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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

There are lots of reasons to see a psychologist. To be honest, if you’re thinking “should I see a psychologist?” then it might not be a bad idea to check in with one.

Here are some common reasons people will see a psychologist:

  • Dealing with a mental health issue
  • Relationship problems
  • Feeling Lost
  • Support for life stresses
  • To become the best you can be

Seeing an online psychologist works just about the same as regular, face-to-face psychology session. You have a conversation with your psychologist about the challenges you’re facing, and work together to gain insight, different perspectives, and plans for change.

Research has shown that online counselling is just as effective as regular, face-to-face counselling.

 

In addition, there are many benefits to seeing a psychologist online.

  • Saves you travelling time
  • Easy to schedule
  • Don’t have to worry about bumping into someone you know in the waiting room
  • Some people find it easier to talk from the comfort of their own home/safe space.

Each session is different, tailored to who you are as a person.

But in general, during the first sessions, I will first introduce myself, explain a bit about how psychological counselling works, explain informed consent, confidentiality, fees, and any other practical matters. We will get to know about each other a bit, and I will ask some questions to get a better picture of your situation and background. I will usually talk about the kinds of therapy I use, and maybe learn a technique or two to try over the next week.

That’s totally okay! I’ve got lots of experience asking the right questions to help get a good picture of your situation. 

I’ve usually found that people find lots of things to talk about once we begin our sesion.

It would mean you are a normal human being with functioning emotions.

We talk about heavy stuff in therapy, sometimes tears will come (even from me!), it’s okay.

I think modern philosopher Randall Mario Poffo said it best in this clip.

Click here to book an appointment online.

Or you can give us a call to organise an appointment.

That’s a hard one to answer, as it will vary from person to person and their situation.

Usually a ’round’ of therapy is around 6-10 sessions, but we will get a better idea after the first few sessions.

This is another tricky one to answer as it will vary from person to person.

I usually like to see people weekly at first, then slowly drop down in frequency as they improve.

Of course, we are flexible depending on your situation.

You don’t need a GP referral to see a psychologist.

However, if you would like to claim a medicare rebate, you will need a valid MHCP and referral.

More info on fees and rebates here.

Yes, you will need a valid referral and MHCP from your GP.

We are more than happy to process the medicare claim for you. They will usually be processed in 1-3 business days.

We store your credit card details via a secure third party at the time of your first booking. At the end of your appointment, we will take the payment from this card.

If you are claiming a medicare rebate, we can process this for you at the same time.

If you need to pay via another method, please contact us.

Yes. All of our sessions are encrypted and no video or audio recording is stored.

More info is available here.

Yes. As a psychologist I am bound by health practitioner privacy laws, and as a person, I respect your right to privacy.

All your details are stored securely using our practice management software, halaxy.

Generally, I will never disclose any of the confidential information your provide me, with the following exceptions:

  • With your permission, consulting with your referring practitioner to keep them up to date and request referral updates
  • If your records are subpoenaed by Australian law
  • If you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else, and the only way to keep you safe is to contact your emergency contact or emergency services.

Both psychologists and psychiatrist are trained mental health professionals.

A psychologist’s training is entirely in psychology. Compared to a psychiatrist who has training as a medical doctor and therefore can prescribe medicine. A psychologist can’t prescribe medicine.

Yes, provided you have still have sessions available on the plan and have not exceeded the maximum number of sessions per calendar year. 

Please let us know if you have already used sessions under your MHCP.

It is not necessary return to your GP for a new referral, but we advise you to contact your GP as a courtesy to advise if you have booked with a different psychologist

That’s not a question, but welcome.

At RMV Psychology we highly value inclusivity. 

I don’t claim to be an expert on these groups, but I can provide a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate space to help work through challenges with people who identify as belong to these groups.