FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about therapy, my services, and how to work with me.
Accredited mental health social workers (AMHSWs) are practitioners who are trained to provide clinical mental health services, such as therapy. Social workers are required to complete an initial four-year degree in social work. To achieve accreditation in mental health they must complete numerous years of practice in mental health settings and receive at least two years of extra supervision and training. Additionally, most AMHSWs, including myself, have postgraduate degrees in areas like counselling and psychology.
The advanced training expected of AMHSWs means they are highly skilled and effective therapists. Additionally, like psychologists, AMHSWs are required to undertake ongoing professional development and supervision to maintain their accreditation.
At this time all appointments are conducted via telehealth platform CoView. This platform is accessible using your computer, tablet or mobile devices ensuring you are able to participate in sessions wherever you are able to find a quite and private space.
Practicing psychologists have professional training and clinical skills to help people learn to cope more effectively with life issues and mental health problems. Common reasons people seek psychological help include:
managing impacts of illness, disability and neurodiversity
managing chronic illnesses such as chronic pain,
managing various forms of Disordered Eating,
managing and processing the impact of Trauma,
managing grief and loss,
coping with stressful situations such as divorce or workplace changes,
managing interpersonal difficulties,
managing parental stress and peri-natal and infant mental health.
Mental health social workers typically hold a 3-year Bachelor's degree (often with a Master's qualification) and complete additional mental health training with at least 2 years of clinical experience. Many further specialize in areas like grief, neurodiversity, or trauma. They provide evidence-based therapy for individuals, families, and groups, addressing mental health and related concerns. In contrast, psychologists complete six years of university training, often specializing in areas like neuropsychology or sport psychology, and focus on the brain's role in mental health.
Mental health social workers, trained in the biopsychosocial model, adopt a holistic approach, addressing psychological, social, and environmental factors in treatment. Both professionals assess and treat psychological disorders, with social workers emphasizing external stressors, social systems, and family dynamics. Both Mental Health Social Workers and Psychologists are eligible for Medicare rebates.
All sessions are confidential, however there are special circumstances under which a psychologist is mandated to breach this confidentiality. These are outlined in my confidentiality agreement. Please discuss this with me at your first appointment if you have any questions.
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist. You will need a referral to access various rebates. Please see my fees & rebates page.
No I am not a bulk billing practice. Please see my fees & rebates page.
A typical session is 50 minutes.
No, I do not provide this as a service.
No Show Fees are charged if you miss your appointment. A missed appointment is when a client does not turn up for their scheduled appointment and does not contact the practice to cancel the appointment with 24 hours' notice. This may incur a full session fee payable prior to your next appointment automatically debited from your nominated account. No Show Fees apply as this time has been specifically allocated to you and can therefore not be utilised by anyone else.
Medicare and DVA will not pay for missed appointments therefore the fee will be payable by the client.