Psychology

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour.

Psychologists are experts in mental processes, brain function and behaviour. They can help change the way you think, feel, behave and react. 

They treat:

• individuals
• couples
• families
• groups
• organisations.

Psychology can help with any aspect of your life, such as understanding why you act the way you do or working out a practical plan to help you through a crisis. Other examples include helping you to:

• get over the death of a loved one
• cope with exam stress
• cope with dementia or caring for someone with dementia. 
• deal with family problems
• deal with trauma
• manage depression
• quit smoking.

Psychologists use a range of therapies, such as cognitive, behavioural or interpersonal.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

The main difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist is:

• A Psychologist is not a doctor and cannot prescribe medication.
• A Psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor (a specialist) and can prescribe medication. 

Nevertheless, there are many similarities between the 2 professions. They both are trained to understand how your brain works and how you think and behave. Both can use counselling and psychotherapy to help you get through difficult times in your life.

Is Psychology a regulated profession in Australia? 

Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Psychology Board of Australia regulate Psychologists.

Does private health insurance cover Psychology?

If private health insurance covers Psychology, it falls under Extras Cover.

Ask your insurer whether it covers Psychology.

If so, check whether Psychology is subject to:

• a waiting period before you can make a claim
• per claim limits
• annual limits.

If I have Extras Cover that includes Psychology, will I be covered if I see any Psychologist?

No. To be covered, your Psychologist must be a member of an Australian peak body or professional organisation. They must also have permission to be registered under the state and territory laws where they operate.

Your Clinical Psychologist must be endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia to practise clinical psychology. A General Psychologist must also be endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia to practise general psychology.

In addition, your health insurer can decide whether or not to cover treatments from a particular provider.

Some insurers may require you to see a Psychologist who is one of their recognised providers only.

Before seeking treatment, always check with your health insurer that you are covered.

Does Medicare cover Psychology?

Yes. Medicare covers Psychology treatments but only in certain situations, including: 

You:

• have a chronic condition and complex care needs, or
• live in an aged care facility, or
• are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent

and:

• your GP recommends Psychology services
• the consultation lasts at least 20 minutes
• you receive no more than 5 services in a calendar year.

Medicare may also cover Psychology for the diagnosis and treatment of a developmental disorder or other disability for children under 13.

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