Below is a compilation of questions commonly raised, which may assist in answering any of your own queries. Please do not hesitate to phone the practice if you require any additional information.
Do I need to speak to my GP first?
Talk with your GP to see if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for individual and/or group treatment. An MHCP makes you eligible for Medicare-rebated services. Alternatively, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you are referred by your treating Psychiatrist.
If you prefer to claim via your Private Health fund, or are not seeking a rebate, you do not need a referral to see a Clinical Psychologist. You will need a GP referral to see one of our Consultant Psychiatrists.
How do I make an appointment?
Please contact the Practice on (07) 3870 8191.
What will treatment cost me?
As there are varied practitioners and services available at WGCPP, please contact the Practice in order to obtain fee information relevant to your needs. You may be eligible to claim a rebate for your consultations via Medicare or your private health insurance.
What about my privacy and confidentiality?
The confidentiality of your information is of greatest importance at WGCPP and our services observe the Federal Privacy Laws. As such, all information gathered by your Psychologist or Psychiatrist over the course of your assessment and treatment will be used in an appropriate and secure manner, and strict confidence will be maintained.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Psychologists and Psychiatrists both work in the area of mental health, can conduct psychotherapy and research, and often work together.
Clinical Psychologists at WGCPP have completed post-graduate Masters or Doctorate training in Clinical Psychology. They apply evidenced-based, best-practice treatments designed to assist with changing unhelpful behaviours and thinking styles.
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who have specialised in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
What is Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a scientifically-established psychological approach to the management of dysfunctional behaviour that does not involve medication. CBT has been shown, in numerous scientific trials around the world, to produce clinically significant improvements in a wide range of mental illnesses. CBT is based upon the relationship between an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In CBT, the patient and therapist work collaboratively to identify, analyse, and understand the patient’s condition in terms of the interaction of these three constructs. Treatment typically focuses on thoughts and behaviours that are presently causing distress or interfering with an individual’s life. CBT pivots around the development of a shared view of the individual’s problems by both patient and therapist. Once this has been achieved, the therapist is able to develop a tailored treatment protocol with identified goals and strategies. The principal thrust of CBT is to empower the patient to generate cognitive and behavioural solutions to problematic aspects of his or her life. This often requires the patients to complete exercises or tasks between sessions, such as changing specific habits and behaviours, re-appraising negative or unhelpful thinking patterns, or engaging in structured behavioural experiments.