Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often. If your question isn’t covered here, please contact our team and we will be glad to help.
Is what I discuss with my psychologist confidential?
Psychologists and other mental health professionals are required to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the information you share with them.
There are some circumstances where information may need to be disclosed, including where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, where disclosure is required or authorised by law, or in response to a valid court order. Your psychologist will discuss the limits of confidentiality with you and, wherever possible, talk with you before information is shared.
If you are receiving services through a third party, such as Return to Work or Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, we may also be required to provide relevant information or progress reports to the insurer or other authorised parties. The reporting requirements will be explained to you as part of your service.
What's the difference between a Registered Psychologist and a Provisional Psychologist?
A Registered Psychologist has completed the required postgraduate training and supervised practice and holds general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
A Provisional Psychologist has completed their university psychology training and is undertaking the final stage of supervised professional practice required for general registration. They work under the supervision of an experienced, Board-approved psychologist and are required to meet the same professional, ethical and confidentiality standards.
Provisional psychologists can provide many of the same psychological assessment and therapy services as generally registered psychologists. However, Medicare rebates are not available for appointments with a provisional psychologist, which is why these appointments are usually offered at a lower fee.
How long is a session?
A standard individual psychology session is approximately 50 minutes. Your psychologist will manage the session time, so you can focus on the conversation without needing to watch the clock.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
If you get a referral to see a psychologist at Fleurieu Psychology Services and a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP you will be able to access a rebate under the Better Access Mental Health Scheme from Medicare. If you prefer not to go to your doctor you can come as a private client and will not need a referral, however, you will not be eligible to get a rebate from Medicare.
If you are unsure where to start, please contact our team and we can talk you through the options.
How many Medicare-rebated sessions can I have?
Under the Better Access to Mental Health scheme, clients referred by their GP on a Mental Health Treatment Plan can access up to ten visits per calendar year, with a maximum of six sessions per GP referral.
Once the sessions on your referral are used, you will need a new referral from your GP before your next appointment if you wish to continue. If a new referral is not in place, the session is not covered by Medicare and will be billed at the usual full or concession fee with no rebate.
More detail is on our Fees and Medicare page.
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are booked by phone with the practice you will be attending.
Christies Beach and Goolwa appointments are booked on (08) 8326 4354. Hallett Cove appointments are booked on (08) 7228 5426.
If you have a referral, your GP can send it and your Mental Health Treatment Plan directly to the practice you will be attending. Please bring your Medicare card to your first appointment, along with your Health Care Card or government concession card if you hold one.
Can I choose which psychologist I see?
Yes. If your GP has named a psychologist, or you have someone in mind, let our team know when you call and we will book you with them where their availability allows.
If you are not sure who to ask for, our administration team can help you find a psychologist suited to your needs, taking into consideration the type of support you are seeking, clinician experience and current availability. You can also browse our psychologists and filter by location.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. We offer telephone and video sessions for people who cannot attend in person, whether because of distance, health, work or caring commitments.
You can read more on our Telehealth page, or speak to our team about whether it suits your situation.
What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?
We understand that circumstances change. Please give us as much notice as possible so that we can offer the appointment to another client.
A $50 non-attendance fee may be charged where an appointment is missed without 24 hours’ notice, and this fee is the client’s responsibility rather than a paying agency’s.
Do you offer assessments, and do you see children?
Yes. We offer psychological assessments including ADHD, autism and educational assessments, and a number of our psychologists work with children and adolescents as well as adults.
You can read about each type of assessment under Psychological Assessments, or call our team to discuss which assessment is appropriate and what is involved.
If you need help now
Fleurieu Psychology Services does not provide an emergency service. In an emergency call 000.
Mental Health Triage (ACIS)
13 14 65 metropolitan, 1800 182 232 outside metropolitan
Lifeline
13 11 14
Crisis Care
13 16 11
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800