People usually come for therapy or counseling wanting some improvement or change to happen in their lives. Psychotherapy can help you to identify some of the problems in your life and to find alternative ways to handle them. By understanding what is happening to you, becoming aware of how you think and feel and transforming your behaviours and perceptions, you can become more empowered to cope with everyday issues.

You do not need a doctor’s referral to see a psychologist but if your problem falls under the clinically diagnosable disorders covered by Medicare, you can ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist on a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This will enable you to claim the Medicare rebate for up to ten sessions per calendar year. Private Health insurers generally do not require you to have a referral.

Sometimes, although people may feel that they have gained personally, the effects may impact uncomfortably on others close to them.

Most often these effects are positive or can be foreseen and prepared for. Sometimes they are surprising. Your and others’ responses to these changes can be managed, with assistance. When you undertake therapy you need to know that when change happens it is possible that you and others many need time to adjust.

Depending on the issues that are bothering you, treatment time can range from a few sessions over a couple of weeks to regular sessions over a number of months. Some people continue to keep occasional contact with their psychologist for a number of years.

Each session takes 50 minutes and you would generally be required to have weekly sessions, at least initially. At your first appointment, the psychologist will identify what the issues are and what you want to achieve through psychotherapy.

You have the right to decide to end treatment at any time and there is no moral, legal or financial obligation other than to pay for any service rendered. It helps to let your psychologist know if you are intending to stop at any stage and should you wish, you will be able to recommence at a later time or to appoint a one-off session at a time when some support would be beneficial

The information that you give a psychologist is kept strictly confidential and no information will be given to anyone without your permission. If you have been referred to a psychologist by a doctor, a psychiatrist, or an outside agency, the psychologist may be required to liaise with that person regarding your progress. If you have been referred through an Insurance company as part of a compensation claim, the psychologist may have to provide a report and you may be asked to sign a waiver of confidentiality form. The insurers might stipulate that no one is to read this report without their prior permission.

As part of their ongoing professional development psychologists are required to undertake regular clinical supervision with another psychologist. It is then possible that your case may be discussed in order to ensure the best delivery of treatment. If this does eventuate, then your name is not disclosed and your identity is disguised.

Psychologists are also bound by certain legal requirements and there are some circumstances that oblige them to waiver the confidentiality agreement and inform another appropriate person. These circumstances are: 1) if you disclose that you certainly intend to injure yourself or someone else; or 2) if it is clear that a criminal offense has been or is likely to occur, by yourself or someone you know; and 3) if through a court process, the psychologist is subpoenaed to testify, or your notes are subpoenaed to inform the court. The psychologist will discuss these procedures with you to ensure understanding.

Telehealth refers to a health service that is offered via telephone or video. It is currently available to anyone who is unable to see a practitioner face-to-face and is recommended if you have any symptoms of illness. It is billed the same as a face-to-face consultation.