Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you see a psychologist?

During the initial session, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have. Your psychologist will spend time getting to know you, your background and main areas of concern. You will also get a chance to state your goals for therapy and what you’d like to achieve during counselling. It may seem as if you are asked a lot of questions, however this enables the psychologist to make a thorough assessment which guides future treatment.

In follow up sessions, your psychologist will monitor your progress and suggest suitable treatment options and coping strategies for you to try.

At all times, you oversee your therapy and have the freedom to choose what works for you.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No, a referral to see a psychologist is optional. If you would like to see a psychologist through the Better Access Initiative, then you require a referral from a General Practitioner who will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This enables you to claim a rebate through Medicare.

How much does it cost?

If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare with a valid referral. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be entitled to psychology services. Contact your health insurer for specific details of rebates you may be eligible for.

Please note that a cancellation fee will be charged if less than 24 hours notice of cancellation is provided.

Are the sessions with a psychologist confidential?

Yes, your personal information is kept secure and only information needed for your treatment is required. There are some circumstances where your information may be shared such as with treating doctors and psychiatrists or when failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of your psychologist, place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety . Your permission is always sought before any information is released.

How many sessions will I need to attend?

This will depend on your presenting concern and your goals for therapy. If your problem is more severe or longstanding, you may need more sessions than someone with a less severe issue. After the initial assessment session, your psychologist will provide you with an estimated duration of therapy. Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you are eligible for up to ten sessions per calendar year which is reviewed after the sixth and tenth sessions.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions go for about 50-55 minutes to allow for administration and note taking.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth refers to a video-conference consultation involving communication between you and your psychologist using both a video and audio connection. This is similar to connecting with family, friends or business contacts using programs such as Face Time or Zoom. .

Is a telehealth consultation as effective as a face-to-face consultation?

Psychological treatment provided using videoconferencing technology has been found to be as effective as a face-to-face appointment for a variety of mental health problems. Your GP and psychologist will talk to you about whether telehealth consultations are appropriate and suitable for you.

What are walk and talk therapy sessions?

Walk and talk therapy is being with your psychologist in an outdoor location where nature is your co-therapist. Being in nature often brings a sense of calm, serenity, contemplation, and reflection. We tend to slow down and notice how our bodies move through the environment. Our minds start to become less busy as we engage with our surroundings using our five senses. Nature allows us to be present and grounded as our authentic selves. We may also feel a sense of belonging and connection to the natural world around us. Our general wellbeing tends to improve after spending time in nature.

During walk and talk therapy, you set the pace as well as deciding which direction to take. Your psychologist will guide you in understanding yourself and your goals for change. Using nature as a guide, prompt and reflection tool, your psychologist will encourage you to discover insights and wisdom about yourself. Evidenced based therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy, schema therapy and mindfulness practices can assist you on your journey of self-acceptance.

How are walk and talk therapy sessions different to normal therapy?

Apart from the physical location, the dynamic of working in nature offers some benefits. You are not entering ‘my space’ instead we are both guests of nature. This might feel more equal and less controlled than in a consulting room. Working outdoors means we need to consider several other variables before we go out. How would you like to respond to difficult weather? What if we see people we know? What do you need to bring to take care of yourself?

Is walk and talk therapy better than normal therapy?

The evidence suggests that it is equally effective as therapy indoors and that common factors such as being genuine, present, having hope, belief in change and authenticity are most useful in the therapeutic relationship.

However, walk and talk therapy might be beneficial if you prefer a less ‘clinical’ setting, feel more comfortable with reduced eye contact, or have difficulty sitting still in an office for an hour. There are chances to practice tools using nature to connect and engage with. It can create opportunities to manage unpredictability and risk.

Is walk and talk therapy appropriate for everyone?

We are all a part of nature so my belief is that everyone can benefit. However, the only way to know is to try it out for yourself! In saying that, we will endeavour to make walk and talk sessions accessible for everyone. Therapy can be seated, on wheels and at a pace that suits you. The trail can be on flat, paved roads with accessible amenities. The choice is yours!

Things to consider before undertaking walk and talk therapy: appropriate clothes and shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bottle of water. Do you also need a rain jacket or umbrella, insect repellent, antihistamines during spring or an EpiPen? Do you need support while walking downhill, or to slow the pace? Do you need to change your appointment that week to in person in the consulting room or Telehealth?

Do you see couples and families?

Yes, however these sessions are not covered by Medicare. You may be eligible for a rebate through your private health insurance. Contact your health insurer for specific details.

You may consider booking a longer initial consultation time as couple and family sessions are often more complex.

Do psychologists practice in accordance with any regulations?

All psychologists are registered with the national registration board, the Psychology Board of Australia, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. 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.

Why see an APS Psychologist?

APS members have exclusive access to a range of ethical and professional resources and guidelines about professional conduct, responsibilities and confidentiality, and adhere to strict standards set and monitored by the APS in the APS Charter for Clients. Membership of the leading association for psychologists provides extra reassurance to clients, colleagues and community members that they are dealing with a committed professional with strong credentials.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists study the way people feel, think, act and interact. Through a range of strategies and therapies they aim to reduce distress and to enhance and promote emotional well being. Psychologists are experts in human behaviour. They have studied the brain, memory, learning and human development.

Psychiatrists have studied first to become a medical doctor. Once they have graduated as a doctor, they can take on more study and training with the aim of becoming a psychiatrist. When they study psychiatry, they learn to diagnose, treat and prevent mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. They can prescribe medications, like antidepressants, and can usually admit you to hospital, if this is needed.

Both are trained to understand how your brain works, how you think and how you behave. Both can use different types of counselling and psychotherapy to help. Both psychologists and psychiatrists use various forms of therapy to help with problems like depression, anxiety, stress, grief, bipolar disorder, relationship breakdowns, drug and alcohol addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. They can help you develop better ways of thinking and behaving.