A clinical psychologist is able to assess your symptoms of psychological distress. Central to practice are psychological assessment, clinical formulation and psychotherapy. A clinical psychologist is able to make a diagnosis and work with you to develop a management plan for your treatment and recovery. Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication, rather they use psychological techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to treat you.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
What is a clinical psychologist?
Is therapy right for me?
Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a psychologist as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.
Working with a psychologist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Is therapy confidential?
The only time a psychologist is required to disclose information about you is if it is demanded by law or if there is reasonable evidence to believe that someone is at risk of harm if we do not divulge the information to the appropriate authorities.
What can I expect in a therapy session?
Sometimes individuals who are going through a particularly difficult challenge may request more time per session or more than one session per week. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.
There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. Between sessions it is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
What benefits can I expect from working with a clinical psychologist?
Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Modifying unhealthy behavior and long-standing patterns
- Attaining insight into personal patterns and behavior
- Increasing confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively
- Improving listening and communication skills
- Enhancing the overall quality of life
Am I covered by Medicare?
Click here for information on Medicare Rebates for mental health services provided by Psychologists
If you are referred by your GP/Psychiatrist/Paediatrician, we offer bulk billing to Healthcare Card/Pension card holders, otherwise billing is as follows:
Standard consultation (50 minutes) – $190.00. The Medicare rebate is $124.50
We are able to offer the Medicare rebate at the end of your consultation, courtesy of our online claiming system. Your Medicare rebate is transferred into the bank account you have registered with Medicare.
For more information please enquire with reception.
Do you accept private health insurance?
- Do I have mental health benefits?
- How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
What is a clinical neuropsychologist?
Clinical neuropsychologists have advanced skills in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of disorders and contexts across the lifespan. Clinical neuropsychologists are trained to understand the cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects of a wide range of brain conditions. Clinical neuropsychologists’ understand brain structure, function and dysfunction, and the effects of multiple factors on cognitive, behavioural and emotional functions.
What is neuropsychology?
What does a neuropsychological assessment involve?
Why are neuropsychological assessments helpful?
Neuropsychological assessment can provide diagnostic clarification for many conditions that are difficult (or impossible) to detect on neuroimaging alone (especially in the early stages of a disease).
Neuropsychological assessment can also help with differential diagnosis. That is, it can help to determine whether behavioural and/or cognitive decline is more likely due to an emerging neurodegenerative process (such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia) or a reversible factor such as mood (depression and anxiety), illness or medication. It can also help to determine the presence and severity of an acquired brain injury (i.e. following a motor vehicle accident, workplace accident or assault).
Neuropsychological assessment is helpful to diagnose and characterise cognitive impairment due to:
- progressive neurodegenerative conditions (i.e Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease)
- traumatic brain injuries (i.e. motor vehicle or workplace accident, assault, fall)
- neurological conditions (i.e. MS, stroke, brain tumours, epilepsy)
- psychiatric conditions (i.e. anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, PTSD)
- developmental disorders (ADHD and learning disorders)
- intellectual disabilities and other conditions such as hypoxia, overdose or long term alcohol and drug abuse.
How long do neuropsychological assessments take and what do I need to bring?
How much does an assessment cost and does Medicare or private health provide any assistance?