FAQs

1. How can a Psychologist help me?

Psychologists are experts in human behaviour and have an academic background in studying the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using evidence based interventions and help people to develop skills to improve mood and wellbeing.

Psychologists can help you in many areas, including:

  • Marital, family and relationship problems
  • Stress or pain
  • Fears, phobias, anxiety and panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Loss and grief
  • Sexual difficulties
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Eating and weight control problems
  • Children’s learning, behaviour and management problems
  • Addictions
  • Improving relationships
  • Becoming better parents and teachers
  • Personal growth
  • Career planning
  • Improving workplaces
  • Enhancing sports performance
  • Training and developing staff
  • Employment selection
  • Reviewing organisational structure and practices
  • Industrial relations and occupational health and safety
  • Studying consumer needs

 

 

2. Do I need a referral? 

No, you don’t require a referral to attend a psychologist, however if you are referred by a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under the Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme.

If you are eligible, you may receive:

  • the Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual sessions in a calendar year
  • the Medicare rebate for up to 10 group therapy sessions in a calendar year where this is available and is considered appropriate by your referring doctor and the psychologist

An information sheet about the Medicare rebate scheme has been prepared by the Australian Psychological Association, and can be found at http://www.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/2012-Medicare-fact-sheet-mental-health-rebates.pdf .

 

 

3. What do I need to know about attending my first session?

  • After receiving a referral, Dr Dempsey will contact you by phone to arrange a suitable time and day for your first appointment.
  • He will then follow up with an email confirming the appointment time and provide information about confidentiality and the APS Charter for Clients.
  • During the first session Dr Dempsey will talk with you about your presenting issues and develop a plan that addresses the issues you want to talk about in therapy.


 

4. Are my sessions confidential?

All personal information gathered by Dr Dempsey as the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:

  1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or
  2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
  3. If disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or
  4. Your prior approval has been obtained to
    1. provide a written report to another professional or agency. eg. a GP or a lawyer; or
    2. discuss the material with another person, eg. a parent or employer;