Below are some suggested questions you might ask any potential counsellors before you see them.

1. What are your qualifications and training?

It is a good idea to ask for the name of the qualifications a potential counsellor has. Although qualifications and training are no guarantee of quality, it at least ensures the person has invested time and money into entering their profession. It also gives the security that the person has a certain amount of knowledge in their area. Your emotional health is too critically important to leave this to someone without professional training. Most psychologists have six years of university training specifically in human difficulties and behaviour, although some older psychologists have four years.

(Psychologists at Innovate Psychology are all Masters level trained (meaning they have six years of university training).

2. What are your areas of expertise and what are the areas you are less qualified in?

Although many psychologists work broadly, often psychologists will have areas of speciality and these can be helpful to know about. 

(At Innovate Psychology we are specialised in dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions and learning issues.)
 

3. How do you approach the area of ..…(state the problem/area you are interested in)?

Briefly ask the counsellor or psychologist to tell you how they generally approach the problem or area you are interested in. Be wary of people who have simple or absolute answers. This will give you a “feel” for the counsellor and their general philosophy.

(We would be most happy to spend time on the telephone with you discussing your needs and how we might meet them. If we cannot help, we will help you find someone who can.)

4. What are your fees? Are your fees claimable via private health insurance? Do you have special fees for people with health care cards?

Counsellors and psychologists differ markedly in the fees they charge.  Counsellors may charge all different kinds of rates, depending on their qualifications. Psychologists generally charge between $120 and $180 per session, and these fees are usually claimable via health insurance or Medicare.   Medicare will generally pay about $110 of a clinical psychologists' one hour session.  Medicare will only pay this fee if a client has been referred to a psychologist by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician. 

As a general rule, private health insurers usually cover approximately 35 - 80% of a psychological consultation.  Most psychologists do not offer discounts to people with a health care card.

Innovate Psychology charges $155 per session if the account is paid on the day.  This means, if Medicare are covering the session, there is a $45 gap.  For health care card carriers, we charge a $15 gap.  For more information on fees see Counselling

Remember you need to feel absolutely 100% comfortable with your counsellor. Never be afraid to change counsellors or psychologists if you do not feel this way.

Innovate Psychology and Education, (08) 8357 1711