Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Psychology?
Psychology is an allied health division whereby therapists assist their clients to experience meaningful and fulfilling lives. It is a regulated profession with a minimum requirement of 4 years university education and 2 years supervised practical training.

The Australian Psychology Society states:

“Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development, and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react.”

What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical Psychology is recognised by the National Registration Authority (AHPRA) as an endorsed area of practice. Clinical Psychologists have completed 6 years of university training and a 2 year Registrar program to meet criteria for endorsement.

Current requirements of the Registrar program involve completing two years full time practice, 3080 hours of psychological practice, 80 hours of supervision (consultation with a board-approved clinical psychologist supervisor), and 80 hours of active professional development.

We are trained to understand emotions and behaviour and help you enhance your coping strategies, reduce distress and improve your wellbeing using evidence-based techniques.

Are psychologists the same as psychiatrists?
No. We are not psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health disorders that require medical management (like an oncologist specialises in cancer, or a surgeon specialises in surgery).

What other Allied Health disciplines can provide therapy?

  • Under Medicare, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists who meet specific conditions can provide Focussed Psychological Strategies including cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, behaviour therapy, and interpersonal therapy. These Allied Health professionals are trained in mental health service delivery and have to comply with specific conditions to be eligible to provide therapy. 
  • Counsellors can also provide interpersonal therapy and motivational interviewing but are not considered Allied Health under National Registration Boards (see AHPRA).

How do you access Psychology services?

  • You can self-refer to psychological services. Therapy may be rebated by your private health insurance.
  • If you see your GP first, you can be referred for certain conditions under a Mental Health Care Plan. If you are referred under this Plan, Medicare offers rebates for up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions per calendar year (see Treatment).

How much does it cost to see a psychologist?

  • Fees vary amongst specialist and generalist psychologists and other allied health providers of mental health treatment. At Fleming Psychology are fees are offered on a sliding scale to ensure treatment is affordable. See Fees for more details.