Psychologists in Springfield Services

A psychologist is a trained professional who studies human behavior and mental processes. They diagnose and treat mental health issues, conduct research, and provide therapy and counselling to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Psychologists study individuals and groups to better understand how people, communities and societies function, and devise ways to empower them and help them thrive (Australian Psychological Society). We do this through our understanding of mental and biological functions that drive behaviour.
In Australia, psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They must have a minimum of six years of university training, engage in ongoing education, and adhere to strict ethical standards. You can check on the AHPRA website to see if a person is registered as a psychologist.

Psychologists and psychiatrists both work in the field of mental health, but there are some key differences. Psychologists typically hold a masters or doctoral degree in psychology and primarily provide assessment, psychotherapy and counselling. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (M.D. or MBBS) who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medication and may provide some therapy.

You may consider seeing a psychologist if you are experiencing emotional or mental health issues that are affecting your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being. Common reasons to seek help include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, grief, trauma, or life transitions.

If you would like to see a psychologist using the Medicare Better Access rebates scheme, you will need to first obtain a referral from your GP or Psychiatrist. This referral is known as a Mental Health Care Plan.
Your GP or Psychiatrist will have a list of psychologists in the area they can recommend and refer you to, or a local psychology clinic that you can call and arrange an appointment with directly.
Alternatively, you may independently source a psychologist that you would like to see, either by recommendation or research, and you can request that your referral be directed to them instead. You can find a psychologist by asking for referrals from your primary care physician, friends, or family members. Online directories, professional organizations, and insurance provider networks can also help you locate psychologists in your area. It's important to check their credentials, experience, and specialties to ensure a good fit. The Australian Psychological Society has a free online service to help you find a best Psychologist near me in your area.

Attending your first session with a psychologist can be daunting, and it is very normal to feel nervous and even anxious about doing so. Your psychologist will be aware of this, and will ensure as smooth and comfortable a process for you as possible.
Most psychologists will spend the first session focusing on getting an understanding of your history/background and what has prompted you to seek psychological support. To do this, they may ask you a number of questions about your life (e.g., family and history) and overall mental health experiences, and may ask you to fill out some questionnaires. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss what you hope to gain from therapy. Your psychologist is there to answer any questions you might have about what to expect from treatment, confidentiality, and modes of treatment available (i.e. in person or telehealth).

There is a strong research base indicating that a positive therapeutic relationship with your psychologist can play a very important role in how effective your sessions are. The quality of the relationship is not only connected with better treatment outcomes (APS), but it may even have as much as, if not more, impact on the effectiveness of your sessions than the treatment itself.
A positive therapeutic relationship is one where:

• You and your psychologist work together to establish your treatment goals.
• You are able to provide regular feedback on how you feel your sessions are going.
• You feel genuine warmth and empathy from your psychologist.

Finding the right ‘fit’ can be an important step towards experiencing a positive therapeutic relationship. Each psychologist has different therapeutic styles and personality factors, and you may find that trying a few different psychologists to start with may help you find the best match for you.

The duration of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some people may find short-term therapy helpful for specific issues, while others may benefit from long-term therapy for ongoing support and personal growth. The psychologist will work with you to determine the appropriate duration based on your unique circumstances.

Yes, therapy is confidential. Psychologists follow ethical guidelines and legal obligations to protect client confidentiality. All personal information gathering by the psychologist during sessions will be confidential, however, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, child or elder abuse, or when required by a court order.

Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues. The effectiveness of therapy can vary depending on factors such as the type of therapy, the client's motivation and engagement, and the nature of the problem being addressed. Research supports the positive outcomes of therapy for many individuals.
All psychologists are trained in evidence-based practice, which informs their treatment approach. Psychotherapy itself has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms related to a wide number of common mental health disorders.

Yes, you can choose the gender of your psychologist if it is an important factor for you. Feeling comfortable and having a good rapport with your therapist is crucial for the success of therapy. Many psychologists understand the importance of client preference and will accommodate your request if possible.

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as location, the psychologist's experience, and whether you have insurance coverage. The APS National Schedule of Recommended Fees for 2022-2023 has the standard 46 to 60-minute consultation fee at $280. However, at Omega Wellness Centre we believe that it is important for psychology services to be affordable and accessible by all, therefore we offer a significantly lower fee than what is recommended.
Cost for a General Psychologist
To see a general psychologist for 50 minutes, the fee is $170.
With a mental health care plan, you are able to receive a Medicare rebate of $92.90. This means there is an out of pocket cost of $70.10.
Cost for a Clinical Psychologist
To see a clinical psychologist for 50 minutes, the fee is $215.
With a mental health care plan, you are able to receive a Medicare rebate of $136.35. This means there is an out of pocket cost of $78.65.