Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
about Therapy at The Surrey Centre...How do I select a therapist at The Surrey Centre?What are the qualifications of the therapists at The Surrey Centre?
What type of problems are seen at The Surrey Centre?
What age groups can attend The Surrey Centre?
How many sessions will I need?
How confidential are the sessions? How is my privacy protected?
Do I need to get a referral from my GP to see a therapist at The Surrey Centre?
Can I get rebates from my health insurer?
Is Workcover or Victims Referral and Assistance Service (VRAS) available at The Surrey Centre?
I can't travel to The Surrey Centre. Is it possible to arrange telephone or email appointments?
Go to Frequently Asked Questions about Psychology, Psychiatry, Therapy and Counselling...[Top]
How do I select a therapist at The Surrey Centre?
Some (but not all) of the therapists at The Surrey Centre have pages on this website describing their individual areas of expertise. If you are unsure, you can contact The Surrey Centre and we will be able to recommend one or more therapists who will be suitable for your needs. The therapist you contact will be able to discuss ways that they may be able to help you and the costs for the service you may receive.
[Top]
What are the qualifications of the therapists at The Surrey Centre?
The qualifications of each of the therapists at The Surrey Centre vary. However, each of them has qualifications in psychology or psychiatry, and holds appropriate legal registration in their field. In addition, they hold membership with their industry organisation (such as the APS for psychologists), which ensures they have appropriate training, on-going professional development, and the adherence to a code of ethical conduct. You are welcome to ask the therapists about their qualifications.
[Top]
What type of problems are seen at The Surrey Centre?
Some of the range of problems which Surrey Centre therapists can help you with are listed on The Surrey Centre's homepage. If your particular problem is not listed a Surrey Centre therapist may still be able to assist you. Please contact a therapist at The Surrey Centre to explore if they are able to assist you.[Top]
What age groups can attend The Surrey Centre?
The Surrey Centre has therapists who are trained and skilled to assist all age groups - adolescents, adults and senior citizens, plus individuals and couples. Depending on the issues, Surrey Centre therapists may also see children. Each therapist will be able to clarify if they are able to assist you with your requirements.[Top]
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you may require depends on the services you require. Some problems can be resolved in a few sessions, while other issues may require longer-term attention. In some cases a therapist may offer you the choice between a short-term treatment program to help you with some specific issues or a longer-term program to enable you to explore your issues in depth. Each therapist will be able to give you an indication of the number of sessions which may be suitable for your situation.[Top]
How confidential are the sessions? How is my privacy protected?
The psychological and psychiatric professions strive to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of information you may share in sessions. Registration and membership of the professional associations (such as the APS) provides guidelines for therapists to maintain confidentiality as part of their code of ethical professional behaviour.
In addition, each of the therapists who works at The Surrey Centre is bound by the Commonwealth Privacy Act (1988) and the Victorian Health Records Act (2001). However, all therapists and counsellors are restricted in some exceptional circumstances which provides limitations to absolute confidentiality. Each therapist will be able to discuss these limitations and their privacy policy with you. Click here to read The Surrey Centre's privacy statement.[Top]
Do I need to get a referral from my GP to see a therapist at The Surrey Centre?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist at The Surrey Centre, although a GP may recommend one of our psychologists to you. You are welcome to make an appointment directly with a psychologist at The Surrey Centre.
A referral from a GP is required to see a psychiatrist at The Surrey Centre. Ask your GP to write a referral letter for you before making an appointment with a Surrey Centre psychiatrist.
[Top]
How much does it cost?
The fees that therapists charge vary, and depend on the type of service being offered. Each therapist will be able to clarify their fee structure with you before your first appointment.[Top]
Do I need to pay GST?
Most psychological services do not incur the 10% goods and services tax (GST). However some services, such as psychological reports for third parties (such as expert witness and medico-legal reports) do incur the GST. Each therapist will be able to clarify the GST status of their service with you.[Top]
Can I get rebates from my health insurer?
Psychologists are not medical practitioners and their services are not covered under Medicare. But private health insurers may rebate part of the cost of psychological consultations. To claim a rebate:
• You need to be covered by ancillary benefits insurance (extras table).
• The psychologist needs to be approved by the health insurance fund.
• Some health funds may also require a medical referral.
Rebates vary based on your level of cover. You can download a list of the private health insurers which offers rebates for psychological services from the APS website.
[Top]
Is Workcover or Victims Referral and Assistance Service (VRAS) available at The Surrey Centre?
Workcover:
If you have been injured at work or in the course of carrying out your work, you may require the services of a psychologist or psychiatrist as part of your recovery. In Victoria Workcover may cover the cost of your consultations for a specified period of time. Each therapist will be able to clarify if they are registered to offer this service.
Victims Referral and Assistance Service (VRAS):If you are a victim of a crime, you may be eligible to have some psychological services paid by the Victims Referral and Assistance Service (VRAS). When you report the crime to the police, you will be given information about what psychological services are available to you. Each therapist will be able to clarify if they are registered to offer this service.[Top]
I can't travel to The Surrey Centre. Is it possible to arrange telephone or email appointments?
At this stage these services are not generally offered by Surrey Centre therapists.
[Top]
This FAQ © The Surrey Centre
Not to be reproduced without permission from The Surrey Centre
FURTHER INFORMATION:
[Home]
[Top]© The Surrey Centre