Do I need a referral to see a Psychologist?

No, you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist and you can make a booking by yourself at any time. However, if you have a valid referral & Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician it may allow you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per year.

How frequently will I see my Psychologist?

This would depend on the complexity of your presenting concerns.  Initially, when booking in, we recommend booking 3 appointments a fortnight apart. This means that you can have continuity with your appointments & be able to build a good rapport with your practitioner.  After your practitioner has assessed your needs they will also be able to provide you with a recommended treatment timeframe.    

Is my information confidential?

Absolutely.  When you book in you will receive a welcome email containing further detail on your appointments & our practice. All of our clients receive a client consent form which outlines our privacy policy.  

How many sessions am I entitled under a Mental Health Care Plan? (MHCP)?

A mental health care plan lets you claim up to 10 individual sessions with a psychologist each calendar year.

Initially your GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician is able to create a MHCP and refer you for up to 6 sessions.  After those sessions are complete, your psychologist will write a progress letter to your referring practitioner.  A consultation with your GP will then be required to confirm your eligibility for a further 4 sessions of therapy.

Can I claim under my private health insurance?

If you have "Psychology" cover included in your Private Health Insurance "Extras" scheme you may be able to claim a rebate. We recommend contacting your Health Insurance Fund directly to check your eligibility.

Please note, you cannot claim both Medicare and a private health insurance rebate for the same session.

Can I claim rebates on the spot?

Yes, our practice management software in linked in with Medicare Online & allows you to claim rebates on the spot.

For Medicare rebates, please make sure you submit your Mental Health Care Plan and Medicare card details when completing your online intake form.  If eligible, the rebate will be deposited back into the nominated bank account that you have registered with Medicare. 

For Private Health Insurance claims, please bring your Private Health Insurance card.  If your Health Fund is supported by Tyro HealthPoint you may be able to claim your rebate on the spot and then you only pay the gap. If it is not a supported fund, we will provide you with a full receipt to claim your rebate privately.

Are you open after hours or on weekends?

We do have a few psychologists that conduct evening or Saturday morning sessions.  These sessions are in high demand and can have long wait times. Please speak to reception to obtain details on these clinicians & their availablility. 

Which psychologists specialize in relationship counselling?

We have a few psychologists who are trained and provide relationship counselling: Heather McCormack, Anne-Marie Davis, Dr. Tristan Snell & Jessica Levetan. You can read more about them in their profiles.

How many relationship sessions do you think we will need?

This can vary and depends on the situation. Relationship therapy requires commitment in order to reap the benefits.  It is advised that initially couples commit to at least 6 sessions which are booked every week or every fortnight so as not to lose momentum. Most relationship therapy will be conducted for longer than 6 sessions.

In relationship therapy will you see us individually and as a couple?

In your first session, you will be seen as a couple and after that you may both be seen for an individual session.  You will then be seen as a couple for the rest of the therapy unless your psychologist requests to see you individually. If you want to have individual therapy alongside relationship therapy, it is recommended that you seek a different therapist for individual work.

Do any of your psychologists specialize in hypnotherapy?

Yes, Dr. Heather McCormack & Martin Axelsson both have extensive training and experience in hypnotherapy.

My child/teenager needs to speak to someone. Do you have any psychologists that see children and adolescents?

Yes, we have several psychologists that work with children & adolescents. Please click here to be taken to our "Childrent & Adolesents" page.

Can a child be referred for psychological treatment under Medicare?

Yes, children and teenagers can be referred to a psychologist by a GP or pediatrician under a Mental Health Care Plan in their own right. Parents can also approach their GP about getting a MHCP in their own name for concerns about the mental health of their children.

When would a Psychological assessment be recommended?

Psychological assessments may be required for a number of reasons, the main reasons being:

• Determining whether a person may be on the Autism spectrum or have a behavioural disorder such as ADHD 
• Memory or attentional problems;
• Problems maintaining employment or functioning in a job role;
• Intellectual disability may be suspected.

Schools and tertiary institutions require formal assessments before any study supports or special exam provisions can be put in place for students.

What does an assessment involve?

An initial structured interview to discuss the specific issues or challenges the person may be experiencing.  Information is obtained on the person’s:  

• family history,
• educational background,
• relevant medical history and mental health history
• past and current learning and behavioural issues
• previous assessments, intervention programs and academic reports

Administration of tests:

Intelligence tests are administered to assess cognitive abilities and determine strengths and weaknesses. A range of educational tests are administered to assess fundamental literacy skills and the level of academic achievement, including, spelling, word reading, reading fluency, reading comprehension and maths.

Interpretation and report:

An extensive report is then prepared providing:

• all test scores and percentile rankings and/or age and grade equivalents;
  a summary and interpretation of the results;
• recommendations for learning strategies in line with individual strengths and weaknesses,
• recommendations, if  appropriate, for study accommodations or supports.