Consulting and Clinical Psychology Clinic
Consulting Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists have studied human behaviour while completing a psychology degree and have undertaken advanced supervised training or a Masters/Doctorate degree in psychology to allow them to practice as a Psychologist and register with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Psychologists provide evidence-based therapeutic strategies, including those based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. For those who meet eligibility criteria for services under the Medicare Benefit Scheme and have a valid referral, rebates for services may be available. There can sometimes be confusion with the title of Psychiatrist; Psychiatrists hold a six year degree in Medicine and have undertaken advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness/emotional problems and can prescribe medication. Some may combine medication with other forms of therapy.
Provisionally Registered Psychology Clinic
HeadwayHealth Services believe that it is essential to assist with the training of professional psychologists and offer placements for Provisionally Registered Psychologists who are undertaking this training. Provisionally Registered Psychologists are closely supervised by one or more qualified and experienced Registered Psychologists. A Provisionally Registered Psychologist has a degree in Psychology and is currently completing further study through a post-graduate professional psychology course. We offer placements to those completing a Masters level degree program through APAC accredited Australian universities; the program involves time studying and time working under supervision while on placement within various settings. Provisionally Registered Psychologists charge a reduced fee for services. Medicare rebates do not apply.
Counselling Clinic
Counsellors offer support and strategies to assist those dealing with stresses in life, which may include anxiety, low mood, stress, low self-esteem, relationship issues or work-related issues, depending upon their own expertise and training. Counsellors have a different education background and training to Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and it is important to understand the differences and who can best support your needs. To find out more about the Counsellor who provides services with HeadwayHealth visit: Terri Faroe and Heather Koorey to learn about their backgrounds. Counsellors bring a diversity of backgrounds, training and experience to their practice, and may or may not include a Diploma or Bachelor or Masters Degree, or specific training in a particular area of practice. As counselling is not a government regulated profession in Australia, those seeking the support from a counsellor should look at the counsellors training, qualifications, experience, and membership of a recognised regulatory body such as the Australian Counsellors Association ACA as these may mandate levels of professional development and practice supervision. Services are privately billed and Medicare rebates do not apply. Please check with your counsellor and Private Health Insurer if they provide any cover.
Dietetic and Nutrition Clinic
To learn more please see : Jane Freeman – HeadWayHealth
Find the right fit….
Connection and rapport is essential in developing a therapeutic bond, and it is important to feel heard, respected and that you can work well with all members of your care team. Please let us know if you would like to meet an different practitioner or we can assist you to access additional supports and services. We welcome feedback on all aspects of our services to support us to provide the best care to all of our clients.
HWH Service Relationships
Psychology Service Provider, Allied Health package, Genesis Radiation Oncology Service, Mater Hospital North Sydney. The Mater Hospital, NSW – Radiation Oncology centre | GenesisCare AU
Psychology Service Provider, DEBRA Australia. DEBRA provides support for those living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare disease whereby the skin blisters and peels at the slightest touch. Living wth EB is very painful, and sufferers must be bandaged every day with dressings to protect and medicate their wounds. www.debra.com.au
Psychology Service Provider, McCR Monaro. Telehealth support for those affected by a cancer diagnosis in the Monaro region of NSW, Monaro Committee for Cancer Research, Monaro NSW. www.mccr.org.au
Inpatient Psychology Services, rehabilitation ward services. Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga NSW. www.sah.org.au
Headway Assistance Program. Employee assistance program to support Melanoma Institute Australia, North Sydney NSW. To enquire about services and support for staff at MIA in confidence, please email hap@www.headwayhealth.com.au
Understanding mental healthcare professionals in Australia: There are many different mental health professionals that can offer unique experience, training and expertise and roles to support your care. For your convenience, please see below for a summary of common mental health professionals working in Australia.
Psychiatrists:
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have undertaken additional postgraduate specialist training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists have completed at least 11 years which includes a medical degree, internship, residency and training at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are experts in mental health including diagnosis and treatment. All psychiatrists are trained in psychological treatment, also known as ‘talk therapy’, and whilst some psychiatrists offer this, many focus on medical management of mental health including prescribing medication such as antidepressants. Psychiatrists can usually admit people to hospital if needed. Many psychiatrists are registered with the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and all psychiatrists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
To find a psychiatrist ask your GP or visit: Find a psychiatrist | Your Health in Mind
Psychologists:
All psychologists have completed six years of training, however there are different pathways to becoming a psychologist. All psychologists have completed a four-year undergraduate degree including honours in psychology. Following these four years, some psychologists have completed two years of supervised clinical practise (also known as the ‘4+2 pathway’), others have completed a one year professional psychology Master’s degree in addition to one year of supervised clinical practise (also known as the ‘5+1 pathway), and some have completed a two year Master’s degree which includes supervised practise during multiple clinical placements, completion of coursework and the submission of a research thesis. For psychologists who have completed the relevant two-year Master’s degree, some have chosen to become endorsed in specific areas of practise such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or organisational psychology. For example, clinical psychologists have completed a Master of Clinical Psychology, and afterwards have completed two additional years of clinical supervision and professional development requirements to become endorsed in the area of clinical psychology.
Psychologists are experts in mental health, including diagnosis, assessment, clinical case formulation and psychological treatment. Psychologists have training and experience in psychological intervention (i.e., ‘talk therapy) for a range of different presenting concerns. As psychologists are not medical doctors (although some who have completed doctorates or PhDs have the title ‘Dr’), they do not prescribe medication. Many have different areas of interest, for example, child or adult health, and it is helpful to understand the clinical area of expertise as many will have different clinical interests, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, or working with those with health conditions.
Some psychologists are registered with various psychologist bodies such as the Australian Psychological Society (APS). All psychologists must be registered AHPRA and are required to continuously complete ongoing professional development and supervision and comply with codes of professional practice.
To find a psychologist ask your GP or visit: Find a Psychologist | APS (psychology.org.au)
Difference between fully registered psychologists and masters-level provisional psychologists:
Fully registered psychologists have completed their education and training as described above, and are able to practise independently, although they are required to continue to engage in peer supervision and many choose to continue to engage in clinical supervision. Masters-level provisional psychologists have completed a psychology degree and are currently completing their master’s degree and are required to have regular clinical supervision with a fully trained psychologist.
Counsellors:
Counsellors are mental health professionals who provide counselling and talk-therapy for a broad range of mental health conditions and presenting concerns. A counsellor is not a protected title in Australia and there are no specific education and training requirements for someone to use the title of counsellor, and counsellors are not required to be registered with AHPRA. However, many counsellors have completed Bachelor and/or Master’s degrees in counselling which includes comprehensive coursework and training in counselling and mental health and supervised clinical placements. Many counsellors are registered various counselling bodies such as Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), which have strict requirements for all members to have completed tertiary level counselling training amongst other requirements. Many counsellors choose to complete ongoing clinical supervision and professional development.