Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to questions commonly asked by people seeing a Clinical Psychologist for the first time. Please feel free to call our friendly reception service on 6267 6033 if you require more information or would like to make an appointment.
Does a Clinical Psychologist prescribe medications?
No. Medical practitioners (e.g., your GP, Sleep Physician, or Psychiatrist) will be responsible for prescribing you with appropriate medication if this is required. Psychological treatment will consider how your thoughts, feelings and behaviour might be contributing to your current difficulties, and will assist you in making adjustments.
Can I get a Medicare rebate?
You may be eligible for a rebate of $124.50 per session for up to 10 Clinical Psychology sessions per calendar year if you are referred by your GP under a ‘mental health care plan’ . Most of our patients are referred this way (Sleep problems including Insomnia fall under this scheme). If you are not referred under a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be able to use private health fund ancillary rebates. Please check with your GP and/or health fund to determine your eligibility for rebates.
What problems do people seek help for?
People seek help from Clinical Psychologists for a wide-range of concerns, and those that this practice specialise in include:
What Is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychological therapy that has been shown to be a very effective treatment for a range of psychological problems. CBT aims to help patients identify and change unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours in order to produce a positive change. It is a treatment that is focussed mainly in the ‘here and now’ and it requires that you very active in your treatment. It can be challenging to make changes, but you will be supported every step of the way.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
ACT is also and evidence-based approach to treating many psychological conditions. Its aim is to help people create a rich full and meaningful life at the same time as managing difficult thoughts and feelings. ACT: 1) teaches skills to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so that they have less impact and 2) encourages patients to clarify what is truly important to them in life (i.e. their values) and then take action to start living life according to those values. This 20 minute video gives a really nice run down of ACT being applied to the case of confidence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8YEqOho_ho
How long are the sessions and how many sessions will I need to attend?
Sessions are 50 minutes in duration. The number and frequency of sessions is dependent upon a number of factors including: (i) the severity of the problem; (ii) whether a number of problems exist concurrently (e.g., depression/anxiety & insomnia); (iii) how ready, willing and able you are to implement strategies discussed during sessions. It is important to be able to commit to at least 4 sessions but the number and frequency of sessions will be openly discussed with you.
What will be expected of me during treatment?
Firstly you will be asked to complete some questionnaires that assess your symptoms. If you are seeking help with your sleep, we will also ask you to complete a Sleep Log. In your first session, you will be asked questions about your history, current concerns, and what you would like to gain from Clinical Psychology treatment.
After most sessions you will either be given something to read, or will be asked to try a new strategy. Time will be spent in sessions helping you to find a way to stick the strategy you are implementing. Usually the treatment will not take a lot of time during your week but giving some time to your treatment in between sessions is important for maximising its effectiveness.
No. Medical practitioners (e.g., your GP, Sleep Physician, or Psychiatrist) will be responsible for prescribing you with appropriate medication if this is required. Psychological treatment will consider how your thoughts, feelings and behaviour might be contributing to your current difficulties, and will assist you in making adjustments.
Can I get a Medicare rebate?
You may be eligible for a rebate of $124.50 per session for up to 10 Clinical Psychology sessions per calendar year if you are referred by your GP under a ‘mental health care plan’ . Most of our patients are referred this way (Sleep problems including Insomnia fall under this scheme). If you are not referred under a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be able to use private health fund ancillary rebates. Please check with your GP and/or health fund to determine your eligibility for rebates.
What problems do people seek help for?
People seek help from Clinical Psychologists for a wide-range of concerns, and those that this practice specialise in include:
- Difficulties with anxiety: panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, excessive worry, obsessive compulsive problems
- Stress
- Insomnia and sleep disturbance
- Depression and low mood
- Low self esteem and confidence
- Relationship/family difficulties
- School problems including school refusal
- Behavioural concerns in children/adolescents
What Is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychological therapy that has been shown to be a very effective treatment for a range of psychological problems. CBT aims to help patients identify and change unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours in order to produce a positive change. It is a treatment that is focussed mainly in the ‘here and now’ and it requires that you very active in your treatment. It can be challenging to make changes, but you will be supported every step of the way.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
ACT is also and evidence-based approach to treating many psychological conditions. Its aim is to help people create a rich full and meaningful life at the same time as managing difficult thoughts and feelings. ACT: 1) teaches skills to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so that they have less impact and 2) encourages patients to clarify what is truly important to them in life (i.e. their values) and then take action to start living life according to those values. This 20 minute video gives a really nice run down of ACT being applied to the case of confidence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8YEqOho_ho
How long are the sessions and how many sessions will I need to attend?
Sessions are 50 minutes in duration. The number and frequency of sessions is dependent upon a number of factors including: (i) the severity of the problem; (ii) whether a number of problems exist concurrently (e.g., depression/anxiety & insomnia); (iii) how ready, willing and able you are to implement strategies discussed during sessions. It is important to be able to commit to at least 4 sessions but the number and frequency of sessions will be openly discussed with you.
What will be expected of me during treatment?
Firstly you will be asked to complete some questionnaires that assess your symptoms. If you are seeking help with your sleep, we will also ask you to complete a Sleep Log. In your first session, you will be asked questions about your history, current concerns, and what you would like to gain from Clinical Psychology treatment.
After most sessions you will either be given something to read, or will be asked to try a new strategy. Time will be spent in sessions helping you to find a way to stick the strategy you are implementing. Usually the treatment will not take a lot of time during your week but giving some time to your treatment in between sessions is important for maximising its effectiveness.