnose a psychological concern or have the perfect words. A respectful observation and an invitation are often enough.
01
To position counselling as additional support
“I’m wondering whether it could be helpful to have a separate space to talk through some of what you’re carrying alongside the work we’re doing here.”
02
When the conversation has moved beyond your scope
“Some of what you’ve described feels important, but it sits outside what we can properly make room for in these appointments. Would you be open to talking with a counsellor?”
03
To preserve the patient’s choice
“I know a counsellor who may be a good fit for what you’ve described. I can give you her details if you’d like to look into it. There’s no obligation to book.”
04
When a patient is worried their physical experience is being dismissed
“This suggestion doesn’t mean I think your symptoms are psychological or ‘all in your head’. I’m suggesting some additional support because you’re carrying a lot alongside them.”
MAKING THE INTRODUCTION
Give your patient a clear next step.
A formal referral is not required. Patients can choose how they would like to make contact.
01
Share the counselling information
Direct the patient to the general Comma + Co counselling page or share the patient information guide.
02
Suggest an introductory call
If the patient is uncertain about counselling or wants to meet Kate before deciding, they can arrange a free 15-minute introductory call.
The call provides an opportunity to ask questions, briefly discuss what they are looking for and consider whether the approach feels right.
03
Make a warm introduction
With the patient’s permission, you are welcome to email Kate and copy the patient into the message.
A short introduction is sufficient. Please include only information the patient has agreed may be shared. A referral letter, diagnosis or Mental Health Treatment Plan is not required.
COMMA + CO BLOG
Insights you can apply in the wild.
Thoughtful perspectives on the experiences, relationships, and decisions that shape us, offering a clearer way to understand what’s happening and consider what might come next.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
Something worth pausing for.
Occasional notes on the patterns that shape how we live, work, and relate, with ideas to help you respond with greater clarity and choice.