Question 1

What is a Psychologist and what do they do?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists are extensively trained to understand and interpret human behaviour across many settings.  They use this training to support others and to assist them to cope more effectively.  Psychologists continually update their training to stay in touch with the latest research so that they can offer the most effective support possible. Psychologists use many different evidence based methods to help people work towards their therapeutic goals.

Question 2

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

The main difference is that a psychiatrist has trained as a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and psychologists use various forms of therapy to help with mental health problems.

Question 3

When should I consider seeing a Psychologist or engaging one for my child?

Accepted Answer

Often it helps to talk to someone who is not personally involved in our problems and where we can speak freely in a safe and confidential environment. You never really understand how you feel and what you think until you say it out loud…
Children are not always able to verbalise their feelings and frustrations and this can manifest in behaviours that we as parents cannot make sense of. 
Both children and adults often feel guilty about negative feelings and simply act out these feelings in a way that only escalates the situation. These difficulties can be emotional, neurological, behavioural, social or learning based. They can be the result of many different stressors that break down self-esteem and cause self-doubt and anxiety.
Changes in family situations or in daily routine (e.g. the introduction of a new family member, changing schools) can cause stress and anxiety.
Children who show sudden changes in mood, behaviour, appetite, personal care, friendship circle or sleeping may be experiencing significant difficulties.
Therapy can help put the issues into focus and help us to find solutions that we may not have come to alone. There is strong evidence that early intervention has a high success rate in preventing problems from growing.

Question 4

What will happen at the first session?

Accepted Answer

In this session , we can get to know each other.  It is mostly an information gathering process when you will be able to tell your story, discuss the areas where you feel support is needed and set goals. You will be able to ask any questions and we will provide you with information on our policies.  You will also sign a consent form at this session.

Question 5

How often must we attend therapy?

Accepted Answer

This will be discussed and agree upon at the first session.  Some therapies are short term, and some are longer. If you or your child require more than one session, the frequency will be discussed with you. Research suggests that more regular and frequent attendance has the most effective outcomes.  Most sessions are weekly or fortnightly but this is something that we agree upon and that can evolve as we progress.

Question 6

What are the costs?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Psychological Society recommends an hourly rate of $260 per 46-60 min session. As we strive to make our services more accessible, we charge a lesser amount of $190 per 50 minutes session.  Clients who have a Mental Health Care Plan are eligible for a Medicare rebate of $87.45.  Please contact us for further information or speak with your general practitioner about this.
If you have private health insurance you may be able to claim a rebate with them. This amount varies depending on your cover. Please contact your health fund to check on your eligibility for such rebates and on the amount available to you.
NDIS clients who are plan-managed will have their invoices sent to their plan manager for payment by bank transfer.
For further information see our Fees and Rebabtes section. We do not process rebates at the practice.

Question 7

What are the costs for Assessments?

Accepted Answer

This practice specializes in assessments. We offer assessments that provide information on cognitive ability, learning barriers such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia (Disorder of Mathematics), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and general/daily functional ability. The cost for a cognitive assessment depends on what type of assessments tools are being used.  This will vary depending on the presenting problem.  See our Services section for a list of assessment tools available. Please contact us direct for a quote.

Question 8

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

We take EFTPOS payments at the appointment. We do not accept cash. Invoices for NDIS clients will be provided to plan managers for payment via bank transfer.

Question 9

What do I do if I have an emergency?

Accepted Answer

This practice is not a crisis service. If you have an emergency please call 000 or attend your local emergency room for assistance. Lifeline has 24hr telephone crisis support on 13 11 14.

Question 10

Are you open on Saturdays?

Accepted Answer

We do not open on Saturdays.

Question 11

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to attend an appointment please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel your appointment with less than 48 hour’s notice, a cancellation fee will be charged.  This fee must be paid before your next appointment.  If you do not attend your appointment without giving any notice then the same cancellation fee will be charged.

Question 12

What level of confidentiality can I expect?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics, the APS Guidelines and the Australian Privacy Principles guide decisions about information and how this disclosed within sessions. Clients can be assured of their right to confidentiality, unless the information shared during a session indicates that the person is at risk of hurting themselves or others, or a subpoena is issued by a court of law. We adhere to this Code of Ethics. Should a situation arise where confidentiality must be broken, your therapist will discuss this with you.

Frequently asked questions