FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions...

This section answers some common questions about therapy, therapists and psychology. Please note the replies given reflect the opinion of the writer and that other writers may differ.

 

If you would like to see a question answered not listed below, please email your question to info@psychologistmartin.com.au.

 

1. What is mental health and what constitutes a mental health problem?

 

While everyone has a good idea of what constitutes physical health, many struggle to competently describe what constitutes mental health. Some definitions of mental health include:

  • Coping well with life and its problems
  • The ability to feel comfortable about yourself, other people and to cope with the demands of the world
  • Mental health is not simply about the absence of a mental health problem or illness, but is also about an individuals ability to interact with others and the environment in ways that help to achieve a personal sense of well-being.

Mental health problems start when people are not able to cope and then experience symptoms that cause marked impairment or difficulties functioning at their work or in their usual social activities or their relationships with others. If this stage is reached people should seek prompt professional help as soon as possible. In the most severe cases, mental health problems may necessitate hospitalisation (1) to prevent harm to self or to others, or (2) if psychotic - being out of touch with reality - symptoms are present.

 
2. What is the difference between a counsellor, a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

 

Anyone can call themself a counsellor in Victoria, Australia. You need no formal qualifications and there is no compulsory registration body that accredits counsellors. That is not to say that some counsellors are not highly effective at their work and have considerable training and experience. 

 

Until recently, to become a registered psychologist you needed a minimum of an Honours degree and two years of supervised experience as a trainee or provisional psychologist under the supervision of a fully registered psychologist. Nowadays, it is increasingly encouraged that psychologists complete a four year Honours degree followed by a two or three year post-graduate professional development program leading to a Masters or Doctor of Psychology degree. Psychologists can not prescribe medications. As of 1st November 2006, patients with a GP created Mental Health Care Plan can claim up to 12 Medicare rebates per calendar year for individual psychology sessions. 

 

Psychiatrists have a general medical degree gained over five to six years and then go on to complete a further six years specialist mental health training. As fully qualified doctors, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications. Also, their patients are eligible for Medicare rebates on consults, although many private psychiatrists may request a gap payment above that covered by Medicare. Seeing a psychiatrist normally requires a referral from a GP. In general, psychiatrists treat people who have the most severe or long lasting mental health problems and their main treatment approach is based on medication.

 

3. What is the difference between a 'general psychologist' and a 'clinical psychologist'?

 

Psychologists vary a lot in their training, work experience and areas of sepcialisation. Medicare acknowledges this by dividing psychologists into two groups: (1) Clinical psychologists who have extensive specialist training in the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, that is diagnosable psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety, and (2) General psychologists who constitute all other registered psychologists. 

 

4. How can I find a suitable psychologist for my problem?

 

The best way is through word of mouth or personal recommendation. However, this is not always available, and may be hindered by people's reluctance to admit having had past help from a psychologist!

 

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) offer a free referral system that lists psychologists by post code and their specialist work areas. This can be accessed through the internet by going to http://www.psychology.org.au/ and then selecting the 'Find a psychologist' tab. Alternatively, phone 1800-333-497 and ask for the psychologist referral service and give your postcode and a one sentence description of your problem. If you prefer a male or female psychologist, inform them. Note, this service does not list all psychologists but only those who are paid up members of the APS who also pay an additional fee to be listed on their referral database.

 

Also BeyondBlue: The National Depression Initative offers a database of clinical psychologists with specialised mental health disorder training. See http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=3.688&state=vic.

 

Otherwise there is the Yellow Pages directory and their associated internet site listings under the headings of 'Counselling' or 'Psychologists'.

 

Two American internet articles that may guide your decision making process in choosing a psychologist include: http://www.guidetopsychology.com/choosing.htm & http://www.depsych.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=21

 

5. How can I be sure my psychologist is really a psychologist?

 

In Australia, trainee and fully registered psychologists need to register with their local state registration board. The Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria can be found at http://www.psychreg.vic.gov.au/. To check if someone calling themself a 'psychologist' is a genuinely registered psychologist, click on the 'Search the Register' tab and then enter the person's details. If they are not listed, raise this issue with the person. If no substantive reason is offered for them not being listed, inform the Victorian registration board on 03-9629-8722 to help the board protect members of the public from people mis-representing themselves as psychologists.

 

6. What is best for my complaint - medication or cognitive-behavioural therapy or both?

 

There is no simple answer to this questions. The approach chosen depends on the nature of the person's specific psychiatric problem and symptoms, its history in the patient's life, and the client's attitude towards medication and therapy. Consequently, the course of treatment can be as much up to the patient as it is to their GP, psychiatrist or psychologist. 

 

Medication has the advantage of being cheaper for the client and involves usually involves less client effort than therapy. However, it can take a time to work (up to 8 weeks or more if you have to trial more than one medication, eg, anti-depressant) and it exposes people to the risk of experiencing undesired side effects (eg, lack of sex drive, sexual dysfunction, weight gain). Also, when ceasing medication, people can be at a greater risk of relapse - that is, of their symptoms returning - than with therapies such as CBT.

 

A course of CBT might typically be from 6 to 12 sessions over a similar number of weeks. It requires client effort to learn and practice new skills. CBT educates patients about the nature of their conditions and helps provide a new set of skills to give patients increased self-control over their complaint - skills that can still be used after therapy ends. CBT therefore, can give patients a greater sense of being in-control of their life, rather than feeling dependent on medication. 

 

In other instances, using both medication and CBT can be the best approach, while at other times (eg, some anxiety conditions) using both can sometimes be counter-productive. 

 

In conclusion, what is 'best' depends on the individual concerned, their complaint(s) and what they are prepared - or able - to participate in.

 

7. What are my rights as a client when I see a psychologist?

 

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) states that clients of a psychologist have a right to expect that:

  • You will be treated with respect
  • You will receive a clear explanation of the service you will receive
  • Your consent for any service will be sought by the psychologist prior to the service commencing and as it progresses
  • You will receive an explantion about the nature and limits of confidentiality surrounding the service
  • You will receive competent and professional service
  • You will receive a clear statement about fees
  • You will be clear about the outcome that you and the psychologist are working towards
  • You will receive an estimate of the number of sessions required to achieve the outcome
  • You will receive a service free from sexual harassment
  • You will be shown respect for your cultural background and language tradition.