Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

On Clinical Psychology

These FAQs can offer valuable information if you are seeking to learn more about Clinical Psychologists and the services they provide.

1. What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a licensed mental health professional who specialises in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health, behaviour, and emotional disorders. Clinical Psychologists apply science and evidence-based practice to understand and relieve psychological distress, and help individuals improve their well-being.

2. What training does a Clinical Psychologist have?
Clinical Psychologists complete a minimum of 8 years training. This typically consists of:

• 4 year Bachelor’s Degree with Honours,
• 2 year Postgraduate/Master’s Degree focusing on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders, and
• 2 years of full time equivalent supervised clinical practice as part of a registrar program overseen by the Psychology Board of Australia.

3. What is the difference between a General/Registered Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?
General/Registered Psychologists complete 6 years of training, which typically includes:

• 4 year Bachelor’s Degree with Honours
• 2 years of full time equivalent training including a 2 year internship, or a 1 year Masters Degree and 1 year internship

Both Registered and Clinical Psychologists meet the Accreditation Standards for Psychology. However, a Clinical Psychologist undertakes further education and training to specialise in an endorsed area of practice. The Clinical Psychology pathway is the most extensive level and length of accredited training within the area of mental health practice. This additional training is recognised under the National Law.

4. What services do Clinical Psychologists offer?
Clinical Psychologists offer a range of services, including psychological assessment, clinical formulation, diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, and counselling. They work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to manage various mental health concerns using psychometric tests, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapies.

5. How can a Clinical Psychologist help?
Some reasons why someone might see a Clinical Psychologist include:

• Negative effects of trauma and significant life events
• Depressed mood, or suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety, excessive worry, or stress
• Relationship problems with family, partners, friends, colleagues
• Obsessive thoughts and behaviours
• Problems with gambling, alcohol or drug use, and other addictive behaviours
• Major life changes and stressors
• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Distraction, poor memory, and inattention
• Developmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability
• Sleep problems

A Clinical Psychologist can help you understand and manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. They provide tools and strategies to effectively cope with stress, improve relationships, and make lasting changes in your life. Clinical Psychologists can offer a second opinion or liaise with your GP and other professionals in your care to ensure you receive the right treatment. Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication. However, they can help you monitor your symptoms, and collaborate with medical doctors or psychiatrists if medication has been recommended.

6. How does therapy work with a Clinical Psychologist?
Therapy sessions involve open and confidential discussions with the Psychologist. They may use various therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs, helping you gain insight and develop skills to address your concerns. The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual and their specific goals. Short-term therapy may range from a few sessions to several months, while long-term therapy may extend over a year or more.

7. How do I know if I need to see a Clinical Psychologist?
If you are experiencing persistent emotional distress, struggling with relationships, or noticing changes in your thoughts and behaviors that negatively impact your daily life, consulting a Clinical Psychologist could be beneficial.

8. Is therapy confidential with a Clinical Psychologist?
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Clinical Psychologists adhere to ethical guidelines and legal standards to protect your privacy. There are some exceptions, such as situations involving imminent risk of harm to yourself or others. If you have concerns about these limitations, you can discuss them with your Psychologist prior to engaging in treatment.

9. How do I choose a Clinical Psychologist?
When choosing a Clinical Psychologist, consider factors such as their specialised areas of practice, therapeutic approach, level of experience, and your comfort. It is important to find a Psychologist who is a good fit for your needs, and who is able to assist with a range of matters that are important to you.

10. Is therapy covered by Private Health Insurance?
Many health insurance plans provide cover for therapy sessions with licensed Clinical Psychologists. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your options. You may provide your insurer with your Psychologist’s details and credentials to see whether you are covered for their services.

11. Is Clinical Psychology covered by Medicare?
Yes, therapy with a Clinical Psychologist is recognised by Medicare. Medicare requires that the services be considered necessary, which means you may need to have a diagnosed health condition that requires treatment in order to access Medicare rebates. Here are key points to consider:

• To access Medicare rebates/refunds for your sessions, you will require a GP referral, or referral from another eligible health care provider addressed to your Clinical Psychologist, along with a Mental Health (or other) Treatment Plan (MHTP)
• You’ll need to ensure that your Clinical Psychologist accepts Medicare, and can either process your rebates for you, or provide you with a receipt so that you can make your own Medicare claims
• Medicare rebates only cover a portion of your session fee. You will initially be responsible for the full amount before receiving your rebate. From July 2024, the Medicare rebate for a 50 minute session with a Clinical Psychologist is $141.85
• Medicare has limits on the number of rebated sessions per year. From January to December, you are eligible for up to 10 sessions with a Medicare rebate within that year. You can access a further 10 sessions from January of the following year if you review your MHTP and referral
• The number of Medicare rebated sessions has no bearing on how many psychology sessions you may require to achieve your therapy goals. However the rebates can provide some financial relief, make treatment more affordable, and allow better access to mental health services.

We hope that our FAQs page has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions about Clinical Psychology, please contact us.