What is a Psychologist?

The study of psychology uses scientific principles to investigate internal mental and neurological processes to understand what drives human behaviour.

A Psychologist has completed a minimum of 6 years of accredited study and training programs in psychology. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA).

Once registered, Psychologists specialise through practical experience or further study in a variety of areas including counselling, clinical, organisational or health psychology to name a few.

Psychologists are approved to provide focused psychological strategies under medicare’s better access to mental health care initiative and therefore clients are entitled to a medicare rebate for their services with a Psychologist.

What is the difference between a Psychologist / Psychiatrist / Psychotherapist?

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed their 5 years specialist training in psychiatry. Psychiatry is an area of medicine which specialises in mental health care. A Psychologist is as described above and can specialise in offering counselling services, as I have. A Psychotherapist can also be called a therapist or a counsellor and as the name suggests, they provide counselling and therapy services. There are no regulations which stipulate what course of study qualifies someone as a psychotherapist / counsellor, however this does not mean that they do not offer excellent services.

Social workers, occupational therapists and nurses can also offer mental health counselling services under medicare’s better access to mental health care initiative.

Can a Psychologist prescribe medication or write a medical certificate?

As Psychologists are not medical doctors, they cannot prescribe medications or write medical certificates.

How long do I need to see a Psychologist for?

This will depend on your individual needs. In my experience in offering schema therapy, it’s best to consider 10 sessions as a good starting point to see some consistent results, however many people find 20 or more sessions useful. We continually review progress towards treatment goals during the course of therapy so you can be in control of your progress and treatment length.

Under medicare legislation a “course of treatment” is 6 sessions, with a maximum of 10 per year, however this is not an evidenced based recommendation for treatment length.

How often should I see a Psychologist?

Once again, this will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Ideally you would see a therapist weekly until you feel you have made good gains and then space out the sessions to fortnightly / monthly as required. However due to the reality of financial constraints and the cost of treatment, most people find it more affordable to book appointments fortnightly, and when their 10 sessions for the calendar year have been completed, move to monthly sessions. This is a more than adequate pattern of booking to make good progress in therapy.

When should I see a Psychologist?

Many people wait a long time to see a Psychologist. You don’t have to wait and suffer until you feel like you “deserve” help. If you are feeling agitated, depressed or anxious, have a conversation with your GP about working on your mental health. They may suggest a combination of medication, counselling or self-help services.