It is best to contact us to get the most up-to-date information on wait times to get an appointment. We endeavour to provide an appointment at the earliest convenience.

A normal individual session is 50 minutes long.

Each individual and situation is different. Some people achieve a different perspective in one session while most need more. Generally, approximately six sessions are required. For more serious mental health problems, more sessions may be needed.

You can expect to discuss your feelings, behaviour, relationships, goals or problems. We aim to understand your situation, as you see it. We offer new strategies for approaching your situation, and a different perspective on your problem. We provide treatment programs using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches. There is usually an educational component.

You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a psychologist. You can simpy contact us and pay a private fee. However to access the Medicare rebate you will need to see your doctor for a mental health plan before you can claim the Medicare refund. A referral is required to claim on WorkCover and motor vehicle accident insurance. You do not need a referral to use your private health cover.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists use various forms of therapy to help with problems like depression, anxiety, stress, grief, bipolar disorder, relationship breakdowns, drug and alcohol addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. But there are differences. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications (having trained as a medical practitioner), which psychologists can't do. Because of this, psychiatrists tend to look after more people with severe mental illness who need medication. Registered psychologist themselves are required to have a minimum of six years of university training and supervised experience.

Yes, taking medication does not prevent you from engaging in an effective treatment program with a psychologist. Over time, as you feel better, you may be able to discuss reduction of medication with your doctor. Do not change your medication regime without the advice of your doctor.

Seeing a psychologist can be costly, and we understand that it is difficult for most to have out-of-pocket medical expenses. Together with our professional body, we are working hard to lobby the Government to make access to mental healthcare more affordable. However, the increases in government rebates have lagged behind inflation for many years, resulting in higher costs for clients. In recognition, at Down South Psychology, we ask our clients for a much lower rate, currently $235 per session, than that recommended by professional bodies ($300 per session). Medicare refunds apply if you have a Mental Health Care Plan, but there is a gap fee. Private Health Cover Extras apply, so please check the amount of your rebate with your fund. Please see the Terms of Service tab for further information regarding fees.

You do not have to have a referral from your doctor to access private health cover rebates for psychology, you just need to make an appointment. You should check the amount of your rebate with your fund, and ensure you have cover for psychology, before attending an appointment.

You should visit your GP after booking an extended visit, and he or she will assess your symptoms and write a Mental Health Care Plan if you are eligible.

You should visit your GP for assessment for a mental health care plan for your child. Unfortunately, you are not covered by the plan to see the psychologist without your child present. We usually recommend that you book a private session with the psychologist first, as it is often a good idea to discuss the problem without the child overhearing.

A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospices, or psychology practices. In contrast to assistance (or service) dogs, which are trained to assist specific patients with their day-to-day physical needs, therapy dogs are trained to interact with all kinds of people, not just their handlers.

If you manage your NDIS plan yourself (i.e. self-managed) then you can use this towards funding your therapy at our practice. Please check with the NDIS if you seek further clarification around this.

Yes. You may be eligible for up to 12 appointments a year with an appropriate GP referral detailing your DVA status. The DVA is billed directly and there are no out of pocket expenses for you.

Yes. You will need an appropriate referral from you ADF GP. The ADF is billed directly and there are no out of pocket expenses for you. Late cancellation and no show fees will apply.

If the matter is an emergency, please contact 000 or, in other cases, you may contact Lifeline 13 11 14. Some further support service contacts are provided below: Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 569 467 SANE Helpline: 1800 187 263 Crisis Care (4pm-9am): 13 16 11 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Mensline Australia: 1300 780 978 Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours): 1800 800 098 Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 1300 782 200 Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service: 8226 8787 (24 hours) 1800 817 421 (toll free) Rural & Remote Mental Health Service of SA: 13 14 65 Alcohol and Drug Information Service (24 hours): 1300 131 340 Health Direct ‘Your 24 hour health advice line’: 1800 022 222 Mental Health Resource Centre: 08 8221 5166

No. Our service does not provide any court reports.

No. Our services do not provide services for Return to Work or for insurance claims.