Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from a GP or specialist?

No you don’t need a referral from a GP or specialist to see a psychologist. In this instance, you would make contact with us directly and you would likely pay the full private fee for a consultation. However, you may be eligible for eligible for Medicare rebates if you consult with your GP first and they write a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) including a referral to see a psychologist. This can be addressed to any psychologist, but it isn’t limited to that particular psychologist, you can choose where you go.

Some of our assessments require a referral from a pediatrician or psychiatrist, but unfortunately assessments aren’t covered by Medicare rebates.

Will I see someone face to face or Telehealth?

Daniel has capacity to provide both psychological intervention and some assessments either via Telehealth (Video consult) or face-to-face at our Bendigo location. Some assessments can’t be administered remotely and Telehealth isn’t always the best fit for some mental health concerns, this is up to clinical discretion and judgement of the practitioner. If possible, any initial session is conducted face-to-face and then if appropriate, switch to Telehealth consultations. The Telehealth platform we use, has end-to-end encryption which meets the requirements in Australia to deliver healthcare digitally. As a result, we do not offer Zoom or Microsoft Teams consultations.

I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment, how do I do that?

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, Qurious Psychology requires 48 hours notice. You can email, use the contact form on the website but a phone call is preferred. Fees apply for cancellations made within 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment:

  • Did not attend (DNA): Full fee

  • 0–24 hours notice: Full fee

  • 24–48 hours notice: 50% of fee if spot is unable to filled

Three people are disadvantaged by a late cancellation or non-attendance. The person themselves, who did not access psychological support, somebody else who could have utilized the spot and the practitioner who has spent time preparing for the session.

We understand that sometimes things happen that are out of our control. Extenuating circumstances to be discussed on a case-by-case basis and are at the discretion of the practitioner.

PLEASE NOTE: Late cancellations and non-attendance fees are not* covered by Medicare or other funding sources, and will be out of pocket.

*NDIS is an exception, but will be discussed with the client

What can I expect in my first session?

Your initial session/s are often the first step in the information gathering process for the psychologist. The session will commence with informed consent, which provides information on prices, confidentiality (and the limits), your right to access clinical information about yourself and how to make a complaint. The psychologist will then begin a clinical interview and ask questions such as: when the presenting issue started, how long you’ve been experiencing it, and take a short history. This is important information and will inform our clinical formulation and treatment plan. It is also an opportunity to ensure that the psychologist is the right fit for you. If you feel at any stage that we are not the right fit, we will do our best to find you an alternative provider.

What is the difference between a psychologist, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or a counsellor?

There are many disciplines who provide mental health treatment and support, including social workers, occupational therapists and psychotherapists etc.

A psychologist is a scientist-practitioner and are registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Professionals Registration Agency), which means that in addition the training in the profession of psychology (including assessment, diagnosis and treatment), they have undergone rigorous training in the scientific method and research skills. In Australia, a registered psychologist has undertaken a minimum of 6 years of study and clinical training. A clinical psychologist is a registered psychologist who has undertaken an additional 2 years of advanced training and supervision, usually in the areas of clinical assessment, formulation and treatment. However, it should be made clear that a clinical psychologist is not better than a generally registered psychologist, and there are many factors that go into finding the right fit for the individual.

Daniel is currently undertaking a clinical registrar program and in approximately 2 years, will be eligible for the title of clinical psychologist.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has undertaken additional specialty training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists often work both privately and in hosptials, they manage mental health concerns that have a medical component (Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorders, some eating disorders) and prescribe medication, monitor someone medically and sometimes provide therapy. A psychiatrist has trained for a minimum of 10 years and . As medical doctors, psychiatrists are also registered with AHPRA. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are experts in mental health, but a psychiatrist provides medical oversight in addition. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work alongside each other in clinical teams.

A counsellor, also known as a psychotherapist, is a professional that offers counselling and psychotherapy to individuals for a number of mental health concerns. Whislt they are valued members of the mental health workforce, counsellor or psychotherapist are not protected titles (there are no federal government registration or oversight) and anybody can call themselves a counsellor or therapist with no minimum training required. Most counsellors ideally have a diploma or bachelor level qualification and often are members or a professional representative body.