Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that it can be a difficult seeing a psychologist for the first time.  It is a sign of strength and progress that you have made this commitment to yourself.  In your first sessions, you can expect to discuss your feelings, behaviour, relationships, goals or problems.  We aim to understand your situation and life from your perspective in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.  We then work through new strategies and techniques in an individualised treatment program based on scientific principles.  A psychologist does not prescribe medication but will work closely with your treating doctor or psychiatrist when required.

At a high level:

• Psychology is the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact.
• Psychiatry is the study of mental disorders and their diagnosis, management and prevention.
• A Counsellor currently refers to a wide variety of positions that can mean many different things

Each individual and situation is different. Some people achieve a different perspective in one session while most need more. Generally around six sessions are required. For more complex or longstanding mental health problems, more sessions may be needed.

Each session is 50 minutes in duration and an appointment can usually be booked within two weeks.

Our session times are 50-60 minutes. Fees are payable on the day of your consult.

A fee applies if less than 24 hours notice of cancellation or change to your appointment.

For your convenience, our practice offers EFTPOS, Credit Card, Medicare & HICAPS facilities for payments. Medicare rebates can be deposited directly to your Savings or Cheque account via EFTPOS facility on the day, so you will not need to attend a Medicare Office.

Alternatively, if you wish to use your private health fund, we can organise your rebate via HICAPS and you will only need to pay the gap on the day.

Psychologists are required to abide by a strict Code of Ethics that is set by the Psychological Board. This code protects your interests and ensures confidentiality with the exception of very particular circumstances. From December 21st, 2001, the National Privacy Principles of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act came into effect.

This Act guarantees that all personal information held by your psychologist will remain confidential and secure except when:

• It is subpoenaed by a court of law;
• Failure to disclose it would place you or another person at risk;
• You give written consent for written information to be released to a designated agent.

The information is part of the legal requirement to document what happens during sessions, and enables the psychologist to provide relevant and informed psychological services.

At any stage you may request to see the information kept on file. Should you wish a copy of your confidential case notes a request may be lodged in writing.

You may obtain a copy of the National Privacy Principles from the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner. Any complaints should be lodged with the Commissioner on 1300 363 992 or GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 1042.

There are still lots of misconceptions about going to see a Psychologist.  Some of them reflect remaining social stigma around mental illness and ignorance about the process.

Many private health funds provide rebates for psychological services, you would need to check with your health insurance provider for further details.

Medicare rebates are available to help cover the cost of psychological treatments provided by your Psychologists.

To receive a rebate from Medicare you would need to see your GP for a long consult where a GP Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) will be established. This involves assessing your needs, selecting appropriate treatment and your ongoing management. The plan will be documented and your GP will forward a copy of the plan to Human Psychology or request that you bring a copy of the plan with you when you attend your first appointment.

Once you GP has lodged the plan with Medicare you will be able to access 10 individual services in a calendar year. This is also reviewed after 6 sessions and after 10 sessions each year.