Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of answers to frequently asked questions for your convenience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch and we’ll respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist at WestHealth?
No, you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist. You can book an appointment directly.
However, getting a referral provides significant financial benefits through Medicare rebates.
Medicare Rebates (with GP referral): With a GP Mental Health Care Plan, you’re eligible for Medicare rebates covering up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. Your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist can provide this referral.
Private Health Insurance (no referral needed): You may be eligible for rebates on session fees through your private health insurance. No referral is required – you can book directly with any approved psychologist. Check with your insurer about your level of cover.
Third-party referrals: If you’re referred through NDIS, WorkCover, insurance companies, solicitors, or rehabilitation programs, you’ll need to provide referral information when booking your appointment.
Do referrals expire?
It depends on the type of referral. GP Mental Health Care Plans don’t expire, but it’s recommended you see your GP if it’s been more than 12 months since your last plan. Eating Disorder Plans expire after 12 months. Referrals to a psychiatrist expire after 3 months if written by a specialist, or 12 months if written by a GP. If you’re unsure, our admin team can guide you.
How long are sessions and how many will I need?
Most psychology sessions run for 50 minutes. The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and circumstances – some people benefit from just a few, while others choose to attend over a longer period. Your psychologist will work with you to regularly review progress and adjust your plan as needed.
What does a clinical psychologist treat?
Clinical psychologists are highly trained specialists who have completed additional postgraduate training beyond general psychology qualifications. They work in hospitals, mental health clinics, health centres, and private practices.
Clinical psychologists use specialised knowledge of psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments to help people with more complex or severe mental health conditions. However, they cannot prescribe medications.
They typically work with issues such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, personality disorders, and other serious mental health concerns. Clinical psychologists are skilled in conducting comprehensive psychological assessments and providing intensive therapy for people who may need more specialised care than general counselling can provide.
Many people are referred to clinical psychologists by their GP, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional when their condition requires specialised psychological expertise.
What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?
The main differences between psychologists and psychiatrists relate to their education and training, treatment approaches, prescription abilities, and the types of mental health concerns they typically address.
Psychologist
A psychologist completes 6 years of training specialising in human behaviour and mental health, with extensive research and clinical experience in evidence-based psychological treatments.
Psychologists cannot prescribe medications. Instead, they use effective psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness approaches, and other talking therapies to help people understand their thoughts and behaviours, develop coping strategies, and manage mental health concerns.
Psychologists work with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, stress management, trauma, and life transitions.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist first completes medical training, then specialises in mental health for a total of 11-13 years of study. As medical doctors, they focus on the medical aspects of mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics. They often focus on diagnosing mental health conditions and managing medication, particularly for more severe or complex mental health issues.
Many psychiatrists work collaboratively with psychologists, with the psychiatrist managing medication while the psychologist provides ongoing therapy and support.
How can a clinical psychologist help me?
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, e.g. to increase their capacity to adhere to medical treatments or to lifestyle changes, to increase personal independence, improve relationships, or to overcome fears.
What if my child runs out of medication before their next psychiatrist appointment?
Managing prescriptions and referrals is the responsibility of parents or carers. If you have any concerns about your child’s medication, please contact our admin team and we’ll do our best to liaise with the treating psychiatrist. Please note that our psychiatrists work part-time at WestHealth and respond to client requests during their scheduled practice hours.