> What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed extra training to become a specialist for mental illness.

Psychiatrists have expertise in pharmacological treatments. Some psychiatrists also offer psychotherapy.

A psychologist is an expert in human behavior. Psychology seeks to understand what people do, why we do it, what indicates there may be a problem, what causes us stress etc. A psychologist undertakes at least 6 years of university training in research, human development, brain function, psychophysiology, learning, memory, motivation and social interactions.

A psychologist must meet the competency standards established by the Psychological Board of Australia to gain registration to practice psychology. Continuing professional development and adherence to the strict ethical codes is required to maintain their registration.

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists assist people make positive change in the way they think, feel and act so they can achieve happier, more satisfying lives.

Psychology is a relatively young science, so it doesn’t have all the answers yet but psychologists can work with you to help you explore ways to improve or cope better with your situation.

Research has demonstrated that benefits of pharmacological treatment are enhanced by psychological treatments.

> Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

A referral for psychological treatment is not needed if you are paying for your treatment or seeking a rebate from your health fund.

A referral from your GP is recommended if you want your treatment to be paid for by an insurance company e.g. Worker’s Compensation, Motor Accident Commission, or income protection.

A referral and a mental health plan is required to be eligible for a rebate from Medicare.

> Does Medicare cover psychological treatment?

Medicare offers a rebate for the treatment of approved psychological conditions.

This rebate is less than the recommended fee set by the Australian Psychological Society. Your out of pocket gap varies depending on the psychologist and type of service required.

The Medicare Safety Net applies to any of your out of pocket expenses and can protect you from large out of pocket expensess.

To be entitled to the Medicare rebate, you need to be an Australian citizen and have a mental health plan.

You can get a mental health plan from a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist. We recommend that you request an extended appointment when you discuss this with your GP.

Medicare will pay for up to 10 individual and group sessions in a calendar year. Your mental health plan must be reviewed by your GP after 6 sessions, before approval for the further 4 sessions can be approved.

Medicare must approve your mental health plan before you attend your initial appointment or your rebate for that session cannot be claimed. You can check this by ringing our office (08 82716622) or Medicare Customer Care (132 150).

> Will my private health fund pay any gap for psychological services?

No, you can’t use your health fund benefit to pay the gap between the Medicare rebate and the psychologist’s fee.

However, you can use your health fund benefit provide you with more treatment sessions over the course of the calendar year, if required.

The number of sessions and amount of rebate you are entitled to will depend on your policy. You will need to contact your health fund to find out your entitlement and their contribution towards your psychological treatment.

> Is funding available if I’m the victim of a crime?

Technically, you are not a Victim of Crime (VoC) or entitled to compensation until the perpetrator has been convicted of the crime against you. That legal process can be very slow and stressful, so we recommend that you do not wait until the court determines that.

In the interim, you can seek a rebate for 10 sessions of psychological treatment from Medicare or use your private health insurance to pay for your treatment.

We recommend you make an extended appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and circumstances and ask for a mental health plan.

Once your VoC entitlement has been established, your lawyer can claim the out of pocket expenses you incur for treatment of any physical or psychological injuries arising from that crime.

> Is psychological treatment confidential?

Confidentiality and feeling secure that no-one will know what you discuss with your psychologist is an important part of the treatment process and an ethical standard of registered psychologists.

A psychologist cannot advise anyone that they are providing you with treatment. S/he can only discuss your situation with those you have given written consent.

However, there are some situations in which psychologists are legally required to report or divulge certain information, but we will discuss this you before treatment commences, if it is relevant to your situation.

Leading Edge Psychology allows clients to have access to what we record in your file.

> How do I choose the right psychologist for me?

There is no simple answer to this question because many things contribute to the optimal fit between a client/patient and their psychologist.

Research has demonstrated that the level of trust, comfort and confidence you feel towards your psychologist is a critical factor in the success of psychological treatment.

Here are some considerations that may help you choose:

• Many psychologists have developed special expertise in one or more areas of interest or as a result of their experience. This extra level of expertise can contribute to improved outcomes for their patients/clients.

• Some psychologists offer specific treatment approaches. e.g. hypnosis, trauma therapy, mindfulness etc.

• Finding a treatment approach and interventions that suit your personality, circumstances and learning style is a critical factor in the success of your treatment.

• Although all psychologists are trained to treat the most psychological common problems that people may experience in their life (e.g. depression, anxiety, aggression, shyness, relocation, relationship or work issues, parenting, stress, grief, loss etc), like all human beings, psychologists have different personalities, backgrounds, experiences and styles, which make their individual approach different and unique.

• As is the case in all relationships, you will get on better with some people than others. Therefore it is important that you take the time to chose a psychologist you feel comfort with, and confident in.

• Non-therapeutic factors that can affect your choice include: location, convenience, cost, availability etc. However, like anything in life, sometimes the extra cost, distance or inconvenience is worth the effort to get the results you want.

• Take the time to think about the questions you need answered to help you decide (and ask them!).

• Although it can be helpful to weigh up the pros and cons of different psychologists with someone you trust, at the end of the day it is you that must make the final decision. If you’re not sure, go with your gut. In general, you will sense by about the third session if you have made a good choice.

• Take heart - if you realise you may have made the wrong choice, look for another psychologist who suits you better.

• It always best for you discuss any concerns with the psychologist before stopping treatment, because unforeseen obstacles and blocks can arise which can undermine your progress and it is your psychologist’s job to help you get through those stuck points or set backs.

• It is not wrong, and there is no shame in stopping treatment that does not inspire your confidence. It is far better to stop treatment that you have lost confidence in, than to become discouraged or blame yourself and give up entirely.

> 10 important questions to ask yourself when selecting a psychologist

1. Do I know anyone who has seen and can recommend a psychologist?
2. How important is the gender of the psychologist to me?
3. Does the psychologist have a website or brochure where I can find out more about their experience and treatment approaches?
4. How experienced is the psychologist in the treating my issue(s)?
5. Will the psychologist offer an initial free phone or face-to-face consultation to help me decide if s/he is right for me?
6. Does the psychologist explain everything I need to know about what I can expect, before commencing treatment?
7. Does the psychologist explain things in a language I can easily understand and can relate to?
8. Does the psychologist inspire my confidence and trust?
9. Is the psychologist’s reception/administration staff warm and helpful?
10. Is the psychologist willing to communicate with my GP or other treating practitioners?