What is psychology?
What will happen when I contact Mt Barker Psychology?
What happens when I see the psychologist?
How many sessions will I need?
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Professional Regulation and Legal Requirements
How does Medicare apply to private psychology consultations?
Can I use my private health care to claim back money for consultations?
How will my investment benefit me in the long term?
Do you work after hours?
What are your confidentiality rules?
Do you offer child/adolescent assessment/therapy?
Is therapy only for people with serious emotional problems?
Must therapy be a last resort?
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour. This involves both overt behaviour (the things you actually do) and covert behaviour (the things you think and feel). Psychologists generally employ a model which tries to take into account and understand all aspects of a person’s life (i.e. the biological, social, contextual and psychological aspects) in order to help them achieve desired change.
Psychological therapies are used widely in many different types of settings. Psychologists are trained to work with people individually, in couples, in group settings, with children and families and with organisations.
Psychologists endeavour to assist people develop the skills to cope better and overcome difficulties they are experiencing in their life. They can also assist people to develop their potential further in areas of their life, such as career and relationships.
Mt Barker Psychology can be contacted by phone during normal working hours. A Client Care staff member will answer any questions you may have and can book an appointment for you with one of our experienced psychologists.
At Mt Barker Psychology we take a very clear and practical approach to psychology. We are committed to providing a caring and confidential service. Initially your psychologist will focus on understanding your particular circumstances and the reasons you have come along.
They will then discuss with you a plan outlining the treatments and strategies they think will be most helpful for your situation. Subsequent sessions will then focus on providing the treatments and strategies identified in the plan to help you achieve the outcomes you want.
There is ongoing review of the treatment effectiveness and changes can easily be made to ensure you achieve the best outcome.
The number of sessions someone may need varies greatly depending on their particular circumstances. Mt Barker Psychology provides psychological treatments and strategies that are designed to be efficient and effective. Our goal is to help our clients achieve the outcome they are looking for in the shortest amount of time possible.
Not necessarily. Anyone can make an appointment to see a psychologist. Many people see a psychologist for help with everyday non-medical issues. However, to receive Medicare rebates, you will need a referral from a GP. If you are in any doubt consult your GP or contact us.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. Psychiatrists usually prescribe medication such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotics as part of their treatment.
Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists have usually trained for 6-8 years and can have a masters or doctorate in psychology with an arts or science background. They have special training in conducting assessments using psychometric instruments, and in providing psychological treatments.
Psychological treatment typically involves ‘talking therapies’ designed to help people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, stress and work-related problems, life transitions and also helping people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Depending upon what the issue is, some people will need to see both a psychologist and psychiatrist at the same time.
In South Australia at present anyone can legally call themselves a ‘counsellor’ or ‘psychotherapist’. People who use these terms do not have to be registered with any regulative body or possess any minimum level of qualification.
Both psychiatrists and psychologists must possess the required university qualifications and be registered with the Health Professionals Registration Board in their relevant state to be able to call themselves a psychiatrist or psychologist and to be legally able to practice. There is a public register in each state which enables anyone to check that somebody calling themselves a psychologist or psychiatrist is registered with the relevant authority.
In South Australia you can access this register at www.sapb.saboards.com.au.
From November 2006 the federal government made provision for the public to access rebates for private psychological consultations.
In order to use the Medicare rebate system you need to be referred by a GP. This is essential as the GP (not the psychologist) has the responsibility for linking you up with the Medicare system. Your GP will complete a Mental Health Care Plan which will be either sent to the identified psychologist or you will be given the plan to bring with you on your first visit.
In one calendar year each person can be funded for a rebate on a maximum of 10 individual psychological consultations. They can also receive a rebate in relation to a maximum of 10 group psychological consultations within one calendar year. This is in addition to the individual sessions.
This rebate system also applies to other health care items under Medicare so if you have received a rebate for any other allied health care issue it is important to check with Medicare to see what your eligibility for rebates is at any point in time.
All Mt Barker Psychology practitioners are registered Medicare providers. For further information you can visit the Medicare website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
Yes. Many private health insurers allow for some refund for psychology services; however no two are the same. We advise you to check with your specific provider to see what your policy allows.
Please note that you cannot use your private health insurance in conjunction with claiming a Medicare rebate. However you may use your 10 Medicare rebates and then claim against your health insurance for any subsequent sessions.
Once you have increased your knowledge about the issues relevant to you and increased your skill base you can use these tools for the rest of your life. Psychological tools are very versatile and can often be used in many situations. For example there are many uses for things such as communication skills, emotional regulation skills and problem-solving.
Currently we work during normal office hours and also offer some after hours appointments Monday to Friday.
Psychologists are bound by the Psychologists code of ethics. This can be found at www.aps.org.au. With regard to confidentiality at Mt Barker Psychology, all therapy discussions are confidential with the important exception that if you are at risk of harm from yourself or to someone else we may need to break confidentiality. The third limitation on confidentiality is in relation to court orders. Should any of these situations be relevant to you, your psychologist will discuss them with you.
Although therapy can be beneficial for people who do have serious emotional problems, it is also helpful for people with everyday concerns such as adjustment or phase of life issues. Whilst talking to family and friends can be helpful, many people find that talking to a professional who can provide an objective viewpoint can be very beneficial. Increasingly more people are consulting a psychologist about a range of issues in their lives that they wish to explore.
Most of us do not think that we have to experience a heart attack before we can see a doctor; it is OK to go if we merely have a sprained ankle. The same applies to therapy - you don't have to have the emotional equivalent of a heart attack to see a psychologist. By working with a psychologist you can often get back on track much faster and save yourself or those you love a lot of unnecessary distress.