FAQ

At Mind Professionals we are committed to providing high quality psychological services to individuals and organizations. Our approach is collaborative and respectful. We aim to help individuals to develop awareness, knowledge, skills and strategies, in order to reduce distress, enhance well being and empower them to make positive changes and improve their overall quality of life. Our psychologists share a dedication to providing effective services, based on current research and thinking in psychology and have to follow a strict regime of continual professional development through the Australian Psychological Society, to ensure the approaches we use are of most benefit to our clients, and based on the most up to date knowledge.

Appointments are generally scheduled for 55 minutes; however the initial session may take up to 90 minutes. The first session usually involves you describing your current concerns, and how they are impacting on your life. The psychologist will try and develop a clear understanding of your emotions and behaviour, and you may be asked to complete some psychological questionnaires to help us get a clear picture of the types of problems or distress you are experiencing. The psychologist will then discuss a treatment plan, including proposed number of sessions.

Treatment sessions will be aimed at increasing your understanding of your problems, altering harmful patterns, and helping you to learn more appropriate skills and strategies. You will be guided in how to make changes in your thinking and behaviour that improve your well-being. Each session will begin with a review of progress so far, fine-tuning things you have already learnt, and then building on new skills. Our therapies are very practically based, and involve working towards making positive change.

After each session, you will usually be given some homework, which may involve reading, practicing new skills, or recording how you are going. This is important in consolidating information learnt in sessions, and in helping you apply techniques to your everyday life.

In psychology, evidence based practice refers to approaches that have been shown to work in scientific studies. We make sure that we are using techniques that are supported by evidence, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and/or draw on psychological concepts that are supported by research. In this way we can be most effective in helping you work towards your goals.

This varies, and generally depends on the severity and duration of the problems you are facing. Typically people attend around 8-15 sessions, but simple issues may take only a few sessions, and more complicated or longstanding issues can take longer. It is up to you how long you need the support of therapy, but our goal is always to provide the skills, knowledge and strategies for you to be able to cope without therapy. We will work together on a flexible plan that you are comfortable with.

Individuals do not need a referral to see a psychologist. Private health insurance rebates may be available if you have extras cover. Please check with your insurer.

If you are referred by your GP through a mental health Plan (item 2710), or referred by your Paediatrician or Psychiatrist, you will be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate of up to $112.45 per session, for 12 sessions per year.

If you are referred by a third party, such as an Insurance company, WorkCover, Solicitor or rehabilitation programme, referral information must be made available at the time of making the appointment.

There are 2 ways that you can access Medicare funding for psychological services.

The first relates to the Better Access to Mental Health Items introduced in November 2006. These items are for people who are suffering from a diagnosable mental illness (such as Depression, Panic Disorder) that is impacting on their everyday lives. You will need to see your GP, who can assess whether you are eligible, and if appropriate will draft a Mental Health Care Plan. Alternatively you can be referred by your Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. Medicare rebate is available for up to 12 sessions per year. The rebate for a specialist Clinical Psychologist is $117.65 per session, and $80.20 for an approved registered Psychologist. For more information see the APS Medicare Benefits Fact Sheet

MedicarePlus is for people who suffer from complex medical conditions. In order to access this rebate you will need to see your GP, who will discuss whether you meet criteria for the Enhanced Primary Care. If you do, your GP will draft an EPC plan, and you may be eligible for up to 5 sessions with a rebate (currently $50.05)

Psychologists study the physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of human behaviour. They are trained in techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of emotional, behavioural or cognitive problems. To become registered as a psychologist, you must have completed a minimum of 4 years university study in psychology, and completed a minimum of 2 years supervised practice. Clinical Psychologists in addition to fulfilling the requirements of a registered psychologist have also completed 2 years of formal, post-graduate (Masters/doctorate level) clinical training in an accredited, University based program. They then must complete a further 1 year supervised clinical training, followed by continuing education on an annual basis.

Psychologists and clinical psychologists do not have a medical degree, and in Australia, cannot prescribe medication. Their treatments focus on changing behaviour without medication, and there is considerable scientific evidence showing these treatments are effective. Psychiatrists have a medical degree, which involves six years of studying general medicine, followed by further study of the mind to specialise in psychiatry. They specialise in the medical treatment of mental illness, and can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists combine medication with other forms of therapy.

Counsellors listen to clients personal problems and provide support and advice. Currently in Australia, counsellors are not regulated, and therefore there are no uniform standards of qualifications required. Effectively anyone can set up practice as a counsellor or a psychotherapist. As a result there is a wide variation in the level of training and expertise among these professionals, from Masters Degrees from a University, to 3 day courses.

It is important to note that your privacy is protected at all times. Psychologists are bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 and follow strict guidelines for professional conduct that include confidentiality.

Your client file, which includes your personal information and session notes, is kept in a secure filing cabinet, which is only accessible to authorized employees. You can ask to see the information that is kept in your file at any time.

Any information disclosed to your psychologist in sessions also remains confidential. We are however obliged to release information if it is subpoenaed by a court, or if our failure to disclose the information places you or another person at risk. We can release information if we have your consent.

If you would like further information about your rights as a client of a psychologist, please refer to our Charter for Clients of Psychologists.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a short term focused psychotherapy, which has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety, anger, and obsessions. CBT focuses on how you are thinking (your cognitions), the way they behave, and the way you communicate. The focus is on what you are doing, thinking and feeling now, rather than on early childhood experiences. You will become more aware of things that you do or think that are negative or destructive, and shown how to take control of your thoughts and behaviour in a more positive way. Because patients are taught how to help themselves in therapy, they are able to maintain improvements after they have finished therapy.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a supportive approach that focuses on interpersonal and social difficulties in treating depression. The therapist works on aspects of social functioning (interpersonal disputes, role transitions, grief and interpersonal deficits) to improve symptoms. It does not presume that the social or interpersonal problems cause the depression, but intervenes in the illness process by working through life events related to the start and continuation of the depression.

Clinical Psychologists provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and psychological problems. We work collaboratively with general medical practitioners, psychiatrists and other health professionals, and apply theory and scientific research to solve complex clinical problems. We work within a scientist-practitioner model and provide evidence based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for a variety of behavioural, emotional, social and mental illness conditions.

Neuropsychology is a branch of science concerned with the relationship between brain function and behaviour. Clinical Neuropsychologists have completed specialist postgraduate qualifications and supervision in this field. They assess changes in thinking and behaviour that may arise from any form of brain dysfunction, including the following conditions:

• Head injury
• Concussion
• Epilepsy
• Neurological disease
• Cerebrovascular problems such as strokes or aneurysms
• Drug and alcohol related brain damage
• Dementia
• Learning disabilities and developmental delays
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Intellectual impairment

A neuropsychological assessment involves administering tests which get different parts of the brain working, and different parts of the brain communicating with each other. This allows us to build up a pattern of which areas of the brain are functioning as we would expect, and which areas are behaving differently. We use this information in the following ways:

• To aid diagnosis
• To identify strengths and weaknesses, to help with rehabilitation
• To measure amount of change attributed to brain dysfunction (e.g. for personal injury legal proceedings and compensation claims)
• To help people maximize their potential
• To contribute to decision making about possible neurosurgical intervention
• To assess competence to make decisions
• To examine suitability for occupational roles

Forensic psychologists apply knowledge, theory and skills to the understanding of individuals within the context of the legal and criminal justice system. We perform psychological assessments and provide reports for the courts, appear in court as "expert witnesses" and give opinions on psychological matters. We perform assessments in criminal matters, and offer consulting services to organizations such as the Police, Correctional organizations, law firms and courts. We assess and treat clients who are victims or witnesses of crime, and also provide a range of treatment services for perpetrators of crime.

An Educational and Developmental Psychologist has completed specialist post-graduate training in the development and learning of people throughout their entire lifespan. They are trained in assessment and treatment of problems associated with developmental disorders or disabilities, and the impact on various developmental tasks (eg developing language, developing relationships, coping and educational or vocational functioning), as well as assisting people with difficulties in adapting and adjustment throughout the lifespan.