Fluid Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What can psychology treatment help with?
Registered psychologists are trained in assessing and treating issues related to thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that have a negative impact on important areas of your functioning. Said in another way, psychologists can help you to better understand what makes you 'tick', and help you to make changes aimed at improving your life.
For example, people who worry a lot (thoughts) tend to have higher levels of anxiety (feelings), which can often result in them avoiding the activities (behaviour) that make life rich and meaningful, out of fear that something bad will happen. For many people, this pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving gradually leads to a lower quality of life. A psychologist is a specialist in helping you to understand and break these patterns so that you can get back to living life more fully.
For example, people who worry a lot (thoughts) tend to have higher levels of anxiety (feelings), which can often result in them avoiding the activities (behaviour) that make life rich and meaningful, out of fear that something bad will happen. For many people, this pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving gradually leads to a lower quality of life. A psychologist is a specialist in helping you to understand and break these patterns so that you can get back to living life more fully.
How do I know if Fluid Psychology is the 'right fit' for me?
This is something we get asked a lot, and is a tricky question to answer!
We appreciate how difficult it can be to navigate through a sea of websites, psychologist bio's, and other information when trying to decide on the best fit for you. Not only can this take a lot of your valuable time, it can lead to decision fatigue and sometimes even 'decision paralysis', a phenomenon whereby we experience high levels of anxiety and stress when experiencing indecision about a choice.
Unfortunately, the process for finding a psychologist is very often trial-and-error. This is because of the interpersonal nature of psychological treatment, meaning that no two psychologists are the same, just as we would say no two clients are the same. We believe that the best way (though still imperfect) to determine this fit is to simply have a conversation with the psychologist over the phone, if possible.
This is why at Fluid Psychology, we offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone call prior to booking your appointment. If it doesn't feel right, please let us know, and we may be able to point you in the direction of a different practitioner that is better suited.
We appreciate how difficult it can be to navigate through a sea of websites, psychologist bio's, and other information when trying to decide on the best fit for you. Not only can this take a lot of your valuable time, it can lead to decision fatigue and sometimes even 'decision paralysis', a phenomenon whereby we experience high levels of anxiety and stress when experiencing indecision about a choice.
Unfortunately, the process for finding a psychologist is very often trial-and-error. This is because of the interpersonal nature of psychological treatment, meaning that no two psychologists are the same, just as we would say no two clients are the same. We believe that the best way (though still imperfect) to determine this fit is to simply have a conversation with the psychologist over the phone, if possible.
This is why at Fluid Psychology, we offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone call prior to booking your appointment. If it doesn't feel right, please let us know, and we may be able to point you in the direction of a different practitioner that is better suited.
I've never seen a psychologist before. What can I expect in my first session?
Generally speaking, the first session is an opportunity for you and your practitioner to get know one another a little bit better, so that you can feel at-ease when starting to get into psychological interventions in future sessions.
This is also an opportunity for your practitioner to ask you some additional questions about topics such as your reason for seeking psychology services and what you hope to get out of the treatment by the end. This information will help us to tailor a treatment plan individualised to you, designed to address the specific factors that may be keeping you 'stuck'.
During this first session and at any time throughout therapy, you are free to ask your practitioner any questions you may have about the process, their approach, and what to expect in future sessions.
This is also an opportunity for your practitioner to ask you some additional questions about topics such as your reason for seeking psychology services and what you hope to get out of the treatment by the end. This information will help us to tailor a treatment plan individualised to you, designed to address the specific factors that may be keeping you 'stuck'.
During this first session and at any time throughout therapy, you are free to ask your practitioner any questions you may have about the process, their approach, and what to expect in future sessions.
What is a clinical psychology registrar? How are they different from a general psychologist?
A clinical psychology registrar is a fully registered psychologist who has completed a minimum of 6-8 years of university study in clinical psychology, to the level of Masters, Doctorate or PhD in psychology. For all intents and purposes, they are the same as a generally registered psychologist, but they have usually undertaken additional years of postgraduate study in clinical psychology. The title of registrar indicates that they are part-way through completing a registrar program to gain future endorsement in clinical psychology.
Accessibility & Availability
Do you offer telehealth services?
Yes! At the moment Phil offers telehealth sessions on Wednesdays, between 11:30am and 6pm.
Are you WorkSafe/TAC/Comcare/DVA registered?
Yes! Phil is registered to provide psychology treatment under WorkSafe, TAC, DVA, and Comcare.
What's the next earliest availability for me to start sessions?
We would suggest reaching out for a discussion over the phone (0431 963 221) or emailing ([email protected]), as availability for initial appointments changes throughout the year.
How many sessions will I need?
Unfortunately we can't offer you a general, ballpark figure for this because it depends a lot on the issues you're seeking help for and the goals you're hoping to achieve.
For some people, 6 or fewer sessions is enough to achieve their goals, but for some others with more complex or longstanding issues, they may require more than 10 sessions before starting to see a noticeable difference.
This topic can be discussed in more detail with your practitioner during your first few sessions.
For some people, 6 or fewer sessions is enough to achieve their goals, but for some others with more complex or longstanding issues, they may require more than 10 sessions before starting to see a noticeable difference.
This topic can be discussed in more detail with your practitioner during your first few sessions.
Referrals
Do I need a doctor's referral to start psychology sessions?
If you would like to claim a rebate/reimbursement for psychology sessions under Medicare, WorkSafe, TAC, or other insurer, then yes, you will need to get a referral from either a General Practitioner (issued within the past 12 months) or a Psychiatrist (issued within the past 3 months) before you get started.
Under Medicare, your GP will also need to work with you to complete a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) for you to be eligible for the rebates. Alternatively, a Psychiatrist will need to complete a Psychiatrist Assessment and Management Plan (PAMP) with you.
If you plan to pay for the full costs of the sessions privately, then you do not need a doctor's referral or care plan.
Under Medicare, your GP will also need to work with you to complete a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) for you to be eligible for the rebates. Alternatively, a Psychiatrist will need to complete a Psychiatrist Assessment and Management Plan (PAMP) with you.
If you plan to pay for the full costs of the sessions privately, then you do not need a doctor's referral or care plan.
Medicare Rebates
How do I claim rebates for sessions under Medicare?
Once you've forwarded us your doctor's referral letter and care plan, we can help you to claim the Medicare rebate after each session. The rebate should usually appear in your bank account within 2 business days.
The current Medicare rebate for seeing a general psychologist is $98.95 for a 50-minute session.
If you would prefer to claim the rebate yourself, we can provide you with an invoice to take to Medicare.
The current Medicare rebate for seeing a general psychologist is $98.95 for a 50-minute session.
If you would prefer to claim the rebate yourself, we can provide you with an invoice to take to Medicare.
How many psychology sessions are covered under Medicare?
With a doctor's (GP or psychiatrist) referral and care plan, you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.
Please note that your initial doctor's referral will only cover up to 6 of these sessions. After completing 6 sessions, you will need to return to your doctor and obtain another referral to access the remaining 4 sessions.
At January 1st every year, your entitlement to these rebates will reset to 10, regardless of how many sessions you had in the previous year.
Please note that your initial doctor's referral will only cover up to 6 of these sessions. After completing 6 sessions, you will need to return to your doctor and obtain another referral to access the remaining 4 sessions.
At January 1st every year, your entitlement to these rebates will reset to 10, regardless of how many sessions you had in the previous year.
Do you charge a gap or out-of-pocket fee under Medicare?
Our standard rate is $200 per 50-minute session, meaning that there is a gap fee of $101.05 after the Medicare Better Access rebate.
We may be able to offer lower gap-fee arrangements for students, pensioners, and other low-income earners - please contact us directly to discuss prior to commencing if you fall into this category.
We may be able to offer lower gap-fee arrangements for students, pensioners, and other low-income earners - please contact us directly to discuss prior to commencing if you fall into this category.
Third Party Funding
How do I claim reimbursement for sessions under WorkSafe/TAC/Comcare?
You will need to forward us your doctor's referral letter as well as a document with your claim number, confirming that you can access funding for psychology sessions under your claim.
This can be in the form of your claim acceptance letter (if you have an accepted psychological injury claim) or a letter approving a certain number of psychology sessions under your claim.
Once we have these documents, we can usually charge the cost of your psychology sessions directly to your insurer.
This can be in the form of your claim acceptance letter (if you have an accepted psychological injury claim) or a letter approving a certain number of psychology sessions under your claim.
Once we have these documents, we can usually charge the cost of your psychology sessions directly to your insurer.
How many psychology sessions are covered under my WorkSafe/TAC/Comcare claim?
This will usually depend on 1) the details of your claim, and 2) which insurer you are with.
Under a WorkSafe VIC claim where you have an accepted primary psychological injury, there is generally no limit to the number of sessions you can access to help you get better.
Under a TAC claim, you are eligible for up to 6 psychology sessions within 90 days of a motor vehicle accident to assist you with any psychological symptoms related to your accident. Any further psychology sessions after this will need to be approved by your TAC case manager.
Under Comcare, you are generally eligible for up to 5 initial psychology sessions if you require treatment for a work-related psychological injury or condition, pending approval by your claims manager.
If you're unsure about the what exactly is covered under your insurer/claim, please reach out and we'll be happy to assist.
Under a WorkSafe VIC claim where you have an accepted primary psychological injury, there is generally no limit to the number of sessions you can access to help you get better.
Under a TAC claim, you are eligible for up to 6 psychology sessions within 90 days of a motor vehicle accident to assist you with any psychological symptoms related to your accident. Any further psychology sessions after this will need to be approved by your TAC case manager.
Under Comcare, you are generally eligible for up to 5 initial psychology sessions if you require treatment for a work-related psychological injury or condition, pending approval by your claims manager.
If you're unsure about the what exactly is covered under your insurer/claim, please reach out and we'll be happy to assist.
Are sessions covered under Private Health Insurance?
This will depend on which Private Health Fund you are covered with, and your level of cover (psychology is generally not funded under a 'basic' level of cover).
If you're unsure, please check directly with your health fund.
If you're unsure, please check directly with your health fund.
Can I claim rebates/reimbursement from more than one insurer?
No, unfortunately you can only claim rebates/reimbursement from one insurer at a time, whether Medicare, Private Health, or a compensation scheme such as WorkSafe.
Do you charge a gap or out-of-pocket fee under third party funding?
We do not charge a gap-fee for psychology sessions covered under WorkSafe, TAC, or Comcare. We are also able to invoice the insurer directly under your claim, meaning that there will be nil out-of-pocket expense for you under these schemes.
Cancellations
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we respectfully ask that you provide us with at least 24 hours' notice so that we have enough time to offer the appointment slot to someone else who may need it.
For any appointments cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment, we charge a cancellation fee of $50, which will need to be paid before your next scheduled appointment with us.
Please note that cancellation fees will need to be paid out-of-pocket, as we cannot claim this back from Medicare or other funders.
For any appointments cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment, we charge a cancellation fee of $50, which will need to be paid before your next scheduled appointment with us.
Please note that cancellation fees will need to be paid out-of-pocket, as we cannot claim this back from Medicare or other funders.