Many people are unsure about what a psychologist does and how their role differs from other mental health professionals. A psychologist is a university trained professional who is registered with a federal regulatory body (AHPRA). They usually assist people to change unhelpful thoughts, emotions or behaviours. This may include helping people to manage or recover from mental health disorders. While psychologists provide counselling and psychotherapy, their training differs from counsellors and psychotherapists, in that they have a greater emphasis on evidence based interventions. Psychologists are not medically trained in the way that GP’s or psychiatrists are and therefore they do not have authority to prescribe medications.

While receiving advice or being listened to by a friend or relative can be helpful, counselling and psychotherapy involve the use of particular techniques and strategies that are specifically designed to help people deal with issues and concerns that may be affecting them emotionally or mentally. Counselling is usually short term involving  up to 20 sessions, while psychotherapy is a longer term process and is appropriate for more complex or deep-seated mental health difficulties.

We all experience and make sense of life in our own unique way, and therefore the challenges that life presents can affect a person’s mental health in a variety of ways. Often people are referred to a psychologist by their GP. It can be helpful to see a psychologist if you are: 

• experiencing difficulty coping or feeling overwhelmed
• struggling with low mood
• worrying excessively or having panic attacks
• frequently irritable or angry
• feeling isolated and avoiding social activities
• troubled by an addiction
• wanting to change a problematic behaviour
• feeling confused or troubled over a relationship

Peyton Psychology maintains a strict confidentiality policy in accordance with our professional code of ethics. What is disclosed in counselling sessions, as well any correspondence relating to your sessions, will remain confidential, unless you consent to it being shared with someone. We also adhere to strict protocols around maintaining the security of any data we collect about our clients. However we may be obligated to disclose information to a third party if we have concerns that someone’s safety is at risk. Please ask for our Privacy Policy if you require further details.

The cost of a consultation (approx  50 minutes duration) is as follows

• $170.00 for individuals 
• $190.00 for couples

In the initial session, we first focus on understanding the reasons that led you to make the appointment. This involves an assessment process, where you can tell your story and get your concerns “off your chest”. It also includes a series of questions from the psychologist about your past and present, which will help in understanding your current situation. The psychologist will also seek to understand what you want to achieve from the counselling process. Subsequent sessions are usually on a fortnightly basis and become less frequent as your difficulties are resolved.

Generally, a session has a duration of approx. 50 minutes. You have the choice as to how many sessions you need and are not obliged to attend a minimum number. You are also free to decide the frequency of your counselling sessions. The number and frequency of your sessions is something you can discuss with your psychologist in your first session, as everyone’s needs are different. Many people find between five to 10 sessions adequately addresses their concerns, while others prefer a longer term approach.

Yes. Medicare rebates are currently available for up to 10 sessions for clients who have a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP.

Private Health Insurance can also provide rebates for sessions, depending on your level of cover.

We are also registered to work with clients through Worksafe, Traffic Accident Commission (TAC), DVA and NDIS. In these situations there will be no out-of-pocket cost for clients.

Fees are payable at the end of each session by credit or debit card.

If for some reason you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice so we can offer the session to somebody else. There will be no charge. However, if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice or fail to attend your appointment, unfortunately you will be charged a cancellation fee being half of the session fee.