Do I need a GP referral?
No, you do not need a referral to see us at The Launceston Therapy Clinic. However, many GPs and health-care workers are also likely to provide you with our details as a source of help. A GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician referral is required if you are seeking the Medicare rebate.

How many sessions do I need?
Depending on your particular needs, the average number of therapy sessions ranges from 8 to 15. However, some clients only need 1 to 6 sessions, particularly if their issues are very specific. Others choose to have more longer-term therapy with less frequent sessions over a longer period of time. The time you will need in therapy is discussed with you and there is no obligation to continue if you do not wish. Sessions for assessment only vary according to the nature of the problem. Please feel free to discuss the number of sessions needed with your therapist if you have any questions.

How long are appointments?
First appointments are 1 to 1½ hours long to allow sufficient time for us to get a good indication of what is troubling you. Appointments after this are spaced at hourly intervals, and you will be seen for about 50 to 55 minutes, with the extra time devoted to making case notes, and other administrative matters.  If your therapist is running late, you will still receive full time, or some similar arrangement will be made, to be fair to you.

How will information about me be treated?
Any information and records regarding you are kept strictly confidential. Any information about you is kept securely locked away in files and is only disclosed to additional parties with your prior consent. There are some qualifications to this:

  • If you were referred by a medical practitioner under the Medicare rebate initiative we need to send them regular reports of your progress. It may also be appropriate to liaise with them regarding related medical issues and medication.
  • Where the cost of your consultations is covered by an insurance company, regular reports are required by them. You are welcome to a copy of any report that is written concerning you.  If there are particular issues that come up in your therapy that you do not wish to have written about, please indicate this to your therapist. 
  • If you are involved in a Court case and a clinician appears on your behalf, or if we are subpoenaed to appear in Court, our records have no special legal privilege.  We would not be allowed to withhold from the Court any information you have given us.
  • If there is reason to believe that someone is at serious risk of harm if we do not divulge the information to the appropriate authorities.

What’s the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists both work in the area of mental health and often work together. However, there are some significant differences between the two professions.

Psychologists treat psychological difficulties in a variety of contexts and have studied or specialized in areas of human behaviour. Psychiatrists are qualified medical practitioners and are therefore able to prescribe medication. While some Psychologists are doctors by research (e.g., PhD, DPsy), they are not able to prescribe you medication. Psychologists are, however, able to recommend medication (e.g., anti-depressants) as a treatment option.

What is an Occupational Therapist?
An Occupational Therapist may work in a variety of settings, including in the area of mental health. An occupational therapist is interested in all those activities people do that give life meaning and determine who they are, for example, work, play, study, interests, passions etc. Occupational Therapy is guided by a range of frameworks including biopsychosocial models, behavioural frames of reference, a range of psychological frameworks and the Model of Human Occupation. Occupational therapists assist individuals to identify how a particular problem is influencing their ability to function and thus their daily life. Treatment, amongst other things, aims to improve and maximise participation in ones chosen daily occupations and roles.

How can I find out more about the work of Clinical Psychologists or Occupational Therapists?
To find out more about Psychologists, you can contact the Australian Psychological Society (www.psychology.org.au) or contact the Psychologists Registration Board of Tasmania (www.regboardstas.com/psychologists).

To find out more about Occupational Therapists, you can contact the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (www.ausot.com.au).