FRequently Asked Questions

A clinical psychologist is a psychologist who has undertaken training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders across the lifespan. Clinical psychologists are the only psychologists to have this advanced level of education and training in mental health that overall takes eight years.

Clinical psychology is a science-based profession that integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent and relieve psychological problems or disorders whether they are mild, moderate, severe, chronic, or complex.

Other psychologists may have advanced levels of education and training specialising in areas other than mental health, such as clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, organisational psychology, educational and developmental psychology, sport and exercise psychology, community psychology or counselling psychology. Areas of specialisation are recognised via endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Clinical psychologists are experts in mental health disorders with advanced education in diagnostics, assessments, and treatments for emotional and behavioural mental health disorders.

Clinical psychologists often opt to specialise in an endorsed practice within the mental health field which is an area of interest to them. . They also undertake further advanced training in various treatment modalities and approaches and continue with an ongoing professional development to meet the standards required by AHPRA.

They collect the information and data from patients to build an accurate picture of their overall mental health. A clinical psychologist will then create a suitable treatment plan for their patient which they will manage throughout the duration of their time with the patient. They use different types of non-medicated treatment options to alleviate mental health symptoms and assist with recovery. Alongside effective treatment options a clinical psychologist can also provide practical advice and information about disorders to help patients better understand their mental health.

Meeting with a psychologist is as simple as picking up the phone and contacting a clinic to book an appointment. You don’t need a referral from your GP.  However, if you don’t get a GP or psychiatrist referral or mental health treatment plan, you will not be eligible for any Medicare rebates. If you have concerns about your mental health it can be beneficial to first speak to your doctor to establish a mental health treatment plan. Your doctor will be able to assess if you are eligible for a mental health plan which will entitle you to reduced rates when you visit your psychologist. Your doctor can then arrange a referral to your preferred provider.

Meeting with a psychologist can be a confronting experience for some but it doesn’t have to be. When you meet with a psychologist it is important to focus on the positive potential of your visit. In your first visit you should expect to have some general conversation with your psychologist and discuss some of your past experiences to gather information that could be useful for your treatment plan. Prior to attending your first appointment it can be useful to take down some notes or key points that you may want to discuss with your psychologist.

This depends greatly on the type of symptoms you are experiencing. Improvement varies between patients and should be expected within a number of visits. Simply talking and learning more about your mental health and what you are experiencing can help to relieve some of your stresses and concerns. Your psychologist may give you some activities to practice at home to help with your ongoing treatment and alleviate symptoms. Self-management is a huge part of ongoing care and your psychologist can help to create a sustainable self-management plan to accompany your in-clinic care. Effective mental health treatment takes time and commitment and isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Giving your treatment adequate time to see results is fundamental in recovery.
Yes, Online therapy via secure video or phone services is available. This option offers access to effective support without having to leave home or office.

Common reasons why someone might see a clinical psychologist include:

  • Problems in adjusting to major life changes, stress or trauma
  • Anxiety, worry or fear
  • Depressed or low mood, or suicidal thinking
  • Thoughts of hurting other people or hurting yourself on purpose
  • Too much energy, being unable to sleep, wind down or relax
  • Obsessional thinking
  • Feeling on edge or jumpy
  • Problems with alcohol or drug use
  • Problem gambling, gaming or other addictive behaviours
  • Poor concentration and attention; hyperactivity
  • Insomnia and other sleep problems
  • Conditions that start in childhood such as autism, intellectual disability, ADHD, learning difficulties or childhood anxiety or depression
  • Behaviour problems in children and adolescence

A clinical psychologist can be of particular help if your mental health condition:

  • Is complex or difficult to diagnose
  • Involves suicidal ideas or plans
  • Isn’t responding to standard treatment through your GP (family doctor).

As part of their work, a clinical psychologist can:

  • Help you to manage a long-term mental health condition
  • Provide advice about lifestyle changes to help manage psychological distress
  • Work with you individually, or with you and your partner, family, or carers
  • Provide second opinions and advice to other mental health professionals
  • Liaise with your GP to facilitate a referral to other health professionals, such as a Psychiatrist, Speech Pathologist, or Occupational Therapist

(Australian Clinical Psychology Association, What is a Clinical Psychologist?, accessed 16 April 2020, <https://acpa.org.au/what-is-a-clinical-psychologist>)

Only you can assess whether your new psychologist is right for you. Committing to a few sessions with your new psychologist will allow you to decide whether you wish to continue with your psychologist for ongoing treatment or whether you want to seek help from a different practitioner. Your mental health is the most important factor when considering your treatment and you should always be conscious of your feelings throughout the process.

A clinical psychologist undertakes eight years of education and training to become endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia. This is the highest level of training in the assessment, formulation, diagnosis, and psychological treatment of mental health problems of any profession. Doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Following their university education and training they undertake registrar training for up to two years to gain endorsement as a clinical psychologist.

However, not all clinical psychologists hold these qualifications. Only members of ACPA are guaranteed to have undertaken this training.

In Australia psychology is a regulated health profession under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency via the Psychology Board of Australia.

If you wish to learn more about a specific psychologist’s or clinical psychologist’s qualifications, go to:

www.psychologyboard.gov.au and search the Registers of Practitioners by the psychologist’s name, state and the profession of psychology; click on View Details to view their qualifications and to determine if they are endorsed as a clinical psychologist.

 

(Australian Clinical Psychology Association, What is a Clinical Psychologist?, accessed 16 April 2020, <https://acpa.org.au/what-is-a-clinical-psychologist>)

It is recommended that patients come along to a number of sessions before expecting to see improvements in their symptoms. Psychology treatments are not an instant fix and should be given time to achieve results. If you are unhappy with your progress throughout your treatment we can tailor your sessions differently and look at introducing other means of therapy. Psychology is not a one-size-fix-all approach and can take time to find a solution that works. Mental health is complex and varies so greatly between patients. A treatment that may work wonderfully with one patient presenting with the same symptoms may not work at all for another patient. We want to work with our patients and alter our treatment plan when needed as we go through the process to find the right treatment.

Psychiatrists and psychologists often work in conjunction with one another to deal with complex mental health disorders. The difference between the two are that psychiatrists are able to diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medications to assist with treatment. Psychologists are not able to make a diagnosis or prescribe medication instead they treat patients using psychotherapy and talk therapies. For serious and complex mental health disorders it can be beneficial for patients that have been diagnosed by a psychiatrist to seek added therapy through a clinical psychologist. Often medication alongside talk therapies can work well together for patients suffering with serious complex mental health issues.

Please Contact us If you have any more questions about the role of a clinical psychologist or the services that we offer to our patients.

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