Hargan Psychology

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FAQ’S

At Hargan we appreciate your time is valuable. To save you time, we have developed a list of the most frequently ask questions from our clients about our psychology services for you. If you have a question isn’t answered below, please contact us and one of our friendly staff would be more than happy to help you.

There are all sorts of reasons that you may consider seeing a psychologist. Many individuals, couples and families seeking support from a psychologist at Hargan Psychology are successful people in their lives and communities. However, they may be experiencing thoughts, concerns or feelings that are preventing them from being able to live their BEST life according to THEM. Changes in circumstances at work or at home can bring challenges to the surface. There may be life events that you never had the opportunity to address or process at the time. Similarly, there may be things in your life that you’d love to do but feel held back for some reason and you’d like support to become unstuck and move to the next level in your life. The easiest way to find out if what you are experiencing is something that we can help with is to contact our friendly team and ask. We’re here to help.
The number of sessions required will vary depending on the reason you are coming to see a psychologist as well as your individual circumstances and needs. In general, we recommend expecting to engage in 6 – 10 sessions; however the frequency and length of the treatment period will depend on agreed goals and your presenting level of distress. After each session at Hargan Psychology, your therapist will evaluate the session, discuss the efficacy of the treatment and review the frequency or longevity of your sessions. For example, once you begin to experience improvement in the symptoms or presenting issue, your treating psychologist may suggest extending the frequency of your sessions i.e. from weekly sessions to fortnightly and then monthly sessions.

It is natural to feel hesitant or unsure about discussing the sensitive details of your life with a new person. That’s why we make every effort at Hargan Psychology to support you in an open and relaxed way so you feel as comfortable as possible sharing your challenges. We know you’ve tried your best so far and we’re here to help support you to live your BEST life according to YOU.

In your first session, your psychologist will let you know more about how your sessions together will work and will also talk with you to understand the complete picture of your current circumstances and challenges, any related history and what it is that you’d love to achieve out of our work together.

It’s normal to be concerned about confidentiality when you’re sharing intimate details about your life with a psychologist. Information you share during a session is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent. There are some legal limitations to this which your psychologist with discuss with you in your first session. You will be asked to sign a consent form if there is any need to discuss information about you with a third party such as a GP or lawyer
The frequency of your sessions will depend on the issues you are currently facing and how critical your need for support is. It is usually helpful to have sessions close together to begin with (weekly). As you continue to work through the issues and experience positive changes, the frequency of your sessions may spread out (fortnightly) allowing an opportunity for you to continue to be connected to your psychologist whilst also having ample time to integrate changes on your own.
Sessions for individual clients are usually 50 minutes long. The final 10 minutes of the hour are dedicated to processing any follow ups, updating mandatory client files and booking the next appointment.

We understand that from time to time things may come up in life that prevent you from being able to attend your appointment with us.

In order to avoid a cancellation fee, you must notify us at least 2 days (48 hours) before your appointment time.

If you notify us after this time but more than 1 day (24 hours) before your appointment time, then 50% of the agreed payable fee will be charged.

If you notify us less than 1 day (24 hours) before your appointment time, then 100% of the agreed payable fee will be charged.

Get in touch with our friendly team by phone or email to make an appointment.

A GP referral to the psychologist is required for rebates through Medicare, WorkSafe or TAC. A referral is not required for rebates from Private Health Insurance or for sessions paid by clients

Medicare offers rebates for up to 10 sessions per year for eligible clients. Medicare will refund around $89 per session, and the rebate amount is higher if you have exceeded the Medicare family safety net (approx. $125). You must be referred by a GP to access this Medicare rebate and have completed a “Mental Health Care Plan” with them. You will need to make an appointment with your GP for a “long consultation” in order to assess your eligibility for this scheme. You may also contact our practice to discuss your eligibility for the scheme.

Rebates are available for psychology services through Private Health Insurance funds. Rebates vary depending on the fund and the policy you are on so please contact your Private Health Insurance fund for more information.

Psychologists undertake a study path of at least 6 years – Undergraduate, Honours, Post graduate, Masters (or Doctorate) and are bound by Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Australian Psychological Society (APS). This Code of Ethics sets out standards of professional conduct for psychologists, to ensure that clients are receiving high level of professional care delivered with competence, integrity and respect.

Psychologists also undertake ongoing professional development and peer supervision. Whilst psychologists can engage in counselling, they also undertake assessments, diagnose, write reports and offer expert witness services in court.

In Australia, counsellors and psychotherapists are not regulated and not expected to be bound by rules of an association or peak body.

We are located in Hawthorn, just 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD. Our address is:

Level 1, 838 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122

Phone (03) 9815 3143

Street parking is available on Glenferrie Road, Barkers Road and Churchill Grove.

Public transport options include a short walk from Glenferrie station (Lilydale, Belgrave and Alamein lines) and trams.