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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a mental health professional trained in understanding how people think, feel, behave, and interact with one another. In Australia, psychology is a regulated profession and all psychologists must undergo 6 years of university training.
Psychologists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and the Psychology Board of Australia. Psychologists are also required to undertake regular ongoing professional development to maintain this registration, and to keep up to date with evidence based therapeutic techniques, in order to provide the highest level of care to their clients.
All psychologists are bound to follow the Code of Ethics by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to ensure that the safety and security of each client is the number one priority.
Psychologists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and the Psychology Board of Australia. Psychologists are also required to undertake regular ongoing professional development to maintain this registration, and to keep up to date with evidence based therapeutic techniques, in order to provide the highest level of care to their clients.
All psychologists are bound to follow the Code of Ethics by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to ensure that the safety and security of each client is the number one priority.
How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?
There are many reasons why someone might consider seeing a psychologist. Here are some of the most common concerns that psychologists work with:
Stress Anxiety Phobias Depression Anger concerns Sleep difficulties Bullying Relationship issues Burnout Grief and loss Self esteem concerns Trauma And many more
In a nutshell, there is really no “right or wrong” reason to see a psychologist.
In a nutshell, there is really no “right or wrong” reason to see a psychologist.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
The main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for mental health concerns, whereas a psychologist cannot do this.
With that said, should you need to speak with a medical professional about your medication, psychologists often have contacts for psychiatrists to speak with.
With that said, should you need to speak with a medical professional about your medication, psychologists often have contacts for psychiatrists to speak with.
What should I expect in the first session with a psychologist?
The first session with a psychologist typically lasts around 50 minutes (as will the following sessions). The most important thing that occurs in the first session is that your psychologist creates a safe space to build trust, allowing you to feel comfortable to talk through your concerns in your own time – don’t worry, there’s no rush getting through it all in the first session.
Your psychologist will ask you a few questions about what has brought you to therapy, about your day-to-day life, as well as a few questions about your history with mental health concerns.
Towards the end of the session, your psychologist will ask you about your goals for therapy, as well as make some recommendations for ongoing sessions together, in line with your goals.
Your psychologist will ask you a few questions about what has brought you to therapy, about your day-to-day life, as well as a few questions about your history with mental health concerns.
Towards the end of the session, your psychologist will ask you about your goals for therapy, as well as make some recommendations for ongoing sessions together, in line with your goals.
Do I get money back from Medicare when I pay to see a psychologist?
Yes, you do. When you see a psychologist at Perspective Clinical Psychology you pay the full fee payment of $220.00. At the end of the session your psychologist will process your payment, as well as your rebate of $145.25 from Medicare. So essentially, the gap fee (out of pocket price) is $74.75.
Note: In order to receive the rebate from Medicare you will need to see your GP and ask for a referral and Mental Health Care Plan. This plan will entitle you to receive Medicare rebates for a total of 10 psychology sessions throughout the calendar year.
How often should I see a psychologist?
This can look a little different for everyone and is dependant on your current concerns and reasons for seeing a psychologist. Typically, however, psychologists would encourage regular appointments on a fortnightly, weekly, or in some cases, monthly basis (depending on your availability, as well as that of your psychologist).
This will be discussed in more detail at the end of each session with your psychologist.
This will be discussed in more detail at the end of each session with your psychologist.