FAQ

WHAT IS A PSYCHOLOGIST?

A psychologist is a highly trained and qualified professional who studies human behaviour, thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. Psychologists use their expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of psychological issues and provide support to individuals, couples, families, and communities.

Psychologists employ various evidence-based approaches and therapeutic techniques to help clients improve their mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. They work with individuals across different age groups, from children and adolescents to adults and older adults, addressing a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction, and more.

It's important to note that in Australia, the title "psychologist" is a legally protected term. Psychologists must meet specific educational and training requirements, hold appropriate registrations or endorsements, and adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards set by bodies like the APS and the Psychology Board of Australia. This ensures that individuals seeking psychological support receive services from qualified professionals who adhere to ethical principles and evidence-based practice.

HOW DO I FIND A PSYCHOLOGIST THAT FITS?

Finding a psychologist that fits, is an important factor that influences therapeutic outcomes; this relationship is referred to in the literature as the 'therapeutic alliance'. Positive therapeutic outcomes are important to us at Three Leaf Psychology, so we're happy to connect with clients before we book our first session with them to make sure our clients are comfortable with us and we're the right fit for them.

SHOULD I SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST?

Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Maybe there's just a lot going on at the moment or perhaps there's nothing going on at all, or maybe there is a big life change or a significant event. You could be struggling with your relationship, or have lost your sense of self. Maybe you just need a listening ear. There is never a right or wrong reason to seek support.

Seeking the support of a psychologist is different to speaking to friends or family. Psychologists have specific skills to help you develop further insight into your situation, and help you develop skills to move forward.

You do not need to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder to seek support, you may just want someone to talk to.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM OUR FIRST SESSION OF THERAPY?

It can be quite confronting and overwhelming to see a psychologist for the first time. It is normal to feel a mix of different emotions like anxiety, uncertainty, vulnerability, relief, excitement, dread, or hope. You may feel a little bit uncomfortable at first, however, our goal is to make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

In our first few sessions we want to get to know you and learn more about who are, what you're hoping the future will look like, and what's happened in the past. It's likely that we'll ask you about your family and friends, work or study situation, hobbies and interests, whether you use alcohol or other drugs, and about your sleep, diet and exercise. This will give us a clearer picture on who you are and what you came to see us for.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST?

No, a referral is not required to see a psychologist. However, if you wish to access the Medicare rebate through the Better Access scheme, you will need to visit your GP first. Your GP will assess your eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), which can provide you with up to 10 subsidized sessions per calendar year.

To receive the rebate, you will need to provide your psychologist with the MHCP referral letter. The letter should include your details, your GP's details, state that you are being referred for treatment, specify the number of sessions being referred, and be signed and dated.

It's important to note that the initial referral does not cover all 10 subsidized appointments. After your 6th session, you will need a re-referral letter from your GP to access the additional 4 subsidized sessions.

Around the 6th appointment, your psychologist will send a treatment review and recommendation to your GP, which informs them of your progress and determines your eligibility for the re-referral. Therefore, it's crucial to book an appointment with your GP between your 6th and 7th appointment to ensure you have the re-referral letter before attending your 7th session.

HOW DO I CLAIM THE MEDICARE REBATE?

All payments must be paid in full on the day of the session unless another payment arrangement has been agreed upon with the clinic. Once payment has been received, Three Leaf Psychology will process your Medicare rebate. This rebate will be refunded to the account that is linked to your Medicare account.

WHAT MEDICARE REBATE WILL I RECEIVE? AND HOW MUCH DOES A SESSION WITH A PSYCHOLOGIST COST?

As of 1st July 2024, the rebate for a 50-minute session with a general psychologist is $96.65. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended fee for seeing a psychologist in 2023/2024 is $300.00/hour, however, at Three Leaf Psychology we aim to be accessible, and we charge well under the recommended fee. Please reach out for up-to-date information on session fees.

DO YOU OFFER REBATES FOR WORKCOVER, OR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?

Yes, you are able to claim a rebate for Workover claims, and through Private Health Insurance.

Each Private Health Insurance agency is different, so please confirm with your agency what rebates are available and what information you need from the psychologist to make your claim. For Private Health Insurance Claims the psychologist will provide you with an Invoice so that you are able to make your claim on your Private Health Insurance portal.

HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS WITH A PSYCHOLOGIST?

Individual sessions are 50 minutes long. Check-in sessions (25 minutes) are available for established clients.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED AND HOW REGULARLY WILL I NEED TO ATTEND?

Everyone is different. The number of sessions that are needed will vary from person to person depending on the reasons they are seeking therapy and their goals. A typical CBT intervention will range between 10 to 22 sessions.

Our commitment to regular therapy ensures that progress can be made and therapeutic gains are maintained. When starting therapy, sessions are typically weekly or fortnightly, moving to every three weeks to a month, and then finally every three months for maintenance. Of course, additional sessions are available if required. There are no strict rules, this all varies from person to person.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

To ensure your well-being improves, it is crucial to maintain a commitment to treatment and attend sessions regularly. We highly value both your time and ours, and strive to provide timely appointments to individuals awaiting treatment. Consequently, we have implemented a cancellation fee policy.

Given the high demand for appointments and the financial impact on our psychologists, we enforce a strict cancellation fee for any appointments that are cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment. Cancellations can be made via text message or email.

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