Questions Common questions

No. You can contact either clinic directly, pay the clinic's fee and claim from your private health extras if your cover includes psychology. Alternatively, you can start with a referral under Medicare's Better Access program and claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions.

All psychologists in Australia are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and trained to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of concerns. A clinical psychologist, like Jess, has also completed an accredited postgraduate degree and a Board-approved registrar program in clinical psychology, and holds the Board's endorsement. This training centres on assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. For a session of the same length, Medicare pays a higher rebate with a clinical psychologist than with a registered psychologist.

Yes. Where a diagnosis is helpful, Jess bases it on recognised diagnostic criteria and uses it to guide treatment. As a registrar, she provided psychological assessment and diagnostic clarification with the Acute Psychology Team at Canberra Health Services. You do not need a diagnosis to start therapy. Psychologists do not prescribe medication, so if medication might help, a GP or psychiatrist can advise.

Yes. Jess sees children from about six years old, teenagers and adults. Parents or carers of younger children are usually involved, particularly early on, so that Jess can understand the child's life at home and at school. Teenagers often spend more of the session on their own, and what is shared with parents or carers is agreed at the start.

Feeling comfortable with your psychologist matters, and research links a good working relationship with how much people gain from therapy. If something does not feel right, raise it with Jess, and she can adjust how sessions run. If another psychologist or service would suit you better, she can talk through the options with you.