Psychologists have completed several years of university studies in the science of human behaviour and mental functioning. They have professional training and clinical skills that allow them to help people deal more effectively with life problems and alleviate distress associated with mental health issues. Psychologists are trained to use psychometric testing and clinical interview to gather information, make diagnoses, and plan and implement treatment. Psychologists do not, and cannot prescribe medications.

A therapist is often used interchangeably with psychologist although unlike a psychologist there are no regulatory restrictions on who can be called a therapist. It is important to choose a qualified psychologist, and check their credentials in psychology when choosing someone to help you with your mental health needs.

A psychologist has completed a 4 year APAC accredited undergraduate level University degree, plus 2 years supervision or completed a minimum 6 years at University: 4 years at Undergraduate level; plus 2 years at Masters level or 3 years at Doctoral level.

Similarly, a clinical psychologist has completed a minimum of 6 years at University: 4 years at Undergraduate level; plus 2 years at Masters level or 3 years at Doctoral level however, a clinical psychologist who has received their Masters must then complete a 2 year supervision period and a person who has completed their Doctorate must complete 1 year supervision (while working as a registered psychologist) and be a member of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Clinical psychologists are considered experts in providing psychotherapy, psychometric testing, and in diagnosing mental illness.

Clinical psychologists work to help the client achieve their desired outcome and reduce psychological distress in a clinical setting. This benefits the client in terms of personal growth and support. Forensic psychologists apply psychology to the criminal or civil justice field. Often they are appointed by lawyers or the Court to conduct independent assessments to help or educate the court, without necessarily potential benefits to the client. Similarly, clients can seek psychological therapy from a forensic psychologist whether it is court appointed with progress communicated back to the court or self-referred to improve problematic behaviour that has led to criminal or civil proceedings. (e.g., child custody. Forensic psychologists are also trained in different psychological therapies, as are Clinical psychologists.

One of the differences lies in the educational background required for each profession. A psychiatrist has a degree in Medicine and a Psychologist has a Masters or Doctoral level degree in Psychology. Psychologists receive specialist training in psychotherapy, administering psychological tests and can assess and diagnosis mental illness. Psychiatrists receive medical training and then go on to further study the mind and how to assess, diagnose and treat mental illness. Some but not all psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy. Another major difference is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication whereas psychologists cannot. In relation to treatment, psychologists use therapy to work on alleviating symptoms related to mental health whilst psychiatrists are medical doctors first and often, not always, provide medication as part of the treatment of their clients.

A neuropsychological assessment involves a comprehensive test of cognitive and behavioral functions using a set of standardised tests and procedures, plus a clinical interview. The testing process systematically assess various mental functions including:

• Intelligence

• Problem solving and conceptualisation

• Planning and organisation

• Attention, memory, and learning

• Language

• Academic skills

• Perceptual and motor abilities

• Emotions, behavior, and personality

People seek psychological treatment for a variety of reasons, and at different stages in their lives. There is no rule or set structure for when someone should speak with a psychologist.

Some of the most common reasons are for treatment of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem or work stress.

Some of the clients at Insight use the treatment sessions as part of their ongoing personal development or skill development. Clients find these sessions help them to manage their mental health so that they can respond better to unpredictable life stressors.

People can attend therapy alone or with their partners (couples counselling).

If you are in an emergency, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for your psychological treatment if you are an Australian citizen/resident; and you’re experiencing mental health difficulties and problems including but not limited to anxiety, phobias, depression, anger, sleep problems, alcohol problems, work stress, relationship problems, trauma, grief/loss, drug problems; etc. If in doubt, make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your eligibility to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan. For more information on Medicare rebates.

Our psychologists discuss your presenting issues and obtain a history, explain how treatment works and answer any questions and if time permits help you set goals that you would like to achieve from treatment.

Sessions run for 50 mins.

Insight has treatment and assessment appointments Monday to Friday during the day, some evenings and conducts some assessments on Saturdays. Contact us for more information.

After your initial session, we will book you in for three to six appointments to ensure you have a regular place. At your third appointment, you and your psychologist will review your progress and discuss future plans.

The therapeutic process differs depending on the individual and the complexity of the issues presented. It is dependent on factors such as previous treatment, support networks, and coping strategies.

The psychologists at Insight are experienced in providing both long- and short-term treatment and develop specific treatment plans based on your needs.

The cost of a therapy session is $175. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which will reduce your personal cost. See our fees for further information.

Some funds will provide rebates for psychological services, however it is advisable to check with your specific fund as to whether your 'extras cover' includes psychological services and the amount of repayment. If you are eligible, you can choose to use either your private health insurance or Medicare to pay for psychological services you receive. However, you can only use one form of rebate for each session.

Yes we can write court reports for TAC, Work Cover claims, Department of Immigration, Department of Human Services, Centrelink, VOCAT and other criminal or civil court proceedings. You can request a clinical, forensic or neuropsychological report depending on your needs or those requested by your agent. Court reports do incur a fees and are not funded by Medicare, which we will discuss with you before proceeding. The fee must be paid in full before receiving the report.

At Insight we adhere by the guidelines of the National Privacy Principles. Every session is private and confidential. That means all information discussed during our psychological therapy stays between you and the psychologist, unless you provide written consent saying otherwise. We care about your privacy, and protect your private details. Your psychologist will discuss limits of confidentiality on your first session.

$180

$150 per person

Personality, Clinical and/or Risk Assessment - $900-$1580*
Cognitive assessment - $550 - $1000*
Neuropsychological assessment - $1100-$1580*

For those who have been a victim of crime contact Victims of Crime on 1800 819 817 for further information.

For those suffering a work-related injury or illness (Worksafe - speak to your GP and\\/or employer)

For those who have sustained an injury in a transport accident (TAC - speak to your GP and/or TAC)

People with private health insurance need to speak to their health fund provider about their eligibility

Short-term counselling is often offered through your workplace (speak to Human Resources at your workplace)