Hills Psychology Centre is a Psychology practice based in Stirling in the Adelaide Hills.

No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist or mental health social worker if you are using your private health insurance or privately paying the fee in full.

However, if you have a referral letter and a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, or a referral from your psychiatrist or paediatrician, you are entitled to a Medicare rebate for 10 sessions per calendar year.

Your doctor may fax these documents directly to us at Hills Psychology Centre. Alternatively, some doctors give them to patients to present at their first appointment. Please note that if we do not have the referral paperwork at the time of your first appointment, we will not be able to process your Medicare rebate.  

The initial referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from a doctor is generally for 6 sessions. After 6 sessions, you are required to undertake a review by your referring doctor. Your psychologist or mental health social worker will send a progress update to your treating doctor at this point. If you and your doctor agree that further psychological therapy is appropriate, your referral or plan can be extended for a further 4 sessions.

Unlike other specialist referrals which expire after 12 months, your referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan only expire after you have exhausted the total number of sessions you have been allocated.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. Psychiatrists usually prescribe medication such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotics as part of their treatment.

Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists have usually trained for 6-8 years and can have a masters or doctorate in psychology. Psychologists have special training in conducting assessments using psychometric instruments, and in providing psychological treatments.

Psychological treatment typically involves ‘talking therapies’ designed to help people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, stress, work-related problems, life transitions, and also helping people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Depending upon what the issue is, some people may need to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist at the same time.

Social workers in Australia provide a wide range of support services to both individuals and families in many different and diverse contexts. They have a focus on psychological, social, and cultural needs. All social workers complete an undergraduate four-year degree which covers human development and counselling interventions; however, some individuals go on to continue with specialised training. This gives them clinical status (clinical social worker) and the title ‘Accredited Mental Health Social Worker’ (AMHSW). They are required to register with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and they need to maintain this registration with annual professional development (further training) which is similarly required for Registered Psychologists. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers not only complete the four-year bachelor degree, they also need to complete another two years of supervised practice in the mental health field, providing evidenced-based counselling interventions. They are eligible to attract Medicare rebates for their services under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, alongside Psychologists and other mental health professionals. Whilst AMHSWs provide evidenced-based counselling interventions, unlike Registered Psychologists, they do not provide mental health diagnoses and do not provide psychological testing, such as personality and intelligence testing.

Fees are payable in full at the time of consultation by cash, EFTPOS or credit card. 

With a valid referral letter and Mental Health Treatment Plan in place from your GP, or a referral from your psychiatrist or paediatrician you are eligible for the Medicare rebate per session. The exact amount of your rebate will depend on what type of clinician you see, or whether you have reached the Medicare safety net.  Your Medicare rebate can be refunded directly into your Cheque or Savings Account via our HICAPS machine for your convenience.

Please let us know if you are intending to take advantage of your private health insurance as we are able to provide you with the paperwork you will need to seek reimbursement from your fund. 

Addictions

Anger management

Anxiety

Bipolar disorders

Borderline Personality Disorders

Bullying

Childhood emotional and behavioural difficulties

Depression

Drug and alcohol problems

Eating disorders

Family and parenting issues

Grief and loss

Illness, injury rehabilitation, and pain

Interpersonal conflict and bullying

Learning difficulties

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Parental separation

Relationship counselling

Schizophrenia

School refusal

Self-harm

Sexuality and transgender issues

Sleep issues

Specific phobias

Stress management

Trauma and childhood trauma

Workplace stress and burnout

For cancellations or changes to your scheduled appointment, we require to be advised by 12pm two business days prior to your appointment. Late cancellation fees are charged if we are not advised by this time.