What is a psychologist? 

A psychologist is a mental health professional who is trained to study mental processes, human behaviour, emotion, and how people relate with others, themselves, and the world around them.  Psychologists all have a minimum of 6 years of combined university and workplace supervision, and are required to engage in ongoing education, and adhere to strict ethical standards.  In Australia, Psychologists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA) and the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).  

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Psychologists work in a wide range of settings including private practice, schools, hospitals, organisations, prisons, community centres and government agencies.  

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Do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral to engage with RT Psychological Services, as private services are available.  However, we do accept referrals for numerous funding bodies including Medicare, NDIS, VOCAT, Workcover, and TAC.

Significant rebates are available with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) referral, or through your Private Health Insurer.

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Can I claim a Medicare rebate?

Medicare rebates are available to those who have a Mental Health Care Plan referral, which can be provided by your GP, Paediatrician, or Psychiatrist.  Once payment for a session is received, a Medicare rebate of $89.65 will be processed by our friendly administration team, and deposited into the bank account you have nominated with Medicare within 24-48 hours.

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Can I claim through my private health insurance?

Rosemary is able to provide services through private health, and you will be provided with a receipt in order to claim this directly with your health insurer; however please check with your individual health insurer and policy as to whether psychology services are covered. 

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Do you offer phone or video sessions?

Yes, both phone and video telehealth sessions are available.  Please let Rosemary know if you would like to access sessions in this way, and she will organise a link or phone call at the time of your appointment.

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Are NDIS referrals accepted?

Rosemary Tainsh Psychologist is able to accept self managed and plan managed NDIS clients.

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What appointment times are available?

Rosemary is available Tuesday's (10am-6pm), Thursdays (10am-6pm), and Friday morning's (9:30am-1:30pm).  Please note that appointments after 3:30pm are popular, and after school appointments cannot be guaranteed.

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Do you write psychological reports?

Please note that RT Psychological Services does not provide reports for the purpose of family court or custody matters, or relating to legal proceedings.  Please seek the advice of an experienced forensic psychologist for these matters.

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Other reports can be provided for clients who have attended a minimum of three sessions, so that we have the appropriate amount of information available.  Reports are generally charged at the same rate as a private session per hour spent, however please contact us directly for an accurate quote.  

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What can I expect in the first session?

A first session with a psychologist can be anxiety provoking, particularly if this is your first time seeking asisstance.  We always feel honoured meeting a new client, and love to create a safe, warm environment for you to feel comfortable sharing your story.  Typically the first session or two are used to get to know you - what brings you to the session, your past experience and history, and what you hope the sessions will provide you.  We will then collaboratively setup treatment goals, which will be reviewed periodically to ensure the sessions are being helpful.

Prior to the first session, you will receive the intake paperwork via email.  Completing the paperwork in this way ensures you can spend as much time as you need reading through the information (with no time pressure!), and email through any questions or concerns prior to the first appointment. 

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How do sessions with a psychologist help?

Rosemary Tainsh Psychologist provides evidence-based approaches for your concerns.  During your initial appointment, Rosemary will get to know your unique story, and will collaboratively develop an evidence based approach to address your main concerns.  The approach we take is dependent on your main concerns; however commonly sessions involve - 

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- Learning mindfulness and relaxation exercises

- Exploring values and how these may inform life goals

- Learning about your mind and body, and how it responds to stress and trauma

- Developing strategies to manage difficult symptoms

- Using evidence based treatments to process trauma and reduce trauma related symptoms

- Exploring belief and attachment systems, how these interact with your current day experiences, and how to manage these effectively to reduce symptomology.

- Exploring interpersonal patterns in relationships, and identifying ways in which to overcome interpersonal difficulties

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How do I pay?

Session fees are due on the day of each session.

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We accept cash as payment, and also offer EFTPOS (credit or debit card) facilities and direct transfers.

In most cases we are able to provide Medicare rebates on the day or day after your appointment through our automated system. Please ensure that your banking details are registered with Medicare in order to receive your rebate.

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How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions an individual needs is highly dependent on their situation - everyone is unique and different. Generally we recommend starting sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis, as research suggests that this increases effectiveness, particularly in the initial stages of treatment.  Often the frequency of sessions will decrease as time goes on, and your concerns are being addressed.  However this is a collaborative process, and depends on your needs.  

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During your first session, your expectations and goals for the session will be explored in order to develop a plan which will suit your needs best.

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Can I contact my psychologist after hours?

As Rosemary is in private practice, she is not an emergency service and unavailable after hours. If you need immediate urgent support please present to your local emergency department, or contact emergency services, psychiatric triage, or after hours counselling services such as:

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Emergency (fire, ambulance, police)  - 000

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Lifeline - 13 11 14

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Kids helpline - 1800 55 1800

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Mensline - 1300 789 978

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Safe steps (Victorian Domestic Violence Support) - 1800 015 188

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Suicide Callback - 1300 659 467

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Parentline Victoria - 13 22 89

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Beyond Blue Telephone counselling service - 1300 224 636

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What if I can't make my appointment?

Reminder/confirmation texts are sent 48 hours before your appointment in order to give you ample time to reschedule or cancel the appointment.  We have a strict cancellation fee with all cancellations made within 24 hours of appointment incurring the session fee of $90. Cancellations on the day of appointment or non- attendance will be charged at full consultation rate ($180). You will be asked to provide valid credit card details upon booking initial appointment and in case of a late cancellation the fee will be charged to the card provided.

 

 We ask that in choosing to be a client of our service you commit to contacting us with more than 24 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment, or you accept responsibility for payment of the cancellation fee.