Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating emotional, psychological, and behavioural disorders. They typically work with individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and elderly populations.

Clinical psychologists use a variety of therapeutic techniques and psychological interventions to help individuals cope with stress, manage mental health conditions, and improve their overall well-being.

Here is the 'APS Charter for Psychologists' which outlines what you can expect from a psychologist.

No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist, you can pay privately.  However, if you are eligible and wish to access Medicare rebates for psychology consultations you will require a referral from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.

Consult your GP to see if you are eligible for a mental health care plan and they can refer you to a psychologist for treatment. To be eligible for a mental health care plan you need to be diagnosed with a mental health condition. Medicare require psychologists to provide progress reports at session 6 and 10 and at the cessation of treatment.

Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year. 

Therapy sessions are private and confidential, however, there are some limitations to confidentiality and the privacy of information such as:

• Information is released to the GP when sessions are provided under a Mental Health Care Plan in for form of treatment progress reports and updates.

• When an individual is at risk of serious danger, including risk of harm to self or another.

• When a minor is suspected to be at risk of harm.

• If there is any other legal obligation to release information, such as court order to release records.

Length of treatment varies and is determined by several factors including severity and chronicity of mental health concerns, goals for treatment and expected outcomes, suitability of treatment modality, client responsiveness, secondary or subsequent stressors, client’s preference etc. The psychologist will provide recommendations regarding treatment goals and plan however, the client has the choice and power to decide duration of treatment.

Yes, couples can have therapy together to address relationship concern. This is referred to as couples therapy, both partners are the clients.  A spouse can also attend your individual therapy to provide background information for the first session or as a support during treatment if appropriate and discussed with your psychologist.

Taking an attachment-informed approach to treating children highlights the importance of parent-child interaction in the psychological wellbeing of children. Parents provide valuable information and history in the initial session and assist with completion of questionnaires.  It is important that therapy is a safe space for children to feel they can be open without prejudice and can trust the therapist will respect and honour their right to privacy.  Parents typically appreciate this and respect the child’s right to privacy. However, there are instances where disclosure of information shared by child in therapy to parent is warranted and this includes safety concern and risk issues. Older adolescents are afforded more autonomy and privacy as well as capacity for decision making increases with age and maturity.

No, Medicare covers individual psychological consultations or group, not couple, although a session may include a partner or family member when it is appropriate to do so.

Current concerns and how they impact on your life; History of these concerns, including when they started; Current life circumstances, family, relationship, employment,/education living arrangements, social support, hobbies/interests, health, substance use/medications; Childhood including developmental history, goals and needs etc.

For psychology sessions to be covered by Workcover a referral with approval from Workcover needs to be provided and for subsequent session approval a AHRR (allied health) agreements to be submitted and approved.

Yes, if you have an NDIS plan with funds for psychology sessions for capacity building

Yes, I will take notes in the session and these are stored electronically, confidentially and securely within the software program.

A letter or a report for a third party is not provided by a treating psychological typically, unless this has been agreed at the time of commencing therapy. Report writing attracts an additional fee.

It is a fair question to ask, given previous experience. There is no guarantee that you’ll connect well with a psychologist however, it is fine to change psychologist if they’re not suitable for you after the session. There is no hard feelings, rather it is encouraged that you find the person to work with that you’re most comfortable with as the therapist-client relationship is vital to therapy’s success.