What is a psychologist? +

A psychologist is a trained professional who works with people in a variety of settings to help individuals or groups understand their behaviours, thoughts, emotions, and interactions with people. This can include assisting people with mental health difficulties, personal challenges, and chronic disease management and relationship problems.

What is a psychiatrist? +

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialised training in psychiatry which involves the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

How often or how many sessions do
clients normally attend for? +

There is no set number of sessions people need to attend for psychological treatment. At Life Giving Psychology & Coaching, your psychologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your goals and the nature and severity of your problems. Usually you and your practitioner will come to a mutual decision about how often to attend, and when is the right time for you stop treatment.

How long will my appointment last? +

Initial and subsequent appointments are scheduled for 50 minutes unless otherwise discussed prior to your appointment.

Do I need a referral? +

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist at Life Giving Psychology & Coaching. However, referrals are welcome.

How can I be referred to a psychologist? +

There are several ways you can be referred for intervention at Life Giving Psychology & Coaching if you are eligible:

GP
You may be eligible to claim a rebate through the Medicare Benefits Schedule if you are experiencing mental health difficulties. To be eligible, you require a referral from your GP or psychiatrist. To obtain this you will need to make a long appointment with your GP who will assess your current mental health concerns. If eligible, your GP will then complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan for you to access psychology appointments. Under the GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will need to attend face-to-face appointments at the practice.

WorkCover
If you have been injured at work, or because of your work, you may be eligible to claim benefits from WorkCover Queensland. WorkCover consider each case on the individual facts at the time.
How to make a claim:
Phone 1300 362 128
Complete and submit the online claim form
Complete a claim form and upload using online service
Fax to 1300 651 387
Post to GPO Box 2459, Brisbane Qld 4001.
Lodge through your doctor. If you're unsure if this has happened, you can either call WorkCover or your GP to check.

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS)
If you are an eligible member or family member of the military community, you can self-refer by calling VVCS on 1800 011 046 between 9 am-5 pm on weekdays.

Chronic disease GP management plan (Previously EAP)
You will need to confirm with your workplace if they have an employee benefit program in place for you to access counselling.

Private Health
You do not need a referral to attend under private health. You can self-refer. If you have private health that covers psychology, you may be entitled to a rebate. The item number for your initial appointment is 100/50 and subsequent appointments are 200/50.

Garrison Health
Medibank Health Solutions provides services for eligible ADF personnel. You will need to be referred by your ADF Medical Officer.

ComCare
If you are an eligible Australian Government employee who has sustained a work-related injury you can obtain a referral from your treating medical practitioner.

Specialist/Surgeon
Your specialist or surgeon may refer you for an initial appointment with one of our psychologists if you are considering undergoing long-term or complex medical procedures, for example, bariatric surgery for weight loss.

Telehealth
In November 2017 the Australian Government approved telehealth services to be provided under Medicare. These services are accessible through the Better Access initiative and available to people located in a rural or remote community.
Telehealth refers to a videoconference consultation involving communication between you and your psychologist using both a video and audio connection. To be eligible to receive these services under Medicare for a mental health condition, you must:

  • have an eligible mental health condition and a referral from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician live in an eligible rural, remote or very remote location
  • be located at least 15 kilometres by road from the mental health professional
  • not be a patient of an emergency department or admitted to hospital at the time of the service. In some cases, it may not be appropriate to receive psychological treatment by telehealth; your referring doctor and/or mental health professional will discuss this with you.

What are the appointment options? +

Face-to-face Consultation
These sessions are 50 minutes long. The first two sessions are usually weekly and then fortnightly to monthly depending on the severity of your presentation.

e-Psychology Consultation
Skype sessions via computer are now available for you if you live out of town or find it difficult to attend our rooms but require psychological services. Each session lasts 50 minutes.

Telephone Consultation
Phone sessions are available; however usually you are required to have attended at least one face-to-face or Skype session before you may access this service. Session times are 50 minutes.

Are after hours appointments available? +

Yes. Days and times may vary depending on the availability of our psychologists. Please phone our office to see what times are available.

Are my sessions confidential? +

During your first session, your psychologist will discuss your consent to treatment and it will include confidentiality and the limits to confidentiality in regards to legal and organisational requirements. All personal information gathered by your psychologist during the provision of the service will remain confidential and secure except when:

  • It is subpoenaed by a court; or
  • Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at risk; or
  • Your prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to another professional or agency, for example your GP or lawyer; or
  • Your prior approval has been obtained to discuss the material with another person, for example, a parent or employer.