Other services
Psychologist Services
At Picton Family Medical Centre, we know how important mental health is to overall health.
That’s why we’re pleased to offer psychologist services as part of our holistic approach to healthcare. Our psychologists are highly qualified professionals who play a key role in supporting the mental health of our patients. Additionally, our psychologists are members of the Australian Psychological Society, which ensures they meet high standards of professional practice.
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is a health professional who studies human behaviour and mental processes.
In Australia, psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and meet strict educational and professional requirements. Our psychologists are committed to providing evidence-based care to help you achieve better mental health and overall well-being. The Australian Association provides resources and a service to find psychologists, which can be a valuable tool for those seeking psychological help.
Why See a Psychologist?
There are many reasons to see a psychologist. Some of these could be:
• Managing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or PTSD
• Coping with stress, grief or life transitions
• Improving relationships and communication skills
• Addressing behavioural issues
• Managing chronic pain or illness
• Overcoming addiction or substance abuse
• Personal growth and self-esteem
• Dealing with trauma or abuse
• Improving sleep habits
• Managing eating disorders or body image issues
Our clinical psychologists can help you with these and various other mental health issues, ensuring you find the right psychologist for your needs.
Our Psychological Services
Our clinical psychologists offer a range of evidence-based therapies and interventions, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Mindfulness-Based
Therapies
Teaches mindfulness techniques to manage stress and improve overall well-being.
Exercise Psychology
Focuses on applying psychological principles to enhance athletic performance and overall physical well-being.
Family and Couples Therapy
Addresses relationship issues and improves family dynamics.
Trauma-Focused Therapies
Specialised treatments for individuals who have experienced trauma.
Interpersonal Therapy
Focuses on improving relationships and communication skills.
Behavioural Interventions
Helps modify problematic behaviours and develop healthier habits.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Helps you accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to behaviours that align with your values.
Psychoeducation
Provides information and resources to help you better understand and manage your mental health.
What to Expect in Your Psychology Appointment
Initial Consultation
Your first appointment with our psychologist will be about 50-60 minutes. During this session, the psychologist will:
- Discuss why you’re seeking psychological support
- Ask about your personal and family history
- Explore your current symptoms and concerns
- Discuss your goals for therapy
- Explain the therapeutic process and answer any questions you may have
Based on this initial assessment, the psychologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Follow-up Sessions
These sessions are usually 50 minutes. During these sessions, the psychologist will:
- Review your progress
- Provide therapeutic interventions based on your treatment plan
- Teach coping strategies and skills
- Address any new concerns or challenges
- Adjust the treatment plan as needed
The number and frequency of sessions will depend on your individual needs and goals.
Clinical Psychologists in a Medical Setting
Psychologists are an integral part of the team in a medical setting like Picton Family Medical Centre. They also provide services in private practice, offering flexibility and accessibility for patients seeking mental health support.
They work alongside other healthcare professionals, including GPs, to provide holistic care. This collaborative approach allows us to provide better health outcomes for patients.
Fees and Medicare
The cost of psychology services can vary. At Picton Family Medical Centre, we try to make our services affordable and accessible. Medicare rebates are available for psychology services under the following conditions:
Mental Health Treatment Plan: If your GP determines you would benefit from psychological treatment, they can create a mental health treatment plan. This plan allows you to receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year.
Chronic Disease Management Plan: If you have a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health services per year, including psychology sessions.
Please talk to your GP or our reception staff to find out more about Medicare rebates.
Before Your Appointment
To get the most out of your psychology session, consider:
- Thinking about what you want to achieve from therapy
- Writing down any questions or topics you want to discuss
- Being prepared to talk about your past and current situation
- Bringing any relevant medical records or previous psychological reports
Book an Appointment
If you want to speak with a psychologist or have any questions about our services, call 02 4677 0533 or make an appointment.
To book an appointment, you can:
• Call us on 02 4677 0533 during business hours
• Book online through our website or the Auto Med App
• Walk-in (subject to availability)
You don’t need a referral to see our psychologist, but a GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Confidentiality and Ethics
Our psychologists adhere to the highest ethical standards and confidentiality. Your information is private, and anything discussed in session is confidential unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, which we are legally required to report.
At Picton Family Medical Centre, we provide whole-person care. Our psychology services are part of that care. Whether you have a specific mental health issue or just want to improve your mental well-being, our psychologists are here to help.
Your well-being is more than a job to us, we genuinely care.