Frequently Asked Questions

A: You are welcome to see one of our psychologists without a referral. If you have private health insurance you may be eligible for a rebate for the session fee. It’s a good idea to check with your insurer to find out your level of cover.

If you are referred by your GP through a GP Mental Health Care Plan (item 2710) or referred by your Paediatrician or Psychiatrist you will be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 12 sessions per year.

You can access more information about the Medicare rebate scheme by downloading this Medicare fact sheet.

If you are referred by a third party, such as an Insurance company, WorkCover, Solicitor or rehabilitation program, referral information must be made available at the time of making the appointment.

A:

The main differences are around education and training, therapeutic models, the use of prescription medicines, and the types of illnesses that people have.

Psychologist:

• A psychologist studies human behaviour in their undergraduate degree, then studies for a minimum of two more years for further postgraduate qualifications such as Masters or PhD.
• During the years of further study they must do extensive research on their specialty area. It is this focus on research and the applications of the clinical outcomes that most distinguishes psychologist from other mental health providers.
• Psychologists do not prescribe medications. They use other effective treatments to manage common psychological problems and to help people realise their potential.

Psychiatrist:

• A psychiatrist studies medicine and then goes on to specialise in mental illness.
• Psychiatrists are often involved more in assessment of mental illness and the pharmacological management of it. For example, psychiatrists often prescribe medications such as mood stabilisers or anti depressants to affect a chemical change in the brain.
• Psychiatrists are often more involved in seeing people in acute states of mental illness such as during periods of psychosis.

A:

Clinical psychologists are highly trained professionals who usually work in hospitals, mental health clinics, health centres, and in private practice. They are not medically trained and therefore do not prescribe medication. Instread, they use their knowledge of behaviour, emotions and thinking to assist people who are having difficulties.

Clinical psychologists have at least two degrees. They first study for a general degree in psychology. Following graduation they are usually required to get work experience in research or clinical settings before embarking on further training. Based on their general degree results and work experience they are selected for accredited training in Clinical psychology. Clinical psychology training usually consists of a further two or three years training resulting in a Masters degree or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. In addition, many clinical psychologists also go on to do further training is areas of special interest.

A:

Clinical psychologists provide their clients with the opportunity to talk and think about the things that are concerning and worrying them. They do not prescribe medications. Clinical psychologists also help individuals explore, understand and interpret their situation.

Clinical psychologists often work with problems such as low mood, stress, anxiety and bereavement. Psychological approaches can also offer practical assistance in building on a person’s self management skills, eg. to increase their capacity to adhere to medical treatments or to lifestyle changes, to increase personal independence, to develop more effective social interaction skills, and to overcome fears.

A: We suggest that you come on your own first. Sometimes the time and space to discuss the issues with an unbiased professional and find some new strategies for change can really help. From this first appointment you can then decide if you want to continue on your own or try a new approach with your partner.

A: Our psychologists have years of experience in dealing with all sorts of relationship dynamics and have the skills to structure the session so both parties can be heard equally.

A: Our psychologists are unbiased, independent and hold both parties in equal regard. One partner will not be favoured over the other, with equal time being allocated to both partners.

A:  If you suspect that your child might have an emotional or behavioural problem or needs help coping with a difficult life event, it is important to trust your gut instinct and discuss your concerns with trusted friends, family and health care providers.

Just like adults, children and adolescents are affected by major life changes, events or incidents and the stress from those experiences might lead to problems with behaviour, mood, sleep, appetite, and academic or social functioning.

Your child or adolescent may benefit from seeing a psychologist if they have experienced or are experiencing any of the following (this is a guide only and a psychologist can help with many other issues):

• learning or attention problems
• behavioural problems (such as excessive anger, eating problems, sexualised behaviour)
• sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events
• stress related to study or exams
• feeling stuck and unable to reach their potential
• the victim of bullying or the perpetrator of bulling
• grief from the loss of a family member or friend
• parent absence due to military service or adjustment when the veteran returns home
• serious, acute, or chronic illness
• sadness, tearfulness, or depressive periods
• social withdrawal
• mood swings

A: We all wish for the fastest way possible to happiness for our loved ones, but this really depends on many factors, many of which are unknown at the outset.   Some problems resolve quickly in just a few sessions, whereas other problems require a longer approach.  Most problems are somewhere in between and significant gains can often be made within 8 to12 sessions. For more complex issues the treatment may take much longer.

A: The extensive research on psychological counselling shows significant improvements for children and adolescence across a range of emotional, mental and behavioural symptoms.

We appreciate that every individual is different and sometimes a collaborative approach combining medication and counselling may be required at specific times of crisis.

The benefits of a counselling approach include: gaining insight, building new coping, communication and social skills, developing confidence and resilience, with no dependence on medication and its associated side effects. One of the benefits of psychological therapy is that it involves learning new skills for self-management. Research shows that this often results in lower rates of relapse for psychological therapy compared with drug therapy alone.

We highly recommend that you discuss your specific concerns with our psychologists specialising in Child and Adolescent mental health as well as other health providers such as your GP.