Psychology Place

The disciplines of psychology, counselling,  psychotherapy and psychiatry share some similarities in that they all aim to assist individuals engaging with psychological and emotional distress. However, they are also strikingly different in some aspects of their training, accreditation and approach to this work. A brief explanation of the differences is provided below.

1. Psychologists are university trained and subject to government accreditation requirements. They deal with a broad range of issues, and may offer specifically focussed, evidence-based treatments, as well as broader counselling and psychotherapy services. Psychologists services are medicare rebatable subject to referral by a GP, and may also be subject to private health fund rebates.
2. Counsellors are generally trained in counselling theory and skills. They work in a wide variety of settings conducting both short and medium term work. They are not subject to government regulation but may be members of a professional organisation covering their particular discipline.
3. Psychotherapists come from a range of backgrounds including psychology, social work, counselling and psychiatry. Their psychotherapy training may be part of their basic discipline training or may be undertaken subsequently. They generally work at greater depth and thus psychotherapy is likely to be a medium to long-term commitment.
4. Psychiatrists are medically trained and offer diagnostic evaluation services and a treatment program of drugs or psychological therapy. They may also provide counselling or psychotherapy services. Psychiatrists are medicare rebatable subject to a GP referral.

Our clinic is staffed by individuals trained and accredited in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and relationship counselling. Our services are medicare rebatable subject to an appropriate referral from a GP.

There are a number of provisions within the Medicare system which allow individuals to receive rebates for psychologist’s fees. The most common rebate is known as the Better Access Initiative. To qualify for this rebate you will require a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. The rebate applies for up to 20 psychologist appointments per calendar year. The Better Access Initiative also provides rebates for up to 10 group therapy sessions per year.

The amount of the rebate for individual sessions is $89.65 for registered psychologists and $131.65 for clinical psychologists. The higher rebate for clinical psychologists recognises their additional training and skills.

Most private funds offer rebates for psychological services as part of their extras tables. As the rebates vary between funds it is advisable to contact your fund to obtain advice appropriate to your own particular situation.

We will discuss your individual circumstances and needs by phone and in the first session so we can set a fee appropriate to your needs and circumstances. We provide some low and bulk billing fees for those on health care cards or low incomes. The out of pocket expense will also depend upon whether you qualify for a medicare rebate. Please call to discuss your eligibility for the medicare rebate and the likely out of pocket cost of a consultation.