What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a generalist psychologist?
The difference is reflected in the training. Clinical psychologists are specialists within the field of psychology and have a Masters degree or a Doctorate in clinical psychology (clinical conditions and treatments) as mandatory.
Generalist psychologists do not have this training as mandatory, and this difference is recognized by the government and reflected in higher Medicare rebates for clinical psychologists.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
If you want to claim a rebate from Medicare or if you want your session funded by a third party (e.g. TAC) you will need a referral. If you are paying yourself and/or with your private health insurance a referral is not necessary. The Referral Process
How do I get a referral?
Psychological treatment under Medicare involves a collaborative approach between your GP and us. You must obtain a referral from a GP or psychiatrist prior to your first appointment in order to receive the Medicare rebate. If you don't have a regular GP we can suggest some to you. The Referral Process
Can I get a rebate?
There are two main sources of rebates available for psychologists – Medicare and Private Health Insurance. How much are the rebates?
What are gap payments?
A gap payment is the difference between what you pay and how much you get back as a rebate, and is sometimes referred to as an 'out-of-pocket' payment.
What is the safety net?
The Medicare Safety Net provides families and individuals with financial support for high out-of-pocket expenses attracting a Medicare benefit. Once you reach the Medicare Safety Net threshold, you may be eligible for additional Medicare benefits. Safety Net Information
What is bulk billing?
Bulk billing means that the government subsidises your sessions and there are no out of pocket expenses for you.
Who can be bulk billed?
Bulk billing is intended to provide assistance to individuals on low incomes. Some examples would be, people with a health care card, a pension (eg disability support pension or age pension), those who are unemployed, full-time students, or those otherwise experiencing financial hardship.
However whether to bulk bill or not is at the discretion of the individual psychologist. If you do not fit into any of the above categories but feel that you need to be bulk billed please ask about this at the time of booking an appointment.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor in addition to mental health training and therefore can prescribe medications. A psychologist is trained in psychology and mental health and therefore provides psychological treatments exclusively and no medications.
Do you have access for disabled clients?
Yes
More information or make a booking
To find out how Rowe Psychology, psychologist Melbourne can help you, please call on 0419 982 335 or send an enquiry via text or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
