Question 1

Do you offer appointments available outside of regular business hours?

Accepted Answer

We understand that professional and personal commitments make accessing psychological care in regular business hours is difficult. Hearth Clinical Psychology is open between 6-8pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and 10am-5pm on Saturdays.

Question 2

Do I need a referral from my General Practitioner to attend?

Accepted Answer

A referral is not required to attend Hearth Clinical Psychology as a full fee-paying client or for those seeking reimbursement from their private health fund. However, clients wishing to receive a Medicare rebate need to attend their General Practitioner's surgery to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This paperwork needs to be obtained prior to the first session.

Question 3

Is there a difference between a clinical psychologist and other types of psychologists?

Accepted Answer

Clinical psychologists are endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia and undergo advance tertiary studies alongside applied training. Beyond a four-year accredited undergraduate qualification, they complete a two-year postgraduate degree (Master of Clinical Psychology) and a two-year supervised registrar program. Clinical psychologists are uniquely placed to provide psychological assessment, biopsychosocial case formulation, and evidence-based interventions. Their expertise enables them to work between public health, private practice, education and research environments to support people across the spectrum of mental health. The rebate available to clients of clinical psychologists is higher under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, set at $145.25. For further information on the difference between clinical psychologists and other mental health practitioners, please visit the website of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association.

Question 4

What can I expect at an initial appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that seeking professional help is a courageous act and consider it a privilege that you attend our service. Our clinician will make your initial appointment an experience where you feel heard, safe, and reassured. It is an opportunity to share the reasons for seeking mental health care, your expectations, and goals that align with your values. A history of the concerns, what worsens or improves them, and the effect on your life will be explored. Next, we will explore relevant background, such as your interpersonal relationships, occupational satisfaction, spiritual/cultural factors, and physical health. Finally, we will consider how your strengths can be leveraged throughout therapy and in life more broadly. At the end of the session, our clinician will suggest an indicative treatment plan and offer a follow-up consultation.

Question 5

How many appointments will I need to attend?

Accepted Answer

The number of appointments needed depends on the reasons one reaches out for support. We work collaboratively to determine an approach that meets individual expectations and goals. This will be discussed at the end of your first session. Importantly, Mental Health Treatment Plans allow for ten subsidised sessions per calendar year through Medicare.

Question 6

What are my rights and responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

We are driven to provide exceptional and ethical care to all clients. To support this process, we encourage clients to review the Charter for Clients of APS Psychologists and the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, which we adhere to. In brief, we strive to be an accessible service that provides a protective environment where you are respected, and your unique background is considered. We seek to be collaborative, honest, and contemporaneous in our communication. We will always request informed consent on the provision of psychological services and seek feedback regularly. Finally, we provide a confidential service, with the limitation of circumstances where there is imminent and serious risk of harm, or where there is a legal requirement (legal subpoena, mandatory child reporting, serious indictable offences).

Question 7

Can you write medico-legal or workers compensation reports?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide medico-legal or workers compensation reports. We invite you to seek support from alternative services should you require this documentation. Brief letters of attendance can be written as evidence of engagement.

Question 8

Do you provide support for children under the age of 18?

Accepted Answer

We do not specialise in providing psychological care for children under the age of 18 years. We invite you to seek support from alternative services such as your local Headspace centre.

Question 9

Do you have space for bulk billing clients?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we do not provide bulk billed services, although the capacity to do so is regularly reviewed. We invite clients that do not have the financial means to attend private practice clinical psychology to contact low cost providers, such as local Medicare Mental Health Centres.

Question 10

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations made 48 hours before a scheduled appointment do not attract a fee. Cancellations between 48 hours and 24 hours before an appointment incur a fee equivalent to 50% of the session cost. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before an appointment attract a fee equivalent to 100% of the session cost. If three consecutive cancellations are made, you may be placed on a wait list to allow other clients to receive care.

Question 11

Can I provide feedback?

Accepted Answer

We invite feedback irrespective of whether it is a compliment or complaint. It is part of our commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence. Feedback can be provided in person during sessions or written via email.

Frequently Asked Questions