FAQs
What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a counsellor?
A Psychologist is an expert in mental-health who has undertaken at least six years of training in psychology. Psychologists are trained in a variety of 'talk' therapies, and use treatments that have been proven to be effective in scientific clinical trials.
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A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has undertaken additional training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications.
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A Counsellor is also a talk-therapist, and may or may not have training in specific evidence-based therapies. In Australia, there are no specific guidelines on the level or amount of training a counsellor needs.
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What are evidence-based therapies?
Evidence-Based Therapies (EBT) are psychological treatments that are backed by peer-reviewed, scientific evidence. Ensuring therapies are evidence-based means that you are receiving care that is in line with current findings that have been proven effective in the field of psychology. The American Psychological Association refers to EBT as best-practice for the field of medicine and health.
What is a Mental-Health Care Plan?
A Mental-Health Care Plan is a plan made collaboratively with your GP to improve your mental-health. You can create a Mental-Health Care Plan with your GP if you are finding it difficult to cope with life circumstances or are diagnosed with certain disorders.
If you are interested in creating a Mental-Health Care Plan you may consider making a double length appointment with your GP to give adequate time to discuss your mental-health concerns.
A Mental-Health Care Plan entitles you to ten sessions with a psychologist where Medicare pays $89.45 of the psychologist's total fee for each session.
You are entitled to one Mental-Health Care Plan each calendar year.
Do you see NDIS participants?
Yes. If you or your child accesses the NDIS and has approval for psychology sessions in your plan, you are able to have sessions covered by NDIS if you are self-managed. If you are plan-managed, we correspond with your plan manager to enable you to access sessions with us.
Can I get a rebate from my private health fund provider?
If you have Private Health Insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate on psychology consultations. Please refer to your individual insurance policy for your specific entitlements.
Can I use my Chronic Disease Management Plan for Psychological services?
If you or your child have a Chronic Disease Management Plan, you are entitled to five sessions with an allied health professional of your doctor's choosing, where Medicare refunds approximately $54.60 of the allied health professionals fee. For more information, talk to your GP.