You Asked, We Answered.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
Taking the first step to come to therapy can be scary and it’s perfectly normal if you start noticing feelings of nervousness about your first session. We are dedicated to offering you a safe, non-judgemental, and comfortable space by spending the first sessions for you to openly discuss your life and things that matter to you.
During this session, you can expect our psychologist to provide you with an overview of the therapy, confidentiality, and the general intake process. Once areas have been discussed, the psychologist will ask you questions about your concerns, personal circumstances, and goals for therapy. Together, you will work on a plan towards your mental well-being and achieving greater balance.
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HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION LAST?
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Therapy sessions follow the standard 50 minutes time frame. This tends to provide clients the optimum amount of time for focus and to synthesise information. The additional 10 minutes is used by the Psychologist to record session notes needed for preparing your next session.
WILL MY SESSIONS BE CONFIDENTIAL?
The Limbic Space recognises the importance of your privacy and confidentiality. We abide by the Australian Psychological Society’s ‘Code of Ethics’. This means extra steps are taken to maintain the information you share in sessions and the manner in which that information is recorded and stored.
The psychologist will always seek your authorised consent should you wish for them to discuss your treatment with family, health professionals or other third parties.
There are some limits to confidentiality. In some instances, psychologists may deem it unsafe to maintain confidentiality if they perceive an immediate and specified risk to life or harm to self or others, or your information is under subpoena by the court.
This will be thoroughly discussed with you during the initial session, and ongoing (as required).
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CAN I SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST THROUGH MEDICARE?
Yes you can! Speak to your GP or Psychiatrist. If you already have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you will be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for all sessions you attend.
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If you are not eligible for MHCP, you can still see a psychologist without a GP or Psychiatrist referral.
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If you are experiencing financial hardship and unable to access Medicare, speak to your GP about Psychological Support Services (PSS), an Australian Government Initiative.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST?
There are a number of parallels between a Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Both work with clients to help improve their mental well-being and quality of life. It is important to note that they both have very different roles, education, training, and approach to treatment.
Psychologists study the mind, emotions, and behaviour. They examine the cognitive and social factors that influence a person’s actions and reactions. Psychologists employ a variety of assessments and evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help clients improve their mental health.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrist closely examine biological functions to understand factors influencing a person’s mental health and can prescribe medication if deemed necessary.
DOES THE LIMBIC SPACE PROVIDE BULK BILLING?
Currently, bulk billing is not provided in our practice. However, if you are experiencing unique challenges, give us a call and we discuss options to best assist you.
HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST FOR?
The length and frequency of sessions can differ between clients, reflecting different needs and areas of complexity. Some individuals may be experiencing issues that may require short numbers of sessions broken down across a fortnightly period. Others may have more complex life challenges and opt for weekly sessions across a longer period of duration. Your psychologist will assist across the initial sessions to develop a plan based on your goals and current situation.