Seeing a Psychologist

Medicare covers up to 10 sessions of psychotherapy on referral from a general practitioner. The referral is initially for six sessions with a further four available upon review.

Unfortunately we often have a waiting list. This is because if we commit to seeing you we commit to seeing you weekly or fortnightly for all of your sessions. Some practices who have no wait time, do not offer this consistent care.

Seeing a Psychologist is usually a rewarding experience – the things you have to speak about may be difficult, but the psychologist should help you feel as comfortable as possible. You only need say as much as you are comfortable with. Sometimes it may take a few weeks before you trust the psychologist enough to say more.

Psychologists don’t prescribe drugs – we do the ‘talking cure’. Some psychologists give homework, some concentrate on the thoughts you have, others on understanding the way you feel. In any event, the process takes some time.

Psychologists usually see clients every week for a few weeks in a row. You may not feel better straight away, sometimes people may feel worse before they begin to feel better – it is important to persevere. It is also important not to miss appointments. Sometimes the process is hard and your instinct may be to avoid the session. Sometimes you may feel the psychologist did not understand or may not be able to help. It is important to go to the session and discuss this with your psychologist.

Please call our friendly receptionists at any practice if you need to know any thing else

We are not an emergency service and are not equipped to deal with a crisis.

If you have an urgent need to speak to someone

Call Lifeline

13 11 14

If a life is in danger call

000

Go directly to your local hospital’s emergency room

CALL

1800 RESPECT

for domestic violence concerns

SERVICES

Our Services

Psychologists are able to treat a number of different issue. We treat adults, children, teenagers, couples and families. We help parents to manage troubled children. We help people deal with stress and depression or anxiety.

What to expect

Seeing a psychologist is usually a rewarding experience – the things you have to speak about may be difficult, but the psychologist should help you feel as comfortable as possible. You only need say as much as you are comfortable with..

Billing

A valid Medicare card a doctor’s referral are all that are required to use this service, so your doctor will need to spend some time with you to complete the necessary assessment in order to check if you are eligible for scheme.

OUR RESPONSE

COVID-19

Currently we are providing sessions both face to face and by telehealth.

We can carry out Telehealth by either telephone or Video call. Please discuss this with the practise manager.

These are the steps we are currently taking to keep you and us healthy.

What We’re Doing:

Providing hand sanitiser at all practices.
Maintaining safe distances; not shaking hands.
Maintaining social distancing in our waiting rooms and therapy rooms.
Cleaning surfaces.
We have added HEPA air filters to all therapy and waiting rooms.
If you have been in contact with someone who has been exposed to the virus or have been identified as a close contact please self isolate. We can still do your session via telehealth.

What You Can Do:

If you feel unwell, stay home and get advice from your GP and get tested.
Thoroughly wash your hands often especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Remember to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
We have hand sanitiser provided use it before and after your session. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
If you sneeze or cough, please do it into a tissue or your elbow. Please then wash your hands or use the hand sanitiser provided.

There has been a shift in the Governments approach to managing the virus. Firstly there is an attempt to live with the virus.

Second there is a shift from state management of health to self management, and we (the individual) are tasked with managing our own risk and safety and the safety of our community.

So if you feel sick please stay at home or if you feel at risk in our practice tell us and we will try and accommodate you.

If you are concerned call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080.

If you are stressed anxious or struggling with isolation feel free to call us.