Financial Assistance Scheme Counselling
FAS-funded Counselling with a Registered Psychologist
Meyer Institute welcomes enquiries from people affected by violent crime, family members and professional referrers. We can discuss clinician fit, appointment options and what approval information is needed before funded counselling begins.
-
No detailed offence description required online
-
Telehealth and Melbourne appointment options
-
Safe-contact preferences respected
-
FAS approval and availability confirmed before booking
When this service may fit
A counselling enquiry may be appropriate if you:
-
are considering or have submitted a FAS application and want to understand the psychology pathway
-
have written approval for counselling or interim assistance
-
need a quote or provider details for FAS
-
have an existing VOCAT counselling approval or future-expense arrangement
-
are a referrer helping a client coordinate approved counselling
Funding statement
Counselling can be one type of assistance available through FAS. Funding is not automatic. FAS decides eligibility, the services approved and payment arrangements. Meyer Institute will confirm the written approval, clinician fit and any possible cost before an appointment is booked.
In some circumstances FAS may approve interim counselling while an application is being assessed. Check the current official guidance because limits and evidence requirements can change.
Counselling process
1. Enquire: share safe-contact details, your scheme status and what you are seeking.
2. Clarify: we check clinician fit, availability and the approval information required.
3. Confirm: the practice explains the proposed service, payment arrangement and any cost before booking.
4. Begin: appointments start only after the required clinical and administrative information is complete.
Support focus
Counselling is tailored to the person’s needs and agreed goals. Depending on clinician fit, support may focus on:
-
stabilisation and a sense of safety
-
trauma-related distress and reminders
-
anxiety, sleep and daily functioning
-
grief, loss, trust and relationships
-
returning to work, study or community activities
-
reviewing progress and planning further care
Appointments and accessibility
Tell us whether you prefer telehealth, an in-person Melbourne appointment or either. You can also tell us about an interpreter, communication, mobility, sensory, cultural or other access need. We will discuss what can reasonably be arranged before booking.
FAQs
Do I need FAS approval before contacting you?
No. You can enquire about fit and required information. Funded appointments begin only after the practice confirms the necessary approval and arrangements.
Do I need a referral from a GP?
This depends on the funding and clinical pathway. Tell us what documents you have and we will clarify what is needed for the proposed service.
Can FAS pay the psychologist directly?
FAS can make some payments to service providers. The practice must confirm the approved amount, provider details and payment route for your matter.
What if I need more sessions?
Further counselling may require additional approval and supporting information. Do not assume sessions continue automatically; discuss this before the current approval is used.
Can I change psychologists?
You can ask FAS about provider and approval requirements. Meyer Institute will still need to confirm fit, availability and the written funding arrangement.
Will I be asked to describe the crime on the first call?
We will ask only what is reasonably needed for safe triage and service fit. Detailed clinical discussion belongs in an appropriate appointment.