what do clinical psychologists do?

• Psychologists are experts in thinking, behaviour and mental illness.
• A psychologist should be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 
  
• Most psychologists have completed extensive training including at least six years of University.
  
• Psychologists work with you to develop strategies and overcome any difficulties you may be facing. A psychologist's aim is to assist you to achieve your goals and alleviate mental distress. Specifically, a psychologist has been trained to administer psychometric testing, undertake assessment, provide diagnoses, and implement evidence based treatment/therapy.
• Psychologists work in many different areas, such as schools, government agencies and hospitals, and see people in all different life stages including children, adults and the elderly.
• Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

Kate is a registered clinical psychologist and Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society. Kate works primarily with children and their parents, including soon-to-be parents and parents who have experienced the loss of a child. Kate is very proud to provide a service that includes collaboration with the people that are most important to both you and your child's mental health, such as your GP, psychiatrist, maternal child health nurse or classroom teacher. It is important to Kate that people in regional areas such as Ballarat are able to obtain high quality psychological services.

why see a clinical psychologist?

People see psychologists for lots of different reasons. Usually they want something to be different in their lives. A psychologist may be able to help you and/or your child if you have experienced a problem for a while and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. Mental health encompasses our emotional, behavioural, psychological and social well-being and if there is some difficulty in these areas, a psychologist may help you discover ways to alleviate your distress and live life the way you want. Some of the common reasons people seek support from a psychologist include difficulties with relationships, issues relating to mood (such as depression and anxiety), and significant life changes (such as having a baby, experiencing a loss or accident, and workplace changes). Psychologists also diagnose and treat other mental illnesses. It is important for a psychologist to always use evidence-based therapies and practices. This means that research has determined that certain methods of therapy are effective and should be used accordingly. Sometimes, people also see a psychologist not because they have a big problem, but because they want to look at ways of having a more fulfilling life.

how do i know if i should see a clinical psychologist?

The main thing to consider is whether the problem is impacting on you and/or your child's life and relationships. Some signs that you and your child may need the support of a psychologist include experiencing really intense emotions, problems with sleep and/or appetite, unexplained physical symptoms (such as headaches or stomach aches), an inability to stop thinking about something, feeling as though you are unable to cope, relationships have become strained or difficult, or perhaps friends, family or colleagues/teachers have noticed changes in behaviour. It is a psychologist's job to listen and be respectful of your situation.

what should i expect?

Little HQ has been established to provide you with a safe, comfortable and completely confidential setting. Seeing a psychologist can be a daunting task and it is important that you and your child feel at ease.

Generally, in the first session, your psychologist will want to speak with just the parent or caregiver to discuss the nature of your concerns. This is important as often children are unable to articulate how they feel, or may be too young to understand the issues you may be facing. Following sessions will be individually tailored to your needs. How the sessions are structured will depend on your concerns and the best way to approach them. Most importantly, sessions will be structured in a way that both you and/or your child are comfortable with, and that will facilitate the best outcomes.

how long will i need to attend?

Sometimes one session may be enough to help, other times, more time may be needed. Every situation is different, and no matter how big or small the problem is, your psychologist works side-by-side with you in order to achieve your goals. Time-frames are usually determined and discussed after an initial assessment process, and differ on an individual basis.

will medicare support some of my sessions?

Yes. Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 individual and up to 10 group sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative.