FAQ

In short, a psychologist is a trained mental health professional.

However, extensive training goes into becoming a psychologist, helping them use evidenced-based treatment approaches to assist with a wide range of mental health concerns. Some psychologists have a keen interest in particular presentations and work with particular clients, other psychologists are comfortable addressing a wide range of issues using a range of treatment approaches. The most important part to remember is that a psychologist has a wide breadth and depth of knowledge about mental health issues including drawing on biological, social, psychological, attachment, and interpersonal factors. This helps them offer an individualised treatment plan that works alongside you to help support your mental health needs.

More often than not, your GP will refer you to a psychologist if you have raised concerns over your mental health.

But that doesn’t answer why you should see one right? The reality is, everybody struggles with their mental health at some point in their life. Trying to manage the stressors of life, competing demands, work, family, friends, and relationships can take a toll. It can become increasingly difficult to manage this on your own. A psychologist can offer you a supportive space to explore the challenges you are facing with your mental health, using evidenced-based treatments to get you back on track as quickly as possible. By seeing a psychologist, you are not only working to improve your health and wellbeing, you can be assured this support is provided by someone with the right training and skills to offer you the support you need, when you need it most.

Just like there are horses for courses…. Some psychologists took a particularly keen interest in an area of psychology and pursued additional training focusing on that set of skills. We call it a specific area of practice in which clinicians are endorsed, but really it is a psychologist’s way of finding a professional pathway where they feel most effective.

At Anxiety House, our clinicians are predominantly trained in the area of Clinical Psychology. However, we are also lucky enough to have Educational and Developmental (Ed/Dev for short) psychologists who have specific skills and knowledge regarding the development and education of people across the lifespan. You can read more about what an Ed/Dev psychologist can offer at https://anxietyhouse.com.au/cognitive-assessments/

You can expect to be warmly welcomed at Anxiety House. Our administrative staff will help you with any paperwork that needs to be filled in or that you have brought with you. Our waiting areas are quiet and cosy, and your privacy will be respected at all times. After that, you can expect to be greeted by your therapist, taken into a clinic room, and provided with a supportive environment in which you can begin working on your treatment goals. If you’re not sure what those goals are, don’t worry, we can help you work out exactly what it is that you are hoping to get from coming to therapy.

It happens… Not everyone is your jam and we get that. By letting us know when you feel you and your psychologist don’t click, we can support you to find an alternative therapist in our practice who might be more suitable. We advocate for your right to choose who provides you with the support you need, and will work with you to find a new Psychologist so that we can continue to provide you with the best possible treatment options.

Our practice is a full-fee practice which means there is a gap payment. A ‘gap’ refers to the monetary difference between what our fees for service are and what the Medicare rebate is – you might know it as the ‘out-of-pocket’ costs.

However, a Medicare rebate is available for all appointments, provided you have a current referral when you begin treatment. This Medicare rebate is available for up to 10 individual therapy appointments per calendar year (Jan – Dec). A gap payment is still required and will depend on which practitioner you are seeing. You may be eligible for a further 10 group therapy sessions with an appropriate referral from your GP or Psychiatrist.

Our practice is a full-fee practice which means there is a gap payment. A ‘gap’ refers to the monetary difference between what our fees for service are and what the Medicare rebate is – you might know it as the ‘out-of-pocket’ costs.

However, a Medicare rebate is available for all appointments, provided you have a current referral when you begin treatment. This Medicare rebate is available for up to 10 individual therapy appointments per calendar year (Jan – Dec). A gap payment is still required and will depend on which practitioner you are seeing. You may be eligible for a further 10 group therapy sessions with an appropriate referral from your GP or Psychiatrist.

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a plan your GP writes with you about treating a mental health condition. It helps you access eligible health care professions like psychologists, who can help you with your mental health concerns. You do not need to have an existing diagnosis to access a MHCP.

For more information, head to:

https://anxietyhouse.com.au/appointments/fees-rebates/
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/what-is-mental-health-care-plan-how-to-access-Queensland-Australia

Cancelled appointments have an impact on your treatment progress, the psychologist who has prepared for your session, and those on our waiting list trying to get appointments.

As such, we require 24 hours notice to cancel appointments to avoid a late cancellation fee. If your appointment is on a Monday, please contact the clinic by 5pm on Friday to ensure the same. It is best to call our administration to let us know as soon as possible that you need to cancel your appointment.

Appointments that are cancelled inside the 24 hours prior to the appointment will occur a cancellation fee, which is 100% of the consultation fee, and is not claimable through Medicare.

If you have any questions about our cancellation policy, please contact our friendly administration staff.

Unfortunately, the demand for service exceeds the availability of Psychologists in most towns and cities. Waiting lists are frustrating for you and for us too! At Anxiety House, we believe in treating each client in a timeframe that meets their needs, not according to demand, which can make waiting a little bit longer necessary. What it also means, is when you do begin treatment with your psychologist, you will have the time you need to get back on track. Wherever possible, we will attempt to provide you with an earlier appointment, which can be on short notice due to cancellations. Make sure you chat to our friendly administrative staff about the option of going on a cancellation list.

Our ongoing expansion of our practice is reflective of our wish to have a shorter waiting list and attend to the needs of as many of our clients that we can, while ensuring we continue to provide exceptional psychological services.

Anxiety House is not a crisis service and is not available after hours. We’ve put together a list of services who you can contact if you feel you are in crisis, are feeling suicidal, need after hours support, or are in an emergency.

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call-Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Parentline: 1300 30 1300
• Mensline: 1300 789 978
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• PANDA: 1300 726 306
• Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858
• EMERGENCY: 000