Frequently Asked Questions

A valid Medicare referral needs to include the following:

1. Date of referral. 
2. Your patient’s name, date of birth, Medicare number, and contact phone number.
3. A description of their symptoms, diagnosis, or provisional diagnosis.
4. A statement that a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Psychiatrist assessment and management plan is in place.
5. It is very helpful to include the MHTP if your patient agrees, but not required. 
6. The number of sessions requested (if absent, the maximum available is assumed).
7. Your name, provider number and signature. 

Medicare provide information for referrers here

A Clinical Psychologist is a mental health professional qualified to provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals experiencing mental or physical health problems. They have specialised training in assessing and treating various mental health difficulties and use a variety of techniques and interventions, that are backed by extensive scientific research, to help individuals overcome psychological issues, promote psychological wellbeing, or manage difficult life events.
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They are trained to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups and work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, community mental health and other settings. Part of the role of a Clinical Psychologist is to collaborate with other health professionals, such as doctors, psychiatrists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care for their clients.
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As well, they may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, public policy, and designing and implementing mental health programs. Throughout the course of their career, Clinical Psychologists undertake continual learning and development in areas such as prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.

There are many different reasons you might consider seeking help from a Clinical Psychologist:

• Mental Health Concerns: Clinical Psychologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, personality disorders, and more. They can help you to manage symptoms, develop coping strategies, and improve your overall mental health and well-being.
• Relationship Issues: Clinical psychologists can help you to navigate relationship challenges with family members, partners, friends, or co-workers. They can assist with improving communication, resolving conflicts, and developing healthy boundaries.
• Life Transitions: Major life changes such as divorce, career changes, or the loss of a loved one can be difficult to manage. A clinical psychologist can provide support and guidance to help you navigate these transitions.
• Overcoming Trauma: Clinical Psychologists can help you overcome deeply distressing experiences that have negatively impacted on your mental health and well-being. They can assist you to develop coping strategies, challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, and develop a sense of control and empowerment over your life and recovery.
• Personal Growth: Clinical Psychologists can assist you in developing a better understanding of yourself and your motivations, improving self-esteem, and cultivating personal growth and development.

Overall, a clinical psychologist can provide a safe and confidential space for you to discuss your concerns, receive support, and develop skills to manage life’s challenges.

No, you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with us. You can simply contact us (email or phone) to book your appointment, and we will guide you on your next steps. If you wish to claim Medicare rebates for your appointments, you will eventually need a referral from your General Practitioner (GP). Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician.

You may have seen some people use the title Psychologist and others use the title Clinical Psychologist. In Australia, the title Psychologist is used by those who have completed 4 years of university study and 2 years of hands-on experience. The title Clinical Psychologist is reserved for those who have completed 6 years of university study (including at least a Master degree) and 2 years of hands-on experience.
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Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists can both delivery therapy. However, Clinical Psychologists have completed additional specialised training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological problems. To reflect this, it costs more to see a Clinical Psychologist, but the Medicare rebate is also higher making the gap you pay about the same. At Canopy, all our clinicians have completed Master-level training in Clinical Psychology to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients.

A Clinical Psychology Registrar has completed 6 years of university training, including a Master degree. Their title means that they are already a Psychologist, and are also in the process of completing the registration requirements to be a Clinical Psychologist. Both Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Psychology Registrars are licensed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to provide psychological services. In Australia, the registration process is overseen by the Psychology Board of Australia, which is responsible for ensuring that clinicians meet the high competence and ethical standards required in Clinical Psychology.

At Canopy, the upfront fee for seeing a Clinical Psychologist is $250 per session and $200 for a Clinical Psychology Registrar. We set our fees below the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommendation of $280 per session.
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If you have access to Medicare, you will receive a rebate for each session you attend. The rebate amount is $131.65 (Clinical Psychologist) and $89.65 (Clinical Psychology Registrar). So your out-of-pocket cost per session is between $110 and $118, depending on who you see. We charge you the full amount on the day of your session and process your rebate on your behalf. The rebate usually takes about 24hrs to appear in your account. Medicare offers rebates for 10 sessions per calendar year.

Many private health insurance policies cover the cost of psychological services, but the amount and type of coverage can vary widely. Some policies have limits on the number of sessions covered or require you to see a preferred provider. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. If you are eligible, you will typically need to pay the full fee charged by the psychologist at the time of your appointment, and then submit a claim to your health insurance provider for reimbursement. It's important to note that you cannot claim a rebate from both Medicare and your private health insurance for the same session. You will need to choose one or the other, depending on your eligibility and the terms of your insurance policy.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please get in touch with us and we would be happy to discuss this with you. You can call or email us using the contact details provided on our website.

During your first visit, you can expect to discuss your current concerns and any relevant history with the psychologist. This will likely involve a combination of structured questions and open-ended discussion to help the psychologist understand your situation and needs.
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Here are some of the things you can expect during your first visit:
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1. Confidentiality: The psychologist will explain their confidentiality policies and any limitations to confidentiality, such as mandatory reporting of harm to self or others.
Introductions: You will meet your clinical psychologist and have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process or their background.
2. Assessment: The psychologist will likely ask you questions about your current concerns, symptoms, and any relevant history such as medical, mental health, and family history.
3. Discussion of Treatment Goals: Based on the information you provide, your psychologist will discuss with you the treatment goals and plan. This will help you to understand what to expect from the treatment, how long it may take and what your responsibilities will be in the process.
4. Next steps: At the end of your session, your psychologist will discuss the next steps for your treatment. This may involve scheduling additional sessions or referral to another professional for further assessment or treatment.
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It's important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on each psychologist's approach, your specific needs, and the type of therapy you are receiving. If you have any questions or concerns about the process or what to expect during your first visit, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. They are there to help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your treatment.

Getting the most out of your therapy requires a collaborative effort between you and the psychologist. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sessions:
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1. Be Honest: It is important to be honest and open with your psychologist about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This will help the psychologist to better understand your situation and provide you with appropriate treatment. You might be someone who takes longer to trust others and feel comfortable to speak openly, and that’s okay too.
2. Set Clear Goals: Take some time to identify what you hope to achieve through therapy. This helps your psychologist tailor the treatment to you and track your progress towards your goals. A useful question to ask yourself is, “If therapy was working, how would my life be different?”
3. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't get something or want more information about a specific topic. This can help you to better understand your treatment and feel more comfortable with the process.
4. Be Open-Minded: Keep an open mind to new ideas and perspectives. The psychologist may challenge some of your assumptions or beliefs, but this is often a necessary part of the therapeutic process.
5. Practice Self-Care: It's important to take care of yourself outside of therapy sessions. This may involve engaging in activities that you enjoy, getting enough sleep and exercise, and eating a healthy diet. This can help to support your mental health and make the most out of your therapy sessions.
6. Attend Regularly: Attend regular therapy sessions can help to establish a consistent routine and make progress towards your treatment goals. If you are unable to attend an appointment in person, ask your therapist about the possibility of a Telehealth session.
7. Give Feedback: Provide feedback to your psychologist about what is working and what isn't, both in and out of sessions. We love to hear this. Your therapist will take on board your feedback and work with you to problem-solve.
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Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and it may take some time to see progress. By working with your psychologist and following these tips, you can maximise the benefits of your therapy sessions and work towards achieving your treatment goals.

The number of therapy sessions you may need can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of your concerns, your treatment goals, and your individual response to therapy. Some people may see significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy.
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The duration of therapy will depend on the type of therapy and the approach of the psychologist. Some approaches are brief and solution-focused while others are longer-term and more exploratory. Your psychologist will provide you with an estimate of the number of sessions required based on your concerns and your goals.
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In general, research suggests that the effectiveness of therapy is related to the number of sessions attended, and those who attend more sessions tend to have better outcomes. However, it's important to keep in mind that therapy is a process that takes time and effort, and that progress may not always be linear.
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It's also important to note that you and your psychologist should regularly evaluate your progress towards your treatment goals and discuss any adjustments that may be needed to the treatment plan.
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Ultimately, the length of therapy will depend on your individual needs and goals, and your psychologist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Attending each scheduled appointment is important for therapy continuity and will help you get the most out of your sessions. In unforeseen circumstances, please provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice (2 working days). This allows the chance to fill the cancellation with clients who have been wait-listed. A full cancellation fee is charged for less than 48-hour notice or if you miss an appointment, which is not able to be rebated via Medicare or other health funds.

Our primary practice is located at 52-54 Monash Avenue, Nedlands (on the corner of Hampden Road). We are located on Level 1, above Santi’s Café. Please take the lift to Level 1 and walk left to be greeted by our friendly reception staff. We do not have onsite parking, however, there is street parking available on Hampden Road, and adjacent side-streets. As sessions last for 50 mins, clients find that a 1hr parking spot is usually suitable. The 950, 103, 96, 97, and 24 buses stop right outside.
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You can find further information about our location(s) on our homepage.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a referral developed by a GP (General Practitioner), Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician and sent to your psychologist. The MHTP is necessary for access to Medicare rebates.
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To get a MHTP, please visit your doctor. People with a valid MHTP will be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions of individual psychological therapy per calendar year, as well as group therapy sessions in certain circumstances.

Anyone who is experiencing mental health concerns can see a psychologist. Psychologists are trained to provide mental health services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds and can help with a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

Changing behaviour can help you improve your sleep in several ways. Here are a few examples:
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1. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This is a type of therapy that is specifically designed to help people who are experiencing sleep difficulties. CBT-I helps you to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that may be contributing to your sleep difficulties. It can also help you to establish healthy sleep habits and routines.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Psychology can teach you relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing exercises, that can help you to relax and unwind before bed. These techniques can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can make it easier to fall asleep.
3. Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Mindfulness-based interventions can help you to develop awareness of your thoughts and emotions, and to respond to them in a non-judgmental way. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to sleep difficulties.
4. Sleep Education: A psychologist can provide you with education about sleep and help you to understand the factors that can impact your sleep quality. This can help you to make informed decisions about your sleep habits and behaviours.
5. Addressing Underlying Psychological Issues: In some cases, sleep difficulties may be related to underlying psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression. A psychologist can work with you to address these issues and provide appropriate treatment to help you manage them.