What about private health insurance?
Private Health Insurance does cover psychological services normally, but it depends on your policy. You will have to call your insurer and check with them. If you see one of our psychologists you will be eligible.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a psychologist?
No, you can see a psychologist privately without a referral.
Why consult with an APS Psychologist?
Everyday problems, such as work stress, relationship troubles and coping with illness, can seriously affect your life. Research shows psychological treatments are effective in managing many common mental health disorders. Addressing these concerns is vital to enjoying life and good relationships. APS psychologists can help with these situations. They equip people with the skills needed to function better and to prevent problems.
All psychologists are legally required to register with the Psychologist Registration Board in their State or Territory, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. APS membership involves meeting standards in addition to this registration. Entry to the APS requires more university training than necessarily required by the Registration Boards.
Consulting an APS Psychologist ensures you receive expert psychological services of the highest standard. APS Psychologists follow guidelines about professional conduct, responsibilities and confidentiality that are set and monitored by the Society in the APS Code of Ethics.
What about Medicare rebates?
On 1 November 2006, the Australian Government introduced new Medicare items for psychological treatment by registered psychologists. This service provides considerable assistance to people living with mental health problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.
Under the new Medicare scheme, all registered psychologists who are endorsed by Medicare Australia can provide treatment for mental health problems. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral. Private health insurers may also rebate part of the cost of psychological consultations.
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
“In a broad sense, as its name suggests, CBT involves both ‘cognitive therapy’ and ‘behaviour therapy’. Cognitive therapy focuses on an individual’s pattern of thinking while behaviour therapy looks at associated actions. When combined skilfully, these two approaches provide a very powerful method to help overcome a wide range of emotional and behavioural problems in children, adolescents and adults. Depending on the problem, CBT may involve a mix of both therapeutic modalities, so some issues are better treated with more behavioural methods and some with more cognitive methods. One of the strengths of CBT is that it aims not just to help people overcome the symptoms that they are currently experiencing, but it also aims to teach the person new skills and strategies that they can apply to future problems. It focuses on the ‘here and now’ whilst developing an understanding of past styles of thinking and behaviour that have developed over time” read more>
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour who help equip people with the skills to function better and to deal with problems, such as stress, relationship troubles and coping with illness. They are also specialists in treating mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias. “Psychologists and psychiatrists both work in the area of mental health, and often work together. However, there are some significant differences between the two professions in the following areas…” read more>
