Frequently Asked Questions

When considering to see a psychologist, it is normal to have questions on your mind. You may feel like you are stepping outside of your comfort zone. We are here for you. Taking a look through these FAQs will be a helpful start.

Fees, Medicare and Private Health Insurance

  • The Australian Psychological Society recommend a 50 minute psychology appointment cost $318. The fee at which a service is set is at the discretion of the individual psychologist. To discuss the fees of a psychology session with the psychologist from Inner Clinical Psychology you are hoping to book in with, please contact reception.

    The cost of a psychology session is partly subsidised through refunds through Medicare or your private health insurance fund.

  • Medicare provides rebates for mental health services when you have a valid referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or pediatrician. Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, you may be eligible for a rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a registered clinical psychologist.

  • The current Medicare rebate for a standard 50-minute session with a clinical psychologist is approximately $149.05, depending on the service provided. Please note that this amount may not cover the full cost of the session, so there may be an out-of-pocket expense (also known as the "gap fee").

  • To qualify for Medicare rebates for psychology sessions, you will need to:

    • Visit your GP to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

    • Your GP will assess your situation and, if appropriate, provide a referral to a clinical psychologist.

    • Once referred, you can start accessing Medicare-rebated services.

  • You can claim your Medicare rebate in one of the following ways:

    • On the spot: Many clinical psychologists can process the Medicare rebate for you immediately after your appointment.

    • Manually: You can submit your claim online via the Medicare portal, using the Express Plus Medicare app, or in person at a Medicare service center.

  • No, you cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same psychology session. You must choose one or the other. Typically, people use Medicare for rebated sessions, but if you run out of Medicare sessions, you can switch to claiming via private health insurance.

  • If you have extras cover as part of your private health insurance, you may be able to claim for psychology services. Coverage varies depending on your insurer and policy, so it's important to check directly with your provider. Rebates through private health insurance may be available without the need for a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan.

  • Claiming rebates through private health insurance can usually be done:

    • On the spot: If the psychologist offers electronic claiming through your insurer.

    • Manually: By submitting your receipt to your health fund via their app, online portal, or by mail.

  • Yes, you can see a clinical psychologist without a referral; however, you will not be eligible for Medicare rebates unless you have a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan. You may be able to claim through private health insurance if you have the appropriate cover.

  • You are eligible for up to 10 sessions per calendar year under Medicare. Initially, you will be referred for 6 sessions, after which you will need to return to your GP for a review and, if necessary, receive a referral for additional sessions.

  • If you require more than 10 sessions, you may choose to continue seeing your clinical psychologist as a private client. While Medicare rebates will no longer apply, you may be able to use private health insurance if you have extras cover for psychology services.

  • Only registered clinical psychologists who are Medicare-approved providers can offer services that attract a Medicare rebate. Make sure to check with your psychologist beforehand to ensure they are eligible to provide Medicare-rebatable services.

  • Yes, private health insurance rebates generally differ from Medicare rebates in both the amount and conditions. The rebate you receive will depend on your insurer, your level of cover, and the specific terms of your policy.

  • You can call Medicare and ask directly on 132 011. Alternatively, you can go to you My Gov page. Once on this page, you can locate the Medicare page and browse through your Medicare History. This will show you what you have claimed in the past two years.

  • If you have any further questions about Medicare or private health insurance rebates, feel free to contact us! We are happy to assist you in navigating your options for affordable care.

What to expect when seeing a psychologist?

  • Your first session is often an assessment session where the psychologist will ask questions to understand your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. You may be asked about your personal history, mental health, medical history, and any symptoms you're experiencing. This helps the psychologist tailor the treatment to your individual needs.

  • A standard therapy session lasts around 50 minutes, though the initial assessment may take a little longer. Some therapists may also offer shorter or longer sessions, depending on your needs and the therapy approach.

  • Psychologists are trained to assess and treat emotional, psychological, and behavioral problems through evidence-based therapies.

    Psychologists can help with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

    • Anxiety

    • Stress

    • Depression and mood disorders

    • Relationship problems

    • Trauma and adjustment

    • Grief and loss

    • Sleep problems

    • Addiction

    • Self-esteem and confidence issues

    • Body image and eating difficulties

    • Psychosis

  • Depending on your concerns and therapy goals, discussing your past may be helpful, especially if past experiences are affecting your current thoughts, emotions, or behaviours. However, therapy is focused on what’s most important to you. You have control over what you choose to share, and your psychologist will guide you at a pace you’re comfortable with.

  • The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and the nature of the issues you’re working on. Some people find a few sessions helpful for short-term concerns, while others may engage in longer-term therapy for deeper or ongoing issues. Your psychologist will discuss the recommended treatment plan with you after the initial sessions.

  • This depends on the treatment plan agreed upon between you and your psychologist. Many clients begin with weekly or fortnightly sessions, but this can change over time as you progress in therapy. Your psychologist will work with you to determine the best schedule for your needs.

  • Yes, therapy is confidential. Psychologists are bound by strict ethical and legal guidelines to maintain your privacy. Everything you discuss in therapy stays confidential unless there are concerns about your safety or the safety of others, in which case the psychologist may need to break confidentiality. This will be explained to you in detail at the start of therapy.

  • Rather than giving direct advice, psychologists work collaboratively with you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. They provide guidance and support to help you develop new coping strategies, challenge unhelpful patterns, and achieve your therapy goals. The focus is on empowering you to make informed decisions and changes.

  • Psychologists use a variety of evidence-based therapies, including, but not limited to:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you accept difficult emotions and commit to values-driven actions.

    • Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Focuses on present-moment awareness and reducing stress.

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Combines mindfulness with skills to manage intense emotions.

    • Schema Therapy (ST): Focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours and understanding these in the context of your upbringing.

    • Cognitive Processing Therapy: Focuses on processing traumatic experiences through changing unhelpful thinking patterns and allowing unprocessed natural feelings.

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced: Focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours underpinning poor body image and disordered eating.

    • Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence current behaviours.

    Your psychologist will choose the approach that best suits your individual needs.

  • Therapy can sometimes feel challenging or emotional, especially when discussing difficult topics or confronting uncomfortable feelings. However, this is a normal part of the healing process, and your psychologist will provide a safe and supportive environment. The goal is to help you process and manage emotions in a healthy way while working toward positive changes.

  • There’s no specific preparation required for therapy. However, it may be helpful to think about what you’d like to focus on in your sessions, any specific concerns or questions you have, or any events or thoughts that have come up since your last session. Your psychologist will guide the process, so you don't need to worry about being unprepared.

  • It’s important to feel comfortable with your psychologist, as a strong therapeutic relationship is key to successful therapy. If you don’t feel a good connection, it's okay to discuss this with your psychologist or seek out another professional. Finding the right fit can make a big difference in your therapy experience.

  • Therapy is working when you begin to notice positive changes, such as improved mood, better coping skills, or increased self-awareness. Progress can sometimes be slow, but over time you should feel more empowered to handle challenges. Your psychologist will regularly check in with you about how you feel the therapy is going and adjust the approach if needed.

  • Feel free to contact us! We're here to make sure you feel informed and comfortable as you begin your journey toward better mental health.

Information about our clinic operations

  • Inner Clinical Psychology offers both online (Telehealth) and in person appointments.

  • Inner Clinical Psychology's current opening hours include:

    Mon: 8am-8pm
    Tues: 8am-8pm
    Wed: 8am-8pm
    Thurs: 8am-8pm
    Fri: 8am-4pm
    Sat: 8am-4pm
    Sun: Closed

    Keep an eye out for changes in opening hours, with the clinic's plans to increase within business hours session availability.

  • At Inner Clinical Psychology, we have a 48 business hour cancellation and rescheduling policy. This means that any changes or cancellations to your appointment must be made at least 48 business hours in advance of the scheduled time. This allows us the opportunity to offer your slot to other clients. If you cancel or reschedule within 48 hours and it’s not due to an emergency, the full session fee will apply. Please note that Medicare and private health insurance do not offer rebates for missed or cancelled sessions.

  • Inner Clinical Psychology is located at 790 Burke Road Camberwell 3124. You can access free parking on surrounding streets or Camberwell Station is a 5 minute walk from the clinic. 

  • We know it can be a little confusing to tell the difference, so here’s a simple breakdown:

    • Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They focus on understanding how the brain and body work together. Because of their medical training, they can prescribe medications to help manage conditions like depression, anxiety, or more severe mental health issues. Think of them as experts in the medical side of mental health.

    • Psychologists are specialists in understanding how we think, feel, and behave. They focus on therapy (also called "talk therapy") to help you work through life's challenges, manage emotions, and change behaviours that may be holding you back. While psychologists don’t prescribe medications, they are experts in helping you through evidence-based counselling and other therapeutic techniques.

    Sometimes, both professionals might work together—your psychiatrist may manage medication while your psychologist focuses on therapy. We’re all about teamwork when it comes to your well-being.

  • Becoming a psychologist takes dedication and years of specialised education and training. Here’s a quick look at the journey:

    1. Bachelor’s Degree with honours: It all starts with an undergraduate degree with honours, typically in psychology or a related field. This gives aspiring psychologists a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and mental health.

    2. Graduate School (Master's and Doctoral Degree): After earning a bachelor's with honours, the next step is a doctoral degree (either a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD in Clinical Psychology). This program usually takes about 4-7 years, depending on the path. During this time, students dive deep into psychological theory, research, and practical skills for therapy and assessment.

    3. Supervised Clinical Experience: Before becoming generally licensed, psychologists complete multiple supervised placements. This hands-on training helps them apply their knowledge and gain real-world experience working with clients.

    4. Licensing: After completing the required education and training, psychologists apply for registration as a general psychologists under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The requirements may vary slightly by state or country, but every psychologist must be licensed to provide care.

    5. Endorsement: Following receiving general registration, psychologists can continue their training and choose an area of psychology to further their expertise in such as clinical psychology, developmental psychology, or forensic psychology. This is typically a two year additional training program.

    6. Continuing Education: Even after they’re licensed, psychologists continue learning throughout their careers, staying up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic techniques to provide the best care possible.

    This thorough training ensures that psychologists are fully equipped to support you in your mental health journey.

General Questions

For General Practitioners & Psychiatrists

  • You can pass on a referral letter to your patient or just email it directly to us.

  • Referrals should be in accordance with the Better Access Initiative, for psychological therapies.

    As per the Better Access Initiative, referring practitioners are not required to use a specific form to refer patients for these services and a referral should be in writing (signed and dated by the referring practitioner) and include:

    • the patient’s name, date of birth and address;

    • the patient’s symptoms or diagnosis and a statement on whether a mental health treatment plan has been prepared;

    • a list of any current medications;

    • the number of sessions the patient is being referred for (the ‘course of treatment’);

    • a statement about whether the patient has a mental health treatment plan, a shared care plan (prepared on or before 30 June 2021), or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan. 

Have a question?

Haven’t answered your question today? Please email us and we will be in touch.