Frequently Asked Questions

We can provide consultations via Skype or phone call. To make a booking for a Skype or phone consultation feel free to use our confidential online booking page.

Please be aware Rebates are NOT available through Medicare for teleconsultations. Please check with your Private Health Insurance to see if your cover includes teleconsultations.

The Australian Government is currently working to change the Medicare rebate system to allow people living in rural or remote regions to be able to claim rebates for teleconsultations. The proposed start date is November 2017. More information will be provided as soon as it is available.

If you are covered for consultations under DVA, you will still need to see your GP for a referral before coming to your first consultation. A referral for psychological services is valid for 12months and can be renewed after this period.

Every psychologist is bound by the Code of Ethics of the Australian Psychological Society. A core part of the Code of Ethics is Confidentiality. All psychologists are bound to safeguard the confidentiality of any information gathered during their provision of psychological services. They will take every reasonable step to ensure that what you discuss is kept confidential.

There are only three circumstances where a psychologist is permitted to disclose confidential information. These are:

1. With consent from you, the client, or someone with legal authority to act on your behalf.
2. Where the psychologist has a legal obligation to do so.
3. If there is a risk of harm to yourself, or others.

Additional information on confidentiality or the Code of Ethics can be found here. Our psychologists will always discuss confidentiality with you and they will take every step to protect your information within these limits.

Leia and Kelly do NOT provide reports required for court.

A Clinical Psychologist specialises in the Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Issues. They have generally received extensive University Training for at least 6 years, followed by a Registrar Program.

Psychiatrists are Medical Doctors that specialise in Psychiatry. They can prescribe medication to assist with Mental Health Conditions. They are highly skilled at managing mental health medication. Clinical Psychologists DO NOT prescribe medications. Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists often work together to support people with more complex Mental Health Conditions.

The first session involves gathering as much information in the time available to understand what is going on for you and to establish appropriate goals for Therapy. The information gathered is focused around the problems that you want to work on. Generally, Therapy does not begin until the following session.

Therapy generally begins in the second session. In these sessions, we begin working towards targeting the agreed goals for your therapy. Therapy will include the development of strategies that you can use to work on the challenges that you are facing. As further information is gathered over time, the understanding of the contributing factors may change and can be incorporated into the Therapy goals. As therapy comes to an end, it is important to attend a closure session. In this session, your psychologist will work with you to develop a plan to minimise Relapse.

It will depend on the nature and complexity of the challenges you are facing. Some people can respond quickly within a few sessions. Whereas for some conditions extended therapy is required. At present a Mental Health Care Plan entitles you to 10 sessions per calendar year. However, you can continue with your sessions privately.