Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
There are many different types of mental health practitioners. Each will have differing strengths, skills, and qualifications. There are great counsellors and less than good psychologists and there are great psychologists and less than good counsellors. The best determinant of a good counselling experience is the strength of the client/practitioner relationship, not the practitioner’s training qualifications or type of therapy used.
One of the biggest differences between counsellors and psychologists is that psychologists are trained to make assessments and diagnoses based on people’s mental health symptoms. For example, if someone wanted a get a diagnosis of Autism, they would not see a counsellor, instead they would be better served by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Both counsellors and psychologists assist people with everyday concerns and mental health issues. They use talk therapy to help clients understand their thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and the links between them.
Counsellors are well suited to helping people who are struggling with life’s challenges and most will have completed a Master of Counselling. People with more severe, long standing issues would be better off seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Can I claim counselling sessions on Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
Unfortunately you can not claim counselling sessions on Medicare or Private Health Insurance. Collaborate Counselling’s fees are similar to the out-pocket fees you would expect to pay when seeing a psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan/with the Medicare rebate.
How long do sessions go for and many sessions do I need?
An individual session goes for 50 minutes.
The number of sessions each person has depends on their individual situation and needs. It is common for people to attend between 8 and 18 sessions, with some people requiring more sessions and others less.
Do you have after-hours or weekend appointments?
Yes, appointments are available up until 8pm Tuesday to Thursday and also on Saturday during the day.
How does confidentiality work with a counsellor?
Any information you share with a counsellor remains confidential. However, there are 3 key exceptions to this rule. A counsellor would have grounds to breach confidentiality under the following circumstances:
1) if you are at risk of harm to yourself or others
2) if we learn about risk of harm to a child, dependent or elderly person.
3) if it requested by court order/legal proceedings
If any of these circumstances were to occur your counsellor would discuss this with you.
How does telehealth work?
Telehealth describes having a consultation with a practitioner by telephone and online video such as Skype, Zoom. MS Teams etc. Having a counselling session via video is definitely preferable because seeing each other helps us connect. If for whatever reason there are technical difficulties with internet connection during a session, we would use the phone to conclude a session.
Numerous studies have found that telehealth sessions can be just as effective as face to face treatment. Some studies have even found that some clients experience less embarrassment or shame when discussing challenging issues with an online therapist.
What do I need?
You don’t need a referral to have a session with Collaboration Counselling. You will need either a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet. Headphones can sometimes help with audio quality. It is also a good idea to find a space where you will have privacy and will not be interrupted.
Is there a cancellation policy?
We request 24 hours notice to change or cancel an appointment. If less than 24 hours notice is given, 50% of the session fee will apply.