Frequently
Asked Questions

How do I go about Making an Appointment?

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The easiest way is to use our ‘Contact Us’ page here on the website.

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Do I need a Referral to see a Psychologist?

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While we receive referrals from a wide range of sources, it is not necessary to be referred by anyone. You can arrange to see us without a referral.

However, if you would like to receive a Medicare rebate for your session then you would need to see your GP and discuss this with them. If they believe this is the appropriate pathway for you, they will prepare a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). You’ll need to bring this, along with your Medicare card, to your first appointment. If you have a MHCP you are eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year.

Some clients attend their first session and then meet with their GP to discuss a MHCP. That is completely fine but the only sessions that can be rebated are those that occur AFTER the date of the MHCP.

An alternative is your private health fund. It’s worthwhile enquiring whether your policy covers you for psychology sessions and if so, what is the rebate per session. You do NOT require a referral or a MHCP from your GP for this.

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How Long is a Session?

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Sessions run for between 50 minutes to an hour.

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Is everything discussed in a session Confidential?

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Yes. All your information (contact details, session dates and session content) remain confidential except where;

• You have a MHCP in which case we are required to provide a brief letter to your GP outlining the general focus of therapy. The detail of sessions is NOT provided,

• Your information is subpoenaed by a Court or required by law,

• Failure to disclose the information would place your or another person at serious and imminent risk or

• You have provided approval to

  • Provide a report to another person or professional agency i.e. a GP or lawyer or

  • Discuss your session with another person i.e. an employer

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What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

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Psychiatrists are medical practitioners who often specialise in the treatment of psychoses and mental illness. As doctors they are able to prescribe medications to their patients.

Psychologists have undergone extensive university training in the area of human behaviour.  They are qualified to help people to understand and manage the emotions, behaviours and issues that are causing them difficulties in their lives.