| FAQ
A Psychologist can assist someone who is interested in improving their emotional well-being, they can help someone to learn or improve their interpersonal and communication skills and they can help you to improve relationships with others. They can also help you find more satisfaction and lessen stresses at work. Part of a Psychologist’s job is to diagnose mental disorders, but in many cases where no formal diagnosis is necessary, a psychologist can assist individuals and/or couples to understand the way in which their thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours inter-relate which may be negatively impacting on their life.
A Medical Practitioner may refer someone for treatment for a particular condition such as anxiety or depression.
A Psychologist will work out with you exactly want you want to work on, and what you want to achieve from therapy. Once that is established, the therapist can formulate a course of treatment using evidence-based strategies.
Psychology suits a very wide variety of issues that arise in people’s lives from low self-esteem, managing work stress, trouble sleeping, to serious but treatable conditions such as, chronic anxiety and depression and bipolar. We encourage you to check out our psychologists to see which areas of interest they specialise in and what treatments they offer to figure out who might be best suited to you and if you have further questions we encourage you to get in touch.
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for your psychological treatment if: you’re an Australian citizen/resident; and you’re experiencing mental health difficulties and problems including but not limited to anxiety, phobias, depression, anger, sleep problems, alcohol problems, workplace stress, agitation, relationship problems, trauma, grief/loss, drug problems; etc. Children and adolescents may also be eligible for a referral If in doubt, make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your eligibility. For more information on Medicare rebates click here.
Payments can be made at Intrepidy via our HICAPS Eftpos machine or by cash on the day of treatment. We can process Medicare and most Private Health Insurance claims on the spot so that your rebates can be paid into your nominated bank account with Medicare, usually on the same day or within 24 hours.
In general, yes. “Homework” is often an integral part of therapy. Homework isn’t meant in the traditional sense, such as studying for a test, or reading and writing. It is inviting clients to practice new skills and implement new strategies discussed during psychological treatment in your usual life. Homework matters because changes in behaviour/routines need to be implemented, old habits gradually phased out, and new habits built-up. It’s our job as the psychologist to support, encourage, troubleshoot, and guide you with making life adjustments that matter.
Psychologists are able to write court reports for TAC, Victims of Crime, WorkCover claims, and other court proceedings. Check that the Psychologist you wish to see is available to provide that service. Court reports may incur a fee in addition to the usual consultation, unless funded by a third party such as those listed above. Any fee for which you are liable, which will be discussed with you before proceeding. The fee must be paid in full before receiving the report.
Psychologists undergo rigorous training at university, requiring a minimum of a 6 year combination of 4 or more years of an approved course of study, plus the completion of an internship program, before being eligible for registration with the Psychology Board. Detailed information regarding registration can be found under the General Registration Standard.
The fundamental aim of psychologists is to alleviate mental distress. Psychologists can be therapists who provide psychotherapy, but may also be “scientists” (i.e., human behaviour researchers who work at universities or other academic institutions). Psychologists are trained to use psychometric testing and clinical interview to gather information, make diagnoses, and plan and implement treatment (or therapy). Psychologists do not, and cannot prescribe medications. They can work in private practice or for organisations to provide services for adults, adolescents, and/or children on an individual, couples, family, or group basis.
Psychologists and psychiatrists have the same fundamental aim: to alleviate mental distress and restore human health and functioning. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation, and both can conduct psychotherapy. The differences between psychologists and psychiatrists are that:
Psychologists who provide therapy, generally have more extensive training in administering psychotherapy as a part their Post-Graduate study than psychiatrists do in their tertiary training.
Generally speaking, psychologists provide ongoing weekly psychological treatment, whereas psychiatrists provide assessment/diagnostic services, and prescribe and manage psychiatric medication.
Psychiatrists are physicians (medical doctors) whereas psychologists are not. As well as prescribing psychiatric medications, Psychiatrists can conduct physical examinations, order/interpret brain assessments (e.g., EEGs, CAT scans, MRIs), and administer Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), whereas a psychologist cannot do these things.
Yes, every session is private and confidential. That means all information discussed during psychological treatment stays between you and your therapist unless you provide us with written consent saying otherwise. Psychologists are bound to a Code of Ethics set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), holding us accountable in terms of keeping things confidential. Breaches of confidentiality can lead to a psychologist registration being suspended, or even revoked. Practitioners at Intrepidy therefore take this very seriously, click here to find out more.