Frequently Asked Questions
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. It involves addressing an individual's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Psychologists take into account and understand all aspects of a person’s life (biological, social, contextual and psychological elements) and provide treatment/therapy best suited to the individual and their presenting concerns.
Psychologists are trained to work with people on a one to one basis, as well as with couples, groups, children and families and with organisations. Psychologists endeavour to assist people to develop the skills and confidence they need to live their dreams and face their challenges.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental illnesses, particularly those such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Due to their medical background, Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication as part of their treatment.
Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists typically provide ‘talking therapies’ designed to help people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, stress and work-related problems, life transitions and also people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Psychologists have usually trained for 6-8 years and can have a masters or doctorate in psychology. They have special training in conducting assessments using psychometric instruments, and in providing treatments.
Depending upon what the issue is, some people will see both a psychologist and psychiatrist at the same time.
Clinical Registered Psychologists have a Masters or PhD in Clinical Psychology and receive a larger rebate from Medicare. Generalist Registered Psychologists are also fully qualified, Medicare registered and capable psychologists however they do not possess a Clinical Masters or PhD. At this stage, all ASSIST Psychologists are Generalist Registered.
To become a Psychologist an individual has to have completed extensive formal training (usually 6-8 years) in psychology and have been trained to use scientific measures in their work. This means they have academic qualifications from a registered university and their work is the result of research and evidence-based theory. Psychotherapists and counsellors have generally trained for 1-3 years and have a variety of backgrounds. They do not require registration with a particular body to practice.
There is a public register in each state of Australia which enables anyone to check that somebody calling themselves a psychologist is registered with the relevant authority. In Queensland you can access this register at www.psychologyboard.qld.gov.au.
It is very difficult to predict the exact number of sessions that someone may require. Some people come for one session to talk through something that's on their mind, while others continue to see a psychologist for a number of years. Most people, most of the time, sit some where in the middle.
The most common problems like depression and anxiety usually require between 6 and 12 sessions, however some people may require more extensive treatment or support and may need to involve other professionals such as a GP or Psychiatrist in their treatment.
From November 2006 the then federal Coalition government made provision for the public to access rebates for private psychological consultations. For a Generalist Registered Psychologist these rebates are $83.25 per session.
To secure Medicare rebates a patient must be referred by a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan. This MHCP must be in place prior to your first session with your Psychologist. This is essential as the GP has the responsibility for connecting you with Medicare. Alternatively, you can be referred by a Psychiatrist or a Paediatrician.
In one calendar year each person can be funded for a rebate on a maximum of 10 individual psychological sessions – to be reviewed after 6 sessions by your referring Doctor. You can also receive a rebate for another 12 group psychological sessions within one calendar year. This is in addition to the individual sessions.
All ASSIST psychologists are registered Medicare providers. For further information you can visit the Medicare website at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or download the Medicare fact sheet at the bottom of each page of our website.
Yes. Many private health insurers allow for some refund for psychology services. It is important however that you check your policy and/or contact your provider as coverage varies.
Please note that you cannot use your private health insurance in conjunction with claiming a Medicare rebate. However you may use your 12 Medicare rebates and then claim against your health insurance.
Not at this time. All ASSIST psychologists are currently female.
Consultations with an individual psychologist usually last for around 50 minutes to an hour. Your time with a psychologist usually involves an initial assessment followed by a period of therapy. As mentioned above, the time this can take depends on the needs of individual patients.
In the initial assessment, psychologists try to gain a thorough understanding of the problem from your point of view. This may involve filling out questionnaires or monitoring forms. Treatment involves helping you to do things differently in order to help you feel better. All aspects of the process are collaborative, meaning that you participate and make active decisions about what goals you would like to achieve and how you would like to participate.
Psychological therapy is a two way process which aims to improve your life. The first session is about understanding your current difficulties and agreeing on treatment goals and strategies with your therapist that would best facilitate this improvement.
Therapy works best when you attend regularly and prepare for sessions in advance. Think about what it is you would like to raise and discuss beforehand. If need be, feel free to jot down some notes to help you. As our Philosophy states “ASSIST’s primary aim is to empower patients and instill in them the skills and confidence they need to live their dreams and face their challenges.” This can only be achieved when you also commit to the process.
Psychologists are bound by the Psychologists code of ethics. This can be found at www.psychology.org.au.
Maintaining confidentiality is something that we feel very strongly about at ASSIST. For further information on the ASSIST approach to privacy and confidentiality, please read “Our Policies at ASSIST”.
Yes. Our Psychologists, Kylie Hobbs and Annemari de Korte, specialise in working with children, adolescents and families. They each have over ten years experience in the delivery of child and adolescent support. ASSIST also offers the full range of Wechsler Intelligence Testing Instruments. These include the WIPPSI, WISC and the adult version, the WAIS.
Our psychologists work collaboratively with parents, teachers and other professionals to deliver holistic support to all young people.
At the current time, ASSIST does not have any specific group therapy in place. However, we are researching the needs of the community regarding group options and would love to hear from you. If you are interested in any particular group topic please contact us with your suggestion.
This is a common misconception. Psychological therapy is beneficial to a wide range of people and families, not just those with serious problems. ASSIST supports many different individuals; some with career or relationship issues, some with child behaviour or cognitive concerns and those with a mental illness.
As mentioned in our Mission, we empower all our patients to be the change they want in there lives.