Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the roles of a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Psychiatrist?
All are trained extensively and professionally. Whilst there is some overlap in the functions of all three, there are important differences.
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Broadly, Psychology is the science of addressing behaviour and mental health through thinking, reflection, and changing behaviour. Psychotherapy is the process concerned with interaction, focusing upon a felt condition, or behaviour, in order to explore the underlying feelings, experiences, and thoughts which drive that condition, in past and present settings. A Psychiatrist has trained in medicine, followed by specialization in the area of mental health. The Psychiatrist is likely to use drugs as a therapy to deal with behaviour and mental conditions. Psychologists and Psychotherapists do not prescribe drugs and instead are trained to enlist the thinking and reflective processes to address behaviour and mental conditions.
How many sessions is my therapy likely to take?
It is difficult to say since people’s situations differ. Some people are looking to make a one-off decision about a specific issue and may require one or two sessions, whereas another individual may require ongoing therapy to unwrap something that has been troubling them for many years. Your Psychologist or Psychotherapist is skilled in maintaining focus and moving towards a resolution, at a realistic pace.
How can Medicare help with my session fee?
The Medicare option, known as the Mental Health Care Plan or the Better Access Plan, was introduced in November 2006 and was updated in November 2011. In consultation with a GP, one may obtain a referral to a Psychologist, for a series of up to 6 sessions of Psychological counselling. At present, it is necessary to have the name of the Psychologist one wishes to see placed on the Plan by the referring GP. For these, Medicare rebates are available, which cover much of the fee charged.
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In some cases, the number of sessions may be increased by a further 4 sessions following a review, so that up to 10 sessions in total may become available in a single calendar year. Information on this is available through Medicare, your General Practitioner, or myself
What if I have a Private Health Fund cover?
There are many private health funds. Levels of cover, types of cover, age, and costs of cover vary, so it is up to each individual to clarify with their Fund whether they are covered for Psychological services, and to what extent. It is rarer, but possible under some cover programs in some Funds, to be covered specifically for Psychotherapy. You may wish to check with your Fund
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Can I use both my Private Health Fund cover and Medicare to pay for counselling?
It is not possible to use a combination of Medicare and Private Health Fund cover for the same session. However, it is possible, for example, to commence a series under Medicare and eventually extend the number of sessions using the Private Health Fund to cover
Are you a member's choice provider for my Health Fund?
Some Health Funds have special rates for Participating or Members Choice providers. However, this does not appear to be the case in Psychology. All providers are treated the same. The rebate structure of your Health Fund will be the same across all Psychology providers. Funds change their policies from time to time, you could also check this with your Health Fund.
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Additional support is available?
Revive Psychology is not a 24/7 emergency support or counselling centre. If you are in need of immediate support please contact 000, or one of the support services listed below.
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Lifeline
Lifeline provides a free, 24-hour Telephone Crisis Support service in Australia. Volunteer Crisis Supporters provide suicide prevention services, mental health support, and emotional assistance, via telephone counselling, face-to-face contact, and online services.
Phone: 13 1114
Online: : wwwlifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline provides free, confidential 24-hour counselling to young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by phone, email, and online.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Online: www.kidsline.com.au
1800 Respect
1800 Respect is a telephone counselling service and support line for anyone at risk of or who has experienced sexual assault, domestic and/or family violence. Family and friends are also able to contact 1800 Respect for assistance with how to deal with situations.
Phone: 1800 78 9978
Online: www.1800respect.org.au
Parentline
Parentline provides free counselling, information, and referral sources for parents of children aged 0-18 years. Providing
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Phone: 1800 30 1300
Online: www.parentline.com.au