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COVID-Safe Psychological Services

At Life in Perspective, I am committed to continue providing psychological services to my valued clients during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with advice from the Department of Health (federal and state), Public Health Orders and Best Practice Recommendations, also endorsed by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the APS (Australian Psychology Society.)

Presently I am still offering face-to-face consultations. However, with the imminent opening of the WA borders an increased health risk is foreseen due to the potential spike in COVID-19 cases. According to the evolving circumstances I may have to replace face-to-face consultations with telehealth consultations where appropriate and clinically relevant. My clients will be notified ASAP.

Frequently asked questions

Does Life in Perspective have a COVID-Safe Plan?

In-person services in an office environment pose a risk for potential exposure to the virus.  My practice operates under a COVID-Safe plan, taking necessary precautions to protect my clients' safety at my premises as far as possible. It is important to acknowledge that all parties (me and my clients) are responsible for taking relevant precautions to minimise exposure to COVID-19 and keep everyone safe.

What are the COVID-Safe Plan safety precautions?

I am the sole practitioner of my private practice and I do not have other staff employed at the practice.  Therefore, exposure to more people at the practice are limited. Clients are encouraged to sign in with the CovidSafe app QR code in case contact tracing is necessary. I allow enough time between my consultations for clients to leave the premises and to clean/disinfect the rooms before the next client arrives. Social distancing measures are applied as far as possible.  Hand sanitizers are available in the reception area as well as in the consulting room.  Furniture, the Eftpos terminal and all touch surfaces are disinfected between consultations.  Masks are worn as mandated unless a client has proof of an exemption. Disposable masks are available if needed. Clients are requested to bring their own water and a pen to prevent cross contamination.

I request in my Client Informed Consent Form, my appointment reminders and on a door sign that no-one attends/enters my rooms if -

  • They are experiencing even mild cold, flu or COVID symptoms including a sore throat, cough, fever or breathing difficulty.
  • They have been identified as a close contact of a COVID positive case.
  • They and/or a close contact are awaiting COVID test results.
  • They and/or a close contact have been directed to isolate.

I undertake to notify my clients if any of the above applies to me, in which case we can reschedule or arrange a telehealth consultation, based on our mutual circumstances at the time.

In case of an infection at the practice, I will follow the required procedures to notify all affected people and government authorities. Only the minimum necessary information (in line with QR code check in data) will be released. No further details regarding your interactions with myself, and work together, will be disclosed.

What are the benefits and limitations of Telehealth (telephone or videoconference) consultations?

Telehealth has been proven to be effective for the treatment of various mental health problems during COVID-19. It ensures ongoing provision of psychological support when clients are unable to attend the practice during this challenging time. However, in some cases, receiving psychological treatment via telehealth services may not be appropriate. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The privacy of any form of communication via the internet can potentially be vulnerable depending on the security of the technology used. To support the security of my clients' personal information, I use COVIU, a platform that is compliant with the Australian standards for online security including end-to-end encryption. Clients will be given a choice of their preferred telehealth option, either telephone or videoconferencing consultations.

For more information please read "Psychological services via telehealth – information for consumers."

Who are eligible to attend psychological services under the Medicare Better Access (MBS) Scheme during COVID-19?

All Medicare cardholders, located in Australia, are eligible to access the services.  However, you will need a valid referral on a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP to qualify for Medicare rebates. Currently, the original 10 consultations per calendar year have been increased to 20 per calendar year due to COVID-19 until the end of 2022. If you do not have a referral on a MHCP you can attend my services on a private basis. Please contact your private health fund to inquire if they will reimburse you for attending my services. For more information re. the MBS services please read:

Please be aware that I may have to adjust my COVID-Safe Plan during this changing circumstances according to updated local, state, or federal orders or guidelines. If that happens, I will inform my clients about any necessary changes.

Please take note that my business telephone and mobile phone will be unattended outside of office/business hours. I will reply to emails, voice messages, and text messages sent outside of business hours as soon as possible the next business day.


Mental Health Emergency In case of a Mental Health Emergency please attend the ED of the nearest hospital or access the crisis support available:

See Emergency Contact Details


How to maintain self-care during COVID-19?

Our society currently experiences various emotions including depression, anxiety, stress, loss, grief, loneliness/isolation, adjustment difficulties and uncertainty. Proper self-care and early intervention are key to prevent a downward spiral in mental health. With the appropriate support post traumatic growth can be achieved, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

Please find below some helpful tip sheets to assist with self-care.

How to maintain self-care during COVID-19?

Our society currently experiences various emotions including depression, anxiety, stress, loss, grief, loneliness/isolation, adjustment difficulties and uncertainty. Proper self-care and early intervention are key to prevent a downward spiral in mental health. With the appropriate support post traumatic growth can be achieved, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

Please find below some helpful tip sheets to assist with self-care.

Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety
Maintaining your mental health during social isolation
Loneliness and isolation in the time of COVID-19
Use of alcohol and other drugs in the COVID-19 environment
Coronavirus (COVID-19) anxiety and staying mentally healthy (for older adults).

Please take special care and help keep our society as safe as possible. 
Ansie Cloete (Owner)

Content up to date as on 14 February 2022