FAQs

What appointment times are available?

We offer appointments between the hours of 8:30am and 7pm Monday through to Friday. Saturday appointments will soon be available.

How long are appointments?

Appointments are 55 minutes in length, and usually cannot be extended past the scheduled time should a client arrive late.

What is the cost for an appointment?

Our scheduled fee to see a Clinical Psychologist is $230 (Medicare rebate $126.50) which is less than the current recommended rate set by the Australian Psychological Society of $254.

Clients may be eligible to a partial rebate for some sessions through Medicare or their Private Health Insurance. You are unable to claim both Medicare and Private Health Insurance rebates for the same session.

Fees are payable at the time of appointment, and can be made using cash, EFTPOS or credit card (Mastercard and Visa).

Can I claim any Medicare rebate?

Yes, if you have obtained a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP or Psychiatrist you will be entitled to Medicare rebate for up to 10 psychology sessions in a calendar year. The Medicare rebate for a 55 minute session with a Clinical Psychologist is $126.50, resulting in a small gap fee for clients.

Clients who are eligible for a MHCP referral have one or more of the following diagnoses:

Alcohol use disorder
Anxiety disorders
Adjustment disorder
Attention deficit disorder
Bereavement disorder
Bipolar disorder
Co-occurring anxiety and depression
Depression
Drug use disorder
Eating disorders
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Panic disorder
Phobic disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia
Sexual disorders
Sleep problems

A MHCP referral is valid for one year. When a client has claimed 6 Medicare rebate sessions they must return to their GP or Psychiatrist for a review before granted a further 4 Medicare rebate sessions. We provide a written progress report to the referring GP or Psychiatrist following completion of the 6th session, the 10th session and at conclusion of treatment.

Can I claim any Private Health Fund Rebate?

Yes, if you have Private Health Insurance and your insurance covers individual sessions with a Clinical Psychologist. It is best to enquire with your Private Health Fund regarding your insurance cover entitlements as each fund differs.

How do I make a Claim for rebate?

We will provide you with a receipt for payment that has all the necessary information to claim rebate through Medicare or your Private Health Insurer. Unfortunately claiming the rebate at the time you are paying for your appointment is not possible.

What is the cancellation policy?

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, clients will be charged 50% of the full session fee for cancelling with less than 24 hours before their scheduled appointment. The full session fee will be charged for failure to attend a scheduled appointment without cancellation notice. Please note that these cancellation costs are unable to be claimed through Medicare or Private Health Fund Insurance.

Do you offer Skype or telephone sessions?

Yes, Skype or telephone sessions are available for clients who relocate, travel overseas, on the occasions when it is difficult to attend the practice, and for those who live in remote/ rural communities.

Do you provide treatment for WorkCover clients?

Some Clinical Psychologists at the practice are trained and registered to work with WorkCover clients.

Are sessions confidential?

All personal information disclosed by clients remains strictly confidential and is stored in a way that client's privacy is maintained. Without a client’s consent, information disclosed will not be discussed with any third party including family members, GP's or other health professionals.

However, there are exceptions in which a psychologist can and must breach client confidentiality and these are if subpoenaed by court, where failure to disclose would place the client or another person at risk, and when such information is required to be legally reported by a psychologist. Kristy Attwooll & Associates also reserve the right, in the case of non-payment for a service which the client is responsible for, to provide the contact details of a client to a third party for collection of monies owed.

Why do people see a Clinical Psychologist?

Psychological treatment would be suggested for individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder, essentially individuals who find that their feelings, thoughts, urges and behaviour are persistently causing a negative disruption to their functioning in relationships or at work. However, many individuals find that even if they are not experiencing psychological difficulties they can learn a lot about oneself in therapy and become more capable of acting in ways that bring about greater satisfaction and meaning in their lives.

Some people feel ashamed about seeing a Clinical Psychologist and believe they should manage their concerns without help. They often worry they will be perceived as a “failure” or “weak”. However, one in every 4 people at some point in their lifetime regardless of gender, age, race and socioeconomic status are diagnosed with a mental health difficulty. Struggling alone, without proper support or treatment is damaging to an individual not to mention their relationships and career and mental health problems are never a reflection of failure or weakness.

Some people are also reluctant to seek treatment if they have a good support network. While the support of friends and family is often vital when coping with life’s challenges many people find it useful to talk to someone who is not part of their social network. A Clinical Psychologist will listen without judgement, is not emotionally attached to outcomes in the same way family and friends are, understands and knows how to treat psychological problems, and is bound by a professional coded of ethics to maintain confidentiality. Further clients often benefit from having their own space to explore issues and experience their own feelings without fearing they are burdening loved ones.

What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists often work together, but are two different professions with different training.

Clinical Psychologists complete a minimum of 6 years post-graduate training, and if they have completed doctoral degrees or PhDs, are referred to as “doctor”. However, they do not have medical degrees and cannot prescribe medication. Clinical Psychologists are trained in the assessment and treatment of a range of psychological difficulties. They offer a form of talking therapy which involves teaching skills so that clients learn to better manage emotions, modify their thinking, talk themselves through difficult situations, make better choices and engage in more helpful behaviours.

Psychiatrists also study at a post-graduate level, but obtain a 6 year General Medicine degree before going on to complete further years of study specialising in the area of Psychiatry. They are highly skilled in diagnosis and can prescribe medication.

Who should I contact if in crisis?

If you are ever experiencing a mental health crisis you should contact your doctor, the community mental health crisis team on 1800 011 511, or present at the emergency department of your closest hospital. You could also contact the Police on 000 for assistance regarding a serious mental health emergency.

If you feel suicidal and need to talk to someone immediately then you could contact your local mental health crisis team on 1800 011 511 or ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, all offer 24 hour professional assistance, 7 days a week.

If I make an appointment what should I expect?

Psychological therapy involves an assessment (usually 1-2 sessions) where the Clinical Psychologist will ask questions to help them understand your history, your current difficulties and to collaboratively formulate a treatment plan to help you.

While it is important that the Clinical Psychologist conducts an assessment to determine how they might help a client, it is equally important for the client to determine if they feel comfortable with the Clinical Psychologist and if they are someone they could talk to openly and honestly. If this is the case, after the assessment, ongoing treatment sessions begins.

Treatment sessions focus on introducing a range of evidence-based strategies, essentially strategies that have been researched and proven to be effective in treating psychological difficulties.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required will be dependent on each individual's problems and goals for treatment. This is discussed in the initial appointments, and the structure of the sessions are adapted accordingly.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to make an appointment with one of our Clinical Psychologists then please contact the practice on 0430 111 953 or email info@kristyattwooll.com.au

When calling the practice please be mindful that due to our appointment schedule, on occasions we will be unable to answer calls. Please leave a message and we will return your call at the earliest possible time. Please also note that we do not take calls after hours or over the weekend.

Emails are regularly checked during weekdays but kindly hold in mind there can be a short delay in returning emails due to our appointment schedule.