Frequently asked questions
Here we’ve answered the questions we regularly receive from clients
You will be able to pay by credit card using a secure stripe online payment system.
Your psychologist will ask for your credit card details prior to the session and charge your credit card at conclusion of the session.
You will need to make an appointment with your GP who will assess whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan.
To claim a session rebate you need a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan which is dated before or on the day of the session. That is, a Medicare rebate cannot be issued retrospectively. You will need to provide a copy of the referral and Mental Health Care Plan to your psychologist.
No, you do not need a referral.
You can make an appointment with your psychologist without any referral and simply pay the standard fee without claiming any rebate.
This will be decided collaboratively with your psychologist.
It is recommended that, if possible, your first and second session occur within a week, allowing you time to build a connection with your psychologist and assess and define goals.
After that you are encouraged to discuss your needs and preferences with your psychologist.
Based upon your current experience of symptoms, your psychologist will take responsibility for suggesting when the next appointment should be scheduled.
Psychologists are regulated by the Psychology Board of Australia, which forms part of the Federal Government’s Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
In order to use the term Psychologist a person must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. This ensures the person is appropriately qualified and adheres to practice standards. For more information about registration requirements please refer to the links below:
Although they all work in the area of health and wellbeing, there are significant differences between these professions.
Psychologists – complete a minimum of six years of combined university study and supervised practice. Psychologists have specialist knowledge and skill. Some complete further university study to specialise in a particular field of psychology. Psychologists do not have a medical degree. In Australia, they do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists – are medical doctors (having completed six years university study of general medicine) who have undertaken further study to specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication.
Counsellors and Therapists –Use of the term counsellor or therapist is not regulated in Australia, and therefore anyone can call themselves a counsellor or therapist regardless of their level of training or qualifications. Some psychologists provide counselling, and use the term counsellor when providing therapy, however not all people who use the title of counsellor or therapist are psychologists. It is important to note that some counsellors and therapists have considerable experience and skills. You are entitled to check the qualifications of your treating Health Care professional.
