Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a psychologist who is an expert in mental health. Clinical Psychologists undertake highly specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders across the lifespan (ACPA).
Clinical Psychologists study the way people feel, think, act, interact and are experts in human behaviour. They can assist people who are having difficulty managing their emotions, thinking and behaviour. This includes people with mental health problems, for example, anxiety, depression, serious mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and those with addictive behaviours, for example alcohol and drug abuse. Clinical Psychologists use a range of strategies and therapies, which aim to reduce emotional distress and enhance and promote overall wellbeing.
All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the national registration board, the Psychology Board of Australia. This means that they must be competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct. Not all counsellors or therapists are registered psychologists. Seeing someone who is registered ensures you receive high quality ethical treatment. (APS)*. At Balanced Health, our Clinical Psychologists have at least ten years of extensive training, including research, theory and practical experience in clinical psychology. As a result, we are well placed to assist you deal with your issues and improve your wellbeing and adjustment.
2. What issues can psychology help?
Clinical Psychology sessions can be helpful for individuals and or couples, suffering from a variety of personal or relationship problems. Seeing a Clinical Psychologist can assist in clarifying issues and provide you with strategies to help increase your emotional well-being.
Clinical Psychology is an important aspect of the treatment and rehabilitation of clients with an acquired brain injury.
3. What type of Psychological Therapy is offered at Balanced Health Psychology & Counselling?
Clinical Psychologists at Balanced Health, offer various types of therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). We offer therapy to adolescents, adults, and couples.
4. Are your services confidential?
All matters discussed remain private and confidential. We are legally obligated to release certain information under specific limited circumstances. Limits to confidentiality are explained at the initial session. Please contact our office if you would like further information.
5. How many appointments will I/we require?
This is dependent on the needs of the individual or the couple and the issue being addressed. Some people require only a few sessions, while others may require many more. This will be discussed with your psychologist at the end of the first session. Therapy can be brief, that is short-term, or longer term, depending on the issues. Our focus is more about ensuring that people effectively resolve their issues, and achieve desired outcomes.
6. How long are the sessions?
Each session lasts approximately 50-55 minutes.
7. How much does a session cost?
Fees slightly differ according to the time of day of the appointment, and the length of the session. For more detailed information regarding fees, please phone 0431 222 232 to discuss. You may be entitled to a Medicare rebate or health fund rebate (see below).
8. What is the Medicare Rebate?
The Medicare Rebate is available for clients with mental health issues who are referred by their general practitioner (GP). The Medicare Rebate makes accessing a psychologist more affordable, by offering a considerable rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year (January to December). The Medicare rebate for Clinical Psychology is $136.35 per session.
9. How can I access the Medicare Rebate?
Medicare offers rebates for psychological consultations. To obtain a rebate, you need to visit your GP and explain your mental health issues. It is advisable to book a longer consultation with your GP so that there is an adequate time to develop a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Once you have the MHCP and a referral letter from your GP, you are then entitled to claim a Medicare rebate for sessions. You will need to bring the referral and the MHCP is to the initial session with your psychologist.
Mental Health Care Plan – Fact sheet for patients
10. Are Clinical Psychological consultations covered by private health insurance rebates?
Yes, provided you have Extras cover, you can claim a rebate from your Private Health Insurance cover. Please check first with your individual Health Insurance provider to be certain. The Health Insurance Rebate cannot be used to top up the Medicare Rebate.
11. How do I pay for the sessions?
The full fee is to be paid at the end of each session by credit card or EFT. The Medicare Rebate will be deposited directly into your bank account, usually within 24 hours.
12. Does Balanced Health Psychology & Counselling work with clients with TAC, Workcover and NDIS funding?
Yes, we do work with clients covered by TAC and Workcover. We work with NDIS clients who are plan managed or self managed. There are no out of pocket costs for clients covered under these funding bodies.
13. How do I make an appointment at Balanced Health Psychology & Counselling?
Please note: We are currently not taking new clients
Please call 0431 222 232, or contact us here to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.