Question 1

How soon can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is best to contact us to get the most up-to-date information on wait times to get an appointment. We endeavour to provide an appointment at the earliest convenience.

Question 2

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

A normal individual session is 50 minutes long.

Question 3

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Each individual and situation is different. Some people achieve a different perspective in one session while most need more. Generally, approximately six sessions are required. For more serious mental health problems, more sessions may be needed.

Question 4

What can I expect from my sessions?

Accepted Answer

You can expect to discuss your feelings, behaviour, relationships, goals or problems. We aim to understand your situation, as you see it. We offer new strategies for approaching your situation, and a different perspective on your problem. We provide treatment programs using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches. There is usually an educational component.

Question 5

Do I need to be referred by a doctor?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a psychologist. You can simpy contact us and pay a private fee.  However to access the Medicare rebate you will need to see your doctor for a mental health plan before you can claim the Medicare refund. A referral is required to claim on WorkCover and motor vehicle accident insurance. You do not need a referral to use your private health cover.

Question 6

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Both psychologists and psychiatrists use various forms of therapy to help with problems like depression, anxiety, stress, grief, bipolar disorder, relationship breakdowns, drug and alcohol addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. But there are differences. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications (having trained as a medical practitioner), which psychologists can't do. Because of this, psychiatrists tend to look after more people with severe mental illness who need medication. Registered psychologists themselves are required to have a minimum of six years of university training and supervised experience.

Question 7

Should I keep taking my medication during therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, taking medication does not prevent you from engaging in an effective treatment program with a psychologist. Over time, as you feel better, you may be able to discuss reduction of medication with your doctor. Do not change your medication regime without the advice of your doctor.

Question 8

What does it cost for a session?

Accepted Answer

Seeing a psychologist can be costly, and we understand that it is difficult for most to have out-of-pocket medical expenses. Together with our professional body, we are working hard to lobby the Government to make access to mental healthcare more affordable. However, the increases in government rebates have lagged behind inflation for many years, resulting in higher costs for clients. In recognition, at Down South Psychology, we ask our clients for a much lower rate, currently $287 per session, than that recommended by professional bodies ($311 per session).
Medicare refunds apply if you have a Mental Health Care Plan, but there is a gap fee. Private Health Cover Extras apply, so please check the amount of your rebate with your fund.
Please see the Terms of Service (https://www.downsouthpsychology.com/terms-of-service)tab for further information regarding fees.

Question 9

How do I access my private health cover rebate?

Accepted Answer

You do not have to have a referral from your doctor to access private health cover rebates for psychology, you just need to make an appointment. You should check the amount of your rebate with your fund, and ensure you have cover for psychology, before attending an appointment.

Question 10

How do I access Medicare rebates?

Accepted Answer

You should visit your GP after booking an extended visit, and he or she will assess your symptoms and write a Mental Health Care Plan if you are eligible.

Question 11

How do I access the Medicare rebate for my child?

Accepted Answer

You should visit your GP for assessment for a mental health care plan for your child. Unfortunately, you are not covered by the plan to see the psychologist without your child present. We usually recommend that you book a private session with the psychologist first, as it is often a good idea to discuss the problem without the child overhearing.

Question 12

What is an assistance dog?

Accepted Answer

Assistance dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding visually impaired people, alerting deaf individuals to sounds, or helping with mobility tasks.
Assistance dogs offer practical, life-enhancing support tailored to the needs of their handler, which can include anything from opening doors to detecting medical conditions like seizures or low blood sugar levels.
To find out more information, please go to the Assistance Dogs page.

Question 13

Can I use NDIS funding towards my therapy?

Accepted Answer

If you manage your NDIS plan yourself (i.e. self-managed) then you can use this towards funding your therapy at our practice. Please check with the NDIS if you seek further clarification around this.

Question 14

Do you see Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may be eligible for up to 12 appointments a year with an appropriate GP referral detailing your DVA status. The DVA is billed directly and there are no out of pocket expenses for you.

Question 15

Do you see Australian Defence Force (ADF) clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will need an appropriate referral from you ADF GP. The ADF is billed directly and there are no out of pocket expenses for you. Late cancellation and no show fees will apply.

Question 16

What other support services are available?

Accepted Answer

If the matter is an emergency, please contact 000 or, in other cases, you may contact Lifeline 13 11 14.
 
Some further support service contacts are provided below:
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 569 467
SANE Helpline: 1800 187 263
Crisis Care (4pm-9am): 13 16 11
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Mensline Australia: 1300 780 978
Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours): 1800 800 098
Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 1300 782 200
Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service: 8226 8787 (24 hours) 1800 817 421 (toll free)
Rural & Remote Mental Health Service of SA: 13 14 65
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (24 hours): 1300 131 340
Health Direct ‘Your 24 hour health advice line’: 1800 022 222
Mental Health Resource Centre: 08 8221 5166

Question 17

Do you provide court reports?

Accepted Answer

No. Our service does not provide any court reports.

Question 18

Do you provide services for Return to Work or for insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

No. Our services do not provide services for Return to Work or for insurance claims.

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