FAQ’s
What is a Psychologist:
A psychologist is a mental health professional who has completed university-level training to study and understand human behaviour, thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. Psychologists use a range of evidence-based techniques, including psychotherapy, to help individuals manage mental health and address conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma, and other emotional challenges.
Psychologists are trained in scientific methods that enable them to assess, diagnose, and treat various mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. They help individuals cope with a broad spectrum of concerns, from everyday stressors to more severe psychological conditions.
Choosing the right psychologist is about finding someone whose experience and expertise align with your needs. While clinical psychologists have completed additional studies, it’s the practical experience and the right fit for your specific situation that truly matter. A psychologist’s effectiveness isn’t determined by their degree but by how well they understand and connect with you, and how they can support your unique journey.
In Australia, psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and must adhere to strict professional standards to maintain their registration. These include ethical practice, ongoing professional development, and regular supervision with other experienced psychologists.
All psychologists at Fraser Coast Psychology (FCP) hold current AHPRA registration, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of practice and professional competence.
What is the Difference between a Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Paediatrician?
The key difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist is that Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while Psychologists are mental health professionals and primarily focus on psychotherapy and non-medical treatments. Both Psychiatrists and Psychologists can assess and diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy and work to help individuals improve both aim to help individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. However, Psychiatrists are more likely to incorporate medication into treatment plans, particularly for more severe conditions.
A Paediatrician is a medical doctor specialising in the care of children, with a focus on their physical health and development. Paediatricians perform routine check-ups, administer vaccinations, and diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses and injuries. They also monitor a child’s growth and development, identifying potential concerns. Paediatricians can diagnose and treat developmental disorders and may refer to other specialists, including Psychologists or Psychiatrists, additional support. They are also qualified to prescribe medication.
A Psychologist, on the other hand specialises in understanding and addressing the mental, emotional, and behavioural aspects of children’s well-being. Psychologists help children improve their performance, health, and learning, focusing on mental health through psychotherapy and behavioural interventions, without the use of medication.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
Psychologists are bound by the APS Code of Ethics, which places great emphasis on confidentiality and privacy. Privacy refers to a client’s right to control their personal information, while confidentiality is the psychologist’s responsibility to protect that information, with certain exceptions such as risk of harm or legal obligations.
All information shared in a session is confidential, except in circumstances where the psychologist believes there is a risk of harm to the client or others, or has concerns about your immediate safety or the safety of others, or if there is a legal requirement to disclose such information (e.g., court subpoenas or legal obligations).
For minors, consent for psychological treatment is obtained from a parent or legal guardian. In certain cases, the psychologist may seek parental permission to maintain the confidentiality of the content of sessions to foster trust and rapport with the minor. However, the psychologist may share relevant information with parents or legal guardians regarding the child’s safety, progress, and treatment goals.
At the initial appointment, clients will be asked to sign a consent form acknowledging understanding of the confidentiality guidelines and circumstances under which information may be disclosed. If sessions are funded by Medicare under a GP Mental Health Care Plan, a progress report will be sent to the GP after the 6th and 10th sessions. Additionally, third-party organizations may request progress reports, and the psychologist will discuss these requests with the client at the time of the request.
How Much Will It Cost:
The fees charged by psychologists at FCP are determined by several factors, including the specific psychologist you are seeing, the type of service being provided, and how the session is funded. These fees are set to cover the psychologist’s qualifications, registration, insurance costs, and the ongoing expenses associated with running a private practice.
For certain services, such as those funded by external organizations (e.g., NDIS, WorkCover, Employee Assistance Programs), the fees are often set by those organizations.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which reduces your out-of-pocket expenses. This plan allows for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a Medicare rebate. A copy of your Mental Health Care Plan is required at the time of your enquiry or initial appointment to allow your psychologist to review the plan and prepare accordingly.
Private health funds may also provide rebates for psychological sessions. You are encouraged to check with your private health provider to determine your eligibility for such rebates.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends a standard fee of $311 for a 46-60 minute session with a psychologist. However, as outlined in the ‘Fees’ tab, FCP’s psychology rates are significantly lower than this recommended fee, as we aim to keep our services affordable for all clients.
How Often Will I See My Psychologist:
The frequency of psychology sessions will depend on your individual needs and will be assessed on a case by case basis. Typically, sessions start on a fortnightly basis and may be extended over time as progress is made. In some situations, your psychologist may recommend weekly or fortnightly sessions if there are immediate concerns that need to be addressed. Alternatively monthly sessions may be suggested as you make progress or as your goals evolve.
The affordability of sessions is also important consideration. If you have a limited number of funded sessions, you may prefer to use them more quickly or spread them out over several months or the course of the year. Together with your psychologist, you will be able to develop a plan that aligns with your individual needs, goals, and financial situation.