Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical psychologists are experts in mental health and are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health problems.

They are trained to provide a range of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). They work collaboratively with their clients to provide a tailored approach that best suits each individual. They often provide clients with “homework”, or tasks to work on in between sessions to help with the difficulty the individual is experiencing.

A clinical psychologist has completed a minimum of 6 years of full-time university training in psychology, including a Masters in Clinical Psychology. This amount of tertiary psychology training exceeds that completed by other mental health professionals including psychologists and counsellors.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little, and for you to see if we’re a good fit!

It is also an opportunity for me to gather background information about you, including your physical and mental health, life events and circumstances, family, education, and a timeline on the issues you have been struggling with.

This is so that I can start to formulate a treatment plan suited to you. In the first session, I ask lots of questions about these areas, and we talk about your goals for coming to therapy. But remember, it’s ok for you to ask me questions too!

No. Clinical psychologists are not medical doctors. Psychiatrists and GPs prescribe medications to help with mental health difficulties.

Sessions are 50 minutes and are not extended if you attend late.

Why Weight Psychology is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and are concerned about your safety, please:

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (free, 24/7); or

• Present to the Emergency department at your nearest hospital; or

• Call an ambulance on 000; or

• Call the Mental Health Acute Care Team of the Department of Health in the State or Territory where you live.

I endeavour to send an email or SMS reminder for appointments at least 3 days before your scheduled consultation as a courtesy.

Why Weight Psychology has a cancellation policy that requires 48 hours’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee.

100% of the session fee will be charged for non-attendance or cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice and 50% of the fee is charged when less than 48 hours’ notice is provided. Exceptional circumstances will be discussed with the client on a case-by-case basis.

A Mental Health Care Plan gives you access to a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. After 6 sessions, you will require a review from your GP in order to access a further 4 sessions under your care plan.

An Eating Disorder Plan gives you access to a Medicare rebate for up to 40 psychological sessions and 20 dietetic sessions. After each 10 sessions you will require a review from the GP in order to access a further 10 sessions until 40 sessions have been reached. You are able to see if you are eligible for an Eating Disorder Plan through your GP. 

Both plans will be lodged by your GP and I will require a copy of both the care plan and a referral letter stating that this has been processed. The rebates remain the same on both care plans.

There is no definitive answer to this, and length of therapy depends on a number of factors, including how long you have been struggling with the difficulties, your mental health background, how much support you have and your current circumstances.