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FAQ

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical Psychologist are the Psychologists who specialize in mental health. We have received extensive training (usually at least 6 years training, and 2 years of supervision) in mental health. Clinical Psychologist’s use evidence based natural therapies and work on thought patterns, behavior patterns, and target the underlying problems that a person may have.

Please note: WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE ANY FORM OF MEDICATION. If you are taking psychiatric medication this is totally OK, and psychological therapy is known to be very effective working alongside a medication regime

How much will it cost me to see you?

GP referral under Mental Health Care Plan
50 minute session $40.50 (gap payment) – $165 per session with a rebate of $124.50 per session with valid GP referral)

At present Medicare supports 10 x 50 minute sessions each calendar year with a valid GP or Psychiatric referral. Call now to discuss your situation and obtain a quote for your assessment and treatment.

Private client with no referral
You do not need a referral to see me. The cost per 50 minute session will generally be around $165. If you have private health then you may be able to claim a portion of this fee.

Workers Compensation
Your services will be fuller covered by the Insurer if you have an accepted claim with them and they have approved psychological treatment.

What could I expect in the first session?

During the first session, you will be asked a number of questions and maybe asked to complete some short and simple psychological tests so that I can make an assessment of what is going on for you in order to provide you feedback and then direct treatment. You will be asked about what goals you have in mind and together we will come up with some goals that you would like to achieve during the therapy process. This assessment usually only takes one to two sessions to complete.

What could I expect in subsequent sessions?

During subsequent sessions, I will go about providing you with the psychological treatment needed to assist you in reaching your treatment goals. This involves not only talking about the issues, but resolving the issues and gaining insight into the issues in order for you to move forward in your life.

What sort of treatment do you use?

The main treatments I use are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which are two of the most widely used treatments in the world. These treatments have the most scientific evidence suggesting that they work well.

How many sessions will I need?

We will be able to give you an estimate of how long therapy may take in the first couple of sessions. Most people are able to receive helpful treatment to change their lives in 6 – 12 sessions. However, for others therapy is much longer than this, and for some much shorter.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

Psychologists have undergone extensive university training in the area of human behaviour. Psychological treatments do not involve the use of medications. Rather, treatment generally targets changing the way an individual thinks and behaves in order to make life changes.
Psychiatrists are medical practitioners who often specialise in the treatment of mental disorders where the front line choice of treatment is medication such as Schizophrenia or psychosis. As doctors they are able to prescribe medications to their patients.

Is there parking available?

My office at Robina on the Gold Coast has free onsite parking which is literally only metres from my office.

What are the directions to your office?

Please refer to Contact Us section

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