Phone: (07) 3823 2230

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FAQ

Have a general question?

 

…or unsure about seeing a psychologist? We have put together some frequently asked questions to show how we can help and support you and your loved ones.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered here, please feel free to contact us for more information.

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Why choose The Psych Professionals?
Our team of psychologists are highly qualified, uniquely trained and very experienced.  We are committed to and passionate about providing excellent psychological services.  We offer appointments across two easily accessible and convenient locations in Springwood and Thornlands.  We offer after hours appointments for clients unable to attend during the day.
Who may benefit from Psychological counselling?
People seek counselling for many reasons. Psychological counselling may be useful if you:

  • Have a persistent feeling of sadness or depression
  • Often feel stressed or anxious
  • Would like to improve your relationship with others
  • Lack self-confidence or assertiveness
  • Feel suicidal or have thoughts of harming yourself
  • Are struggling to balance work and family commitments
  • Are having trouble in making an important decision
  • Are worried about the health or well-being of someone close to you
What qualifications do the Psychologists hold?
All our psychologists hold tertiary qualifications in psychology. In addition, we undertake continuing professional development which ensures we are able to provide you with the best and latest treatment approaches.  All our psychologists are also fully registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and most are members of the Australian Psychological Society.
What should I expect when I see a psychologist?
Before your therapy session begins, we may ask you to fill out administrative forms in order to properly record your data. You may also be asked to complete some psychological assessment forms to establish a starting point from which our psychologists can work.  During the first session we endeavour to firstly understand your personal circumstances, difficulties and challenges prior to working out your unique treatment plan.  We do this in a safe, relaxed and confidential environment.  We advocate evidence based principles within our consultations and treat you with compassion and respect in order to yield effective and positive change.  There is really no “typical” therapy session as there are different methods of treatment for different problems.
How long does it take?
This varies but normally a session lasts for about an hour and clients attend between 6 to 10 sessions.  Simple issues may take less time, more complex issues will necessarily require more time.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist.  However, in order to access Medicare rebates, a referral from a General Practitioner or Psychiatrist is required.

If you are referred by a third party (e.g. WorkCover) claim/referral information must be made available at the time of making the appointment.  Please see our web page on Types of Referrals for more information or feel free to ring either of our practices (Springwood: (07) 3801 1772; Thornlands: (07) 3823 2230).

Am I eligible for a Medicare rebate?
As part of the federal government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, eligible clients can receive a rebate from Medicare for psychological services. In order to obtain a rebate from Medicare, your General Practitioner or Psychiatrist must assess you as eligible to receive a Mental Health Care Plan following which you can be referred to a psychologist.  Once a Mental Health Care Plan has been completed by your doctor, you will be able to obtain a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
The Australian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy defines Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) as is a relatively short term, focused approach to the treatment of many types of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric problems (www.aacbtwa.org.au).  “It is a collaborative and individualised program that helps individuals to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and learn or relearn healthier skills and habits.  It examines all elements that maintain a problem, including our thoughts (cognitions), feelings, behaviour and the environment.  CBT has been practised widely for more than 30 years. It has been research extensively, and has demonstrated effectiveness with a variety of emotional difficulties” (www.aacbtwa.org.au).
What about confidentiality?
We understand that clients are often concerned about their privacy and confidentiality.  Any information disclosed to us (including case notes, records, and psychological test results) is confidential and cannot be disclosed without the client’s consent.  If there is any need to disclose information from files with another professional (for example a medical doctor, lawyer, or third party billing source), the client will be consulted first and asked to sign a release of information document.  There are some legal limitations to confidentiality, however, which your psychologist will discuss with you during your first session.
Do you offer after hours appointments?
Our Springwood practice currently offers appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays between the hours of 9am and 9pm and Saturdays between 9am and 1pm.  Our Thornlands practice currently offers appointments Monday to Friday until 6pm.
Can parents attend sessions?
  • Yes. For parents who want to engage their child under 13 years old, we always start with a parent-only session. This is so that the parent(s) and psychologist can have an in depth and open discussion about the child’s developmental history, family system, history, strengths and challenges and more. 
  • Parents of children who are 13 years and older are welcome to attend the first appointment with their young person and the clinician will support with the most appropriate approach to the initial session. 
  • For some young people, they may want their parent or carer to be present in some of their appointments with them. 
  • Some parents may also engage in their own individual counselling support, which is usually held with a different clinician to their child.
What age can children see a psychologist?
  • This is up to the experience of the psychologist. At The Psych Professionals, we support children from 3 years of age for assessment and 5 years of age for therapy.
What is the wait time to see a psychologist?
  • This can vary depending on clinician, however the average wait time at The Psych Professionals is less than 1 week.
How much does a psychologist cost?
  • This usually depends on who you see, however at The Psych Professionals, the cost to see a psychologist ranges from $210 – 280 per appointment. If you have a GP Referral and Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible for a medicare rebate which can significantly reduce the out of pocket costs.
How do I get a mental health care plan?

Most people will obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their General Practitioner (GP). Speak with your GP surgery’s reception to book an appointment with their GP to discuss a MHCP and referral to a psychologist. We recommend asking for a longer appointment to ensure there is adequate time to complete the MHCP with the GP.
GPs will usually send the referral and MHCP directly to the Psychology Practice, however if they have also given you a copy, it’s helpful to keep this somewhere safe so that you can give this to your clinician.
You don’t need to wait until you have a MHCP from your GP before you reach out. You’re always welcome to get in touch, discuss availability and even book an appointment, because you don’t need to have a MHCP in order to see us. The MHCP and referral from the GP simply allows you to obtain Medicare rebates.

Choose a service that is right for you…

Child & Adolescent Counselling

Your child will work with a Child Psychologist or one of our experienced multi-disciplinary child practitioners who can provide counselling, assessment and diagnostic services to children and adolescents.

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Individual Services for Adults & Couples

During Individual Counselling your Psychologist will provide you with a broad range of coping skills and life strategies to assist you to better manage the challenges that life may be throwing your way.

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Group Programs for Children & Adults

With group sessions ranging from kids school holiday programs, bullying session for kids, parenting programs and court approved parenting programs, there is a group that might suit your needs.

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