FAQ

+ What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is a person who has studied and trained in the science of how people feel, think and behave. Registered psychologists required a minimum of six years of university studies and supervised practice.

+ What’s the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?

Both a psychologist and a psychiatrist are trained in mental health; however, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor with additional training in mental health. Psychologists utilise “talk” therapies to help clients increase skills to cope with the presenting concern. Psychiatrists specialise in the medical treatment of mental illness and this may include medication (psychologists are not able to prescribe any medication).

+ How many times will I need to see my psychologist?

The length of treatment varies widely and is different for each person’s journey. Factors such as the reason you have come to therapy and what you hope to get out of sessions help provide some indication of length of treatment – and your psychologist can discuss that with you during the initial appointment.

+ What is confidentiality and will my appointment be confidential?

Only information relevant to your therapeutic work will be recorded. This information may include your contact details, session notes, assessment material, treatment plan, supervision notes, and information from other health professionals (obtained with your consent). All personal information gathered by the psychologist during your sessions will not be disclosed except when:

1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or
2. The treating psychologist has a reasonable belief that failure to disclose would place you or another person at serious risk to life, health, or safety; or
3. Your prior approval has been obtained to
   • Provide a written report to another professional or agency e.g. a GP or a lawyer; or
   • Discuss the material with another person, eg. A parent, employer, or health provider; or
   • Disclose the information in another way; or
4. Disclosure is otherwise required by law If you have any concerns regarding disclosure of information, please discuss this with your psychologist at your first appointment. You can view our code of ethics here

+ Do I need a referral?

No, you can make an appointment to see a psychologist without a referral.

You do require an eligible referral (and Mental Health Care Plan) from your GP if you wish to claim the Medicare rebate for your sessions with a Registered/Clinical Psychologist.

The referral does not need to have the name of the psychologist you intend to see on it – as a client you are free to choose which psychologist you see.

+ Are after hours appointments available?

We do have a limited number of after-hours appointments available. These are booked at the individual clinicians discretion and may attract additional fees.

+ Do you provide telehealth appointments?

Telehealth is available in the event you are away or unwell at the time of your scheduled appointment (or in the event of snap lockdowns). Depending on the reason for seeking therapy or the therapy modality, ongoing telehealth may be available. Please discuss with your psychologist at your first/next appointment.

+ How do I cancel or change my appointment?

When you make an appointment with us that time is reserved for you. This is time that our clinicians have set aside for you, often meaning someone else did not get that appointment time. Your session fee is payable whether you choose to attend your appointment or not. We will always offer alternatives if you are unable to attend in person - either via zoom, FaceTime or phone.

However, we do understand life happens and things beyond our control occur. In the event of needing to reschedule or cancel, please call our team to discuss your options.

+ What is your fee structure?

Our fees vary depending on the clinician and treatment stream (EAP/SIRA/NDIS etc). This is discussed with you when looking to book with our clinic.

As a guide our fees currently are: General Registered Psychologist - $254 (may be eligible for a rebate) Provisional Registered Psychologist - $160 (clients are not able to access a rebate)

+ Can I bulk bill appointments?

No, we do not bulk bill appointments

+ How do I claim my Medicare rebate?

Once you have provided an eligible referral from your GP, we are happy to do the Medicare Rebate processing for you. At the time of your appointment, you will be expected to pay the full fee, and within 24-48hrs you will have the rebate refunded back into your bank account.

If you would prefer to do this yourself, we will send through an invoice for you to upload onto the MyGov app or take into Medicare.

+ Do you have any current career opportunities available?

Visit our careers section for our current opportunities.

+ Do you offer training for provisional and other psychologists?

At Mind Cookie Psychology we offer training for provisional and other psychologists.

Provisional Psychologists in our clinical development program are provided ongoing support through weekly supervision, formal professional development activities, peer supervision, as well as experiential learning. These internships are available both full time and part time.

We also offer peer consultation and supervision for registered psychologists and other professionals.