How To Choose A Psychologist

At some time in our lives, each of us may feel overwhelmed and may need help dealing with our problems. According to the Australian Government, more than 7.3 million Australians will experience mental illness at some point in their life and need help dealing with feelings and problems that seem beyond their control. Issues with a marriage or relationship, a family situation or dealing with losing a job, the death of a loved one, depression, stress, burnout or substance abuse. Those losses and pressures of daily living can sometimes be significantly debilitating. Occasionally we need outside help from a trained, licensed professional to work through these problems. Through therapy, a psychologist can help you live a healthier, more productive life.

Consider Therapy If

You feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness, and your problems do not seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends.
You are finding it difficult to carry out everyday activities: for example, you are unable to concentrate on assignments at work, and your job performance is suffering as a result.
You worry excessively, expect the worst or are always on edge.
Your actions are harmful to yourself or others: for instance, you are drinking too much alcohol, abusing drugs or becoming overly argumentative and aggressive.

What Is A Psychologist?

Psychologists specialise in psychological treatment, are highly trained professionals with expertise in the areas of human behaviour, mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and behaviour change. Psychologists work with patients to change their feelings and attitudes and help them develop healthier, more effective patterns of behaviour.

Psychologists apply scientifically validated procedures to help people change their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Therapy is a collaborative effort between an individual and a psychologist. It provides a supportive environment to talk openly and confidentially about concerns and feelings. Psychologists consider maintaining your confidentiality paramount and will answer your questions regarding those rare circumstances when confidential information must be shared.

What To Consider When Making The Choice

Psychologists and clients work together. The right match is essential. Most psychologists agree that a necessary factor in determining whether or not to work with a particular psychologist, once that psychologist’s credentials and competence is established, is your level of personal comfort with that psychologist. A good rapport with your psychologist is critical. Choose one with whom you feel comfortable and at ease. Meet our team.

Questions To Ask

Are you a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia? How many years have you been practising psychology?
I have been feeling (anxious, tense, depressed), and I’m having problems (with my job, my marriage, eating, sleeping). What experience do you have helping people with these types of issues?
What are your areas of expertise — for example, working with children and families?
What kinds of treatments do you use, and have they been proven effective for dealing with my type of problem or issue?
What are your fees? (Fees for a standard 50-minute session.)Â
What types of referrals do you accept? Will you accept direct billing to or payment from my insurance company? Do you accept Medicare, or NDIS funding?
Finances

If you have private health insurance coverage, check with your insurance company to see if mental health services are covered and, if so, how you may obtain these benefits.

If not covered by a private health insurance plan or government-funded program (see below), you may decide to pay for psychological services out-of-pocket.

Other potential sources of mental health services involve government-sponsored health care programs — including Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care Program, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), for all ages, and Star4-Kids program which provides free psychological therapies to children aged 3-12 years.

Credentials To Look For

Clinical psychologists train for six years at university, including practical experience with at least three different places, and a period of supervision with an experienced Clinical Psychologist for two years. One is working with children and adolescents, one with adults and one in an area of speciality. The final two years of the clinical psychologist’s training programme requires working with and understanding mental health conditions.

Registered psychologists usually have completed a four-year degree, which includes at least one practicum in an area of specialty, and two years supervision with an experienced psychologist. Their field of study does not have to involve working with and understanding mental health conditions, but may also be that, if they choose to.

The qualifications needed for psychologists, like many professions, have increased over recent years so that more psychologists are choosing to become clinical psychologists if they decide to work with mental health conditions.

Psychologists should be registered members of the Australian Psychological Board, and many maintain professional membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS). APS membership depends upon the demonstration of continued competence and requires continuing education. Also, APS members adhere to a strict code of professional ethics.