Client Information & Fees
General Information Regarding Mitch Hart’s Clinical Psychology Practice
- What are Mitch’s qualifications and experience?
He completed six years of university training in 1986 and finished two years of formal supervision in 1988 in order to register as a Clinical Psychologist. Over the last 30 years of professional practice, he has worked with people with a wide array of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship, trauma and stress-related conditions. During this time he has completed advanced level and intensive training in the use of therapy models and methods to help assist people make positive and valued changes in their life. He is a university Clinical Psychology supervisor and regularly provides teaching and training to colleagues. - What are the fees?
Standard consultations are $210. Couple sessions are $230 per appointment. (Please note that the APS National Schedule of Recommended Fees is $241 per consultation). Medicare rebates of about $125 per standard consultation are available for up to 10 sessions, if a Medical Practitioner or Psychiatrist refers you through completing a Mental Health Care Plan. Alternatively, Private Health Fund rebates can be claimed if your policy covers you to see a Clinical Psychologist.
- How can I pay?
Accounts are paid by cash or eftpos at the time of appointment. Due to transaction fees on credit cards, please pay by credit card if this is your only option. (If a relative is paying for your sessions, please provide credit card details to Leissa, practice secretary on 0405 007 002 or mailto:MHartadmin@optusnet.com.au at least 48 hours prior to your appointment). - What is the cancellation policy?
Attending each scheduled appointment is important for therapy continuity and will help you get the most out of the sessions. If you do have to cancel a session due to unforeseen circumstances, please provide a minimum of 48 hours notice (2 working days). This allows time to try and fill your appointment time with other clients needing an appointment.
Please ring Leissa, the practice manager, to reschedule or make appointments on (Mb) 0405 007 002 - How long are the appointments?
Standard appointments are 45 to 50 minutes duration. The balance of the hour is spent writing up notes and preparing for the next session. - How is my confidentiality protected?
The Australian Psychological Society recommends that clients are informed of the following confidentiality guidelines. “All personal information gathered by the Psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where: It is subpoenaed by a court, or failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk, or your prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to another professional or agency e.g. a GP or a lawyer; or discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent or employer; or if disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law”. - Are medico-legal reports provided?
Mitch specialises in psychological therapy and treatment. Unfortunately this means that no reports are provided to lawyers, the courts and insurance companies or similar.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health problems.
They are also involved in designing and implementing a wide range of prevention and mental health promotion programs.
They variously work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Clinical psychologists work in private practice, hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centres and mental health services.
They are also involved in designing and implementing a wide range of prevention and mental health promotion programs.
They variously work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Clinical psychologists work in private practice, hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centres and mental health services.
Consultation
Consultation with a clinical psychologist involves:
The number of sessions required will vary and is usually negotiated between the clinical psychologist and the client.
- Discussing the issues of concern for the client.
- Assessing the client's emotional, intellectual and behavioural functioning.
- Exploring the thoughts, emotions and behaviour of the client, and tracing their origins.
- Helping the client develop effective ways of dealing with these difficulties.
- Helping the client to implement changes that enhance wellbeing and awareness.
The number of sessions required will vary and is usually negotiated between the clinical psychologist and the client.
Referral to a Private Clinical Psychologist
- Speak to your doctor and ask for a referral.
- Medicare rebates are available for treatment on referral from a medical practitioner.
- Use the APS online referral service 'Find a Psychologist' (www.findapsychologist.org.au) to perform a search and select the appropriate issues that require attention.
- Look for the APS listing under 'psychologists' in the Yellow Pages
Please contact us if you have any further enquiries.
