Portal for General Practitioners
Clinical Psychology Services
Common Questions & Answers
How is Family Challenge different from other psychology clinics?
Family Challenge is unique in 3 important ways:
1. As a Specialist Psychology Clinic, Family Challenge only employs master practitioners (recruited from around Australia) according to their vast experience, qualifications, reputation, and specialist expertise. As a condition of employment with Family Challenge, each Specialist Clinical Psychologist has completed a minimum of Masters and/or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology.
2. We don't do counseling! Family Challenge aims to address and resolve issues, not talk about them! All assessment and treatment services offered by Family Challenge are standardised. Although services are individually tailored to meet specific needs, the provision of standardised, means it doesn't matter which Clinical Psychologist you see, you will receive the same pre-approved professional service which is evidence based, research driven, outcome oriented and ethically centered.
3. Family Challenge Psychology Clinic is a professional, not-for-profit, non- government organisation. Proceeds from clinical operations are dedicated to the Family Challenge Charitable Trust (a nationally registered Mental Health Charity with DGR status) for the promotion of mental health and stronger families locally and in the developing world.
What's the difference between a General and Clinical, psychologist?
General and Specialist Clinical Psychologists differ in:
(a) the type of professional experience/qualification;(b) the services they are eligible to offer; and
(c) the level of rebate offered by Medicare.
General Psychologists: defined as having a minimum four years training (registered with the National Psychologists Board and Medicare Australia), may deliver approved Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS) according to their self- assessed knowledge, skills, experience, and competence. Patients attending consultations with General, Psychologist are eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $81.60 per consultation (>50mins).
Specialist Clinical Psychologists: defined as having specific training and qualifications (e.g., Clinical Masters/Doctorate and/or Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology and/ or eligibility for membership of the Australian Psychological Society's College of Clinical Psychologists. Specialist Clinical Psychologists may provide clinical and diagnostic assessment of mental health concerns, psycho-education, and psychological therapies (including, but not limited to cognitive behaviour, interpersonal, and evidence based therapies according to clinical relevance). Patients attending consultations with Specialist Clinical Psychologists are eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $119.80 per consultation (>50mins).
What's the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Although both psychologists and psychiatrists work in the mental health arena, the two professions differ in:
(a) the type of professional education/qualification they possess;(b) the type of clinical services they offer; and
(c) the use of Medication in treatment
Doctors of Clinical Psychology undergo up to nine years of formal/specialist training in evidence-based practice. The psychology profession is largely concerned with understanding and influencing human behaviour, thought, and emotion. Psychologists help patients with mental disorders find ways to function better in life. Psychologists do not prescribe medication; however often work closely with prescribing Psychiatrists and General Practitioners. Psychologists also help mentally healthy people achieve optimum performance (e.g., in areas of sport, career, and relationship).
Can I choose my own Clinical Psychologist?
Clients may nominate or request a specific psychologist so long as the psychologist meets the minimum requirements as a Medicare Provider. Clients already seeing a psychologist may also receive a referral to the same Psychologist in order to claim a Medicare rebate.
How many consultations do I need?
The innovative methodologies utilised by Family Challenge Psychologists are designed to get results. 'Intervention' is all about invoking immediate and sustainable change. On average, Family Challenge clients see significant change within 3 consultations. The average length of therapy rarely extends beyond 6 sessions. However, some clients require ongoing services to make sure therapeutic gains are maintained well into the future.
How many consultations can I receive a Medicare rebate for?
Under a Mental Heath Care Plan, clients are eligible receive a Medicare rebate for up to ten (10) individual psychology consultations in a calendar year. In addition, clients are eligible to the same number of group therapy services (where such services are available).
What's required before I can claim a Medicare rebate?
Before you can claim a rebate from Medicare for psychology services, your referring General Practitioner (or other relevant medical practitioner) is required to have lodged a Mental Health Care Plan / referral item with Medicare Australia.
What rebates are available for Family Challenge Services?
Clients referred on a GP Mental Health Plan are eligible to claim a rebate of up to $119.80 from Medicare. If claiming on Private Health Cover, the account is itemised allowing families to claim 30-100% of the consultation fee (depending on the Policy holder's level of 'Extras' cover, duration of consultation, and number of family members engaging therapy). Your maximum out-of-pocket expense for Family Challenge Clinical Psychology services will be $49 or less (50% lower than APS recommendations).
INFORMATION SOURCE: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; Medicare Australia; Divisions of General Practice (Australian General Practice Network); Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; The Australian Psychological Society; Family Challenge Psychology Clinic.
