FAQs
What appointment times are available?
We offer appointments between the hours of 8:00am and 7pm Monday through to Friday.
How long are appointments?
Appointments are 50 minutes in length, and usually cannot be extended past the scheduled time should a client arrive late.
What is the cost for an appointment?
The cost for an initial consultation with one of our Clinical Psychologists is $265, the current fee recommended by the Australian Psychological Society. Subsequent consultations with a Clinical Psychologist at our practice will cost $250 (and $265 if you are working with our Principal Psychologist). Medicare rebate is $129.55 per consultation (20 sessions each calendar year) with an appropriate Medicare referral.
The cost for initial and subsequent sessions with our Clinical Psychologist Registrar is $200. Medicare rebate is $88.25 per consultation (20 sessions each calendar year) with an appropriate Medicare referral.
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 (please see below for more information about Medicare rebate).
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 session with a Clinical Psychologist is $129.55 and with a Clinical Psychologist Registrar the rebate is $88.25.
In October 2020, Medicare announced an increase to 20 sessions per calendar year will be available for clients under Medicare until 2022.
When a client has claimed 6 Medicare rebate sessions they must return to their GP or Psychiatrist for a review before granted a further four Medicare rebate sessions. A further review with one's doctor is required to access the additional 10 Medicare rebate sessions per year that are available till 2022. We provide a written progress report to the referring GP or Psychiatrist following completion of the 6th session, the 10th session, the 20th session and at conclusion of treatment.
Medicare rebates are also available if you obtain an Eating Disorders Plan from your GP. Under this plan, you may be eligible for up to 40 medicare rebate sessions in a calendar year. The rebate is $128.40 or $87.45 per session depending on if you are working with a Clinical psychologist or Clinical Psychologist Registrar. A review with a GP after every 10 sessions and a review with a Psychiatrist after every 20 sessions is required.
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 are able to lodge your Medicare claim as long as Medicare has your account details. If you wish to claim via Private Health Fund we will provide you with a receipt with the necessary information to claim rebate through your Private Health Insurer.
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 Video or telephone sessions?
Yes, we offer Zoom or telephone sessions for occasions when it is difficult to attend the practice such as for health-related reasons, other challenges, travel, relocation 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 Manager on 0410 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.