FAQs

What is psychological therapy?

Psychological therapy is the name given to a wide range of treatment approaches that are aimed at improving the mental and emotional well-being of people who are experiencing difficulties in their life. Psychological therapy allows the person to focus on and discuss their concerns in a supportive, non judgmental and confidential environment.

Psychological therapy is not about the psychologist telling someone what to do. Rather, the psychologist aims to empower and help build individual capacity to work through and cope with their difficulties independently. Psychological therapy also aims to equip a person with the skills to cope more effectively should similar problems arise in the future.

How can a psychologist help me?

People seek psychological therapy for several reasons and for a variety of problems, ranging from day-to-day stress and relationship difficulties to more severe mental health problems and disorders. Usually a person recognises that there is something in their life that is creating unhappiness or distress, and that this may be impacting on their functioning at work, school, or at home. Such difficulties can be difficult to resolve without support from a mental health professional.

What is Telehealth Psychology?

Sunrise Clinical Psychology conducts psychology sessions exclusively via Telehealth (phone or video consultation).

The use of telehealth service delivery is the same as you would expect in a face-to-face session, except we connect remotely via telecommunications (your computer or phone!). Our preference is to use online video as this enables our psychologists and clients to see one another. However, sometimes because of technical issues such as software problems or issues with internet connection, we will conduct sessions over the telephone as the next best option.

If this is something you would prefer, this can be negotiated prior to your initial appointment.

Getting started

How do I make an appointment?

To make an initial appointment, please click on our ‘Contact us’ page and fill out our new client form with your contact information. Lucy will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your needs and to schedule you an appointment.

What are your availabilities? How long will I have to wait for my first session?

Currently we have immediate availability which means that if Sunrise Clinical Psychology is suitable for your needs, you can make an appointment within the next week or fortnight.

Currently we have sessions availabilities on a Saturday morning.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No, you can book in with us as a private client at your earliest convenience. However, you might like to arrange a referral through your GP (called a Mental Health Care Plan) as this will allow you access to a Medicare rebate.

What is the Medicare rebate?

With a Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP or psychiatrist, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate. The current Medicare rebate is $129.55.

You are eligible to claim up to 20 subsidised sessions per calendar year through Medicare. Your initial referral allows you to receive an initial six sessions, after which your referring doctor must complete a review with you. Additional sessions (up to total of 20 per year) can to be rebated through Medicare after further periodic reviews with your GP.

Sunrise Clinical Psychology offer Medicare online processing, meaning that this rebate will be directed into the bank account you have registered with Medicare at the time of your session. Medicare usually makes these transfers immediately, but they can take up to 48 hours to be processed by your bank.

Am I able to access a Medicare rebate with Telehealth sessions?

Yes! As long as you have a MHCP and a valid referral, you are entitled to up to 20 rebated sessions per year just as you would if you were seeing a psychologist face to face.

Do I need to be in Wollongong or NSW to see a psychologist through Sunrise Clinical Psychology?

No! The lovely thing about telehealth services is that you can access psychology sessions with Sunrise Clinical Psychology from anywhere in Australia, and still be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

Can I book my next appointment online?

Yes, though not your initial appointment. Your psychologist would prefer to talk to you over the phone prior to booking your first appointment to explain the process and answer any questions you may have. If you are an existing client, you can use the ‘Book Now’ link to book your next appointment/ series of appointments.

When I click ‘Book Now’, why do I end up on an external website?

Sunrise Clinical Psychology uses the Halaxy platform which is a global platform for clinical software utilised by many health practitioners including psychologists. When you click on the ‘Book Now’ button on our website, you will be redirected to our Halaxy Profile for online bookings.  Halaxy is protected by 256-bit bank grade security and encryption, which means records, notes and payment information is protected to the same level used in banks. All information is encrypted and stored in a securely protected data centre in Australia with multiple backups in place.  Your data is hosted on servers with state-of-the-art security and are located within Australia.  To learn more about Halaxy’s privacy and security, click here.

Can I receive a private health insurance rebate for therapy?

Clients who are covered by private health insurance funds may be able to claim rebates from their insurer for services provided by Sunrise Clinical Psychology. Enquiries regarding cover for psychological services at Sunrise Clinical Psychology should be directly addressed to your private health insurance fund to clarify their contribution scheme for clinical psychological services under your specific policy.

Can I self-refer to Sunrise Clinical Psychology?

Yes, you can refer yourself directly to Sunrise Clinical Psychology.  Though without a Mental Health Care Plan from your doctor you will not receive a Medicare rebate – please refer to above section regarding rebates for further information.

I am on WorkCover. Am I able to see a psychologist at Sunrise Clinical Psychology?

Yes. Lucy is an approved WorkCover provider in NSW. You will need a referral from your GP and will need to provide your WorkCover information prior to your first session in order to ensure that your sessions will be covered by WorkCover.

I am on the NDIS. Am I able to see a psychologist at Sunrise Clinical Psychology?

Yes, as long as you are self managed or provider managed. Unfortunately we are unable to accept referrals for individuals who are NDIA managed. If you are unsure if we are the right service for you, please contact us through the booking form or through email at info@sunriseclinicalpsychology.com.au and we can discuss further.

Who will I have contact with at Sunrise Clinical Psychology?

When you contact Sunrise Clinical Psychology you will speak with Lucy, our Clinic Director and primary Clinical Psychology. She will gather your demographic details (e.g., name, phone number, address, etc) and details of your booking or enquiry. Lucy can then book your initial appointment for you over the phone.

 What will happen in my first session?

We actually answered that here on our blog! Click here for more information.

Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality

Anything you say to a psychologist is confidential, and there are strict penalties for psychologists found to have breached this duty. However, psychologists are required to disclose confidential information obtained in the course of their provision of psychological services only under any one or more of the following circumstances:

1)      With the consent of the relevant client (or a person with legal authority to act on behalf of the client);

2)      Where there is a legal obligation to do so (e.g., court subpoena);

3)      If there is an immediate and specified risk of harm to an identifiable person or persons that can be averted only by disclosing information.

As registered psychologists, under the National Law (2009) we are required to undertake ongoing supervision from a colleague approximately once per month to discuss our practice. When consulting colleagues in the course of supervision or professional training, the psychologist may discuss some aspects of your treatment, however your identity and any associated parties remains anonymous at all times. Please speak with Lucy Cowen, Clinic Director, if you have any further questions.