When you first arrive at our practice, please take a seat in our waiting room, Carlie will meet you and take you to her room at the time of your appointment. She will review your understanding of consent forms completed in your intake and answer any questions you may have. The first session is an initial assessment. Carlie will ask you questions about your current concerns and general questions about your life, to develop a thorough understanding of your concerns and you as a person. This will inform impressions, recommendations and treatment planning. At the end of the session, Carlie may share these insights with you, and collaboratively develop goals you want to work on in psychology sessions. The first session is an opportunity to get a sense of your therapist’s style of practice and whether you are a good fit. Although, it can take up to 3 sessions to get a feel for psychological treatment and whether you gel with your psychologist.

The difference is in the level of training. A psychologist completes 4 years of study and 2 years of supervised practise, whereas a clinical psychologist completes an additional 2 years of postgraduate study and 2 years supervised practice, focused on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of more complex mental health disorders. Both psychologists and clinical psychologists provide support for a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges.

Currently the Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan are different for a clinical psychologist and psychologist. If you see a clinical psychologist you receive a higher rebate of $145.25 per session, compared to psychologist rebate of $98.95 per session.

A psychiatrist is a specialist medical doctor who can prescribe medication. A psychologist focuses on talk therapy and cannot prescribe medication.