No, you can self-refer. However, if you wish to receive Medicare rebates a referral would be needed.

Usually, the referral documents from your GP is headed “Mental Health Assessment Plan” for an initial 6 sessions or “Review of Mental Health Plan” for 4 additional sessions. Usually, patients also sign the plan. If you are not sure ask your doctor to specify it is an MHCP, the number of sessions, presenting concerns, and their professional details including provider number.

If it says Enhanced Primary Care Plan/Chronic Disease Management Plan and the GP has allocated a number of allied health sessions (these are often also used by other allied health - speech, ot, etc.), this is NOT a MHCP (but we do accept these and there is a smaller rebate for this type of referral. However, it is best to save these sessions for other allied health professionals since this may be the only rebate they can offer).

You can come back whenever you need!

It’s also a good idea to follow your relapse prevention plan (if you have one) to identify early warning signs, coping tools and when it might be a good idea to return to therapy. Just remember relapse or a recurrence of mental health difficulties is very common. You are not alone, there is no need to be embarrassed, and the sooner you get onto it, the faster we can get you back on the track to recovery

Psychiatrists are medical professionals who then specialise in the field of psychology and are able to prescribe medicine. Psychologists are mental health professionals who utilise a range of psychotherapy to help you deal with different mental health care issues.

NDIS self and Plan Managed

Unable to see NDIA clients

NDIS rates: as per NDIS Pricing Arrangements.

Under the APS Code of Ethics, psychologists must respect the rights and dignity of people. Here are the key points regarding confidentiality:

  • Psychologists must keep clients’ information private (APS Code of Ethics, A.5).
  • They use your information only to provide psychological services to you.
  • They take steps to protect the information you share with them.
  • Psychologists need your verbal or written consent to share your information with others.
  • They may collect your information for other purposes if you agree.
  • Confidentiality ensures your privacy and safety.

However, there are limits to confidentiality:

  • If someone is at risk of harm, psychologists will break confidentiality to save a life.
  • Psychologists must report child sexual abuse and some other crimes.

Psychologists ask for a lot of information to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of your situation. This detailed information helps them:

Filling out forms and measures before a session helps minimise the amount of time gathering information, which leaves more time for therapy and skills training.  If filling out the forms becomes overwhelming, bring the forms back and your psychologist will go through them with you in session.

Accurate Assessment: Gather a complete picture of your mental health, behaviours, and experiences.

Tailored Treatment: Develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

Identify Patterns: Recognise patterns and underlying issues that may not be immediately obvious.

Measure Progress: Track changes and improvements over time to adjust treatment as needed.

Ensure Reliability: Confirm that the information collected is consistent and reliable, which is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Wide Bay Psychology does not offer emergency support or crisis counselling.

For Crisis Support:

000 Emergency

Always call 000 if it is an emergency

Mental Health Access Line

Contact 13 MH CALL (1300 642 255), a confidential health telephone triage service that provides a first point of contact to public mental health services.

Head to Health. Call 1300 747 724 to speak to a trained health professional who will direct you to the best service for any of your needs.

Other 24/7 crisis services

Lifeline 131114

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

    • Walk-in, crisis or emergency services.

    • Medico-legal, worker’s compensation, family court, or other legal matters.

    • Clients currently in court proceedings or about to go to court

    • Criminal-related behaviours or concerns.

    • High risk of suicidality or self-harm.

    • High risk of violence to self or others.

    • Current psychotic behaviours.

    • Serious and chronic substance abuse, addiction or gambling difficulties.

    • NDIA clients