FAQ

Below are a list of the questions that we are frequently asked.  If you have any questions that are not answered here, please Contact Us.

Do I need a referral ?

Answer : You do not need a referral if you are paying for the session yourself or you are claiming through your private healthfund.

Can I claim on medicare?

Answer: Yes, Medicare will give you a rebate of $83.25 per session for 10 sessions in a calendar year (Jan thru Dec) provided you have a referral from your General Practicioner

How long is an appointment?

Answer: 50-60minutes

How much will it cost?

Answer: Standard fee $160 per session.  With a Medicare rebate the session will cost you $76.75.  This is negotiable and can be means tested.

What’s the difference between a counselor, psychologist and psychiatrist?

Answer: A Psychiatrist has a medical degree, and treats patients primarily with medication. 

A Psychologist has a minimum of 6 years university training to provide imperically validated therapy (that means well researched and proven to work).  They have to be a member of a registration board and do ongoing professional development which is monitored by that board.       

A counselor does not have a registration board and is not held up to external performance standards.  There are various levels of training.  At the lowest level if could be as little as 2-3 workshops. Or at the highest level it could be a 3 year course through a training college. No Medicare rebates are available for these services.                                                                                                                      

What therapies does Ruane use ( such as CBT)?

Answer:  Ruane has 15 years experience working across a wide range of areas using many of the intervention stratergies available.  These include

1. Interpersonal Psycho Therapy (IPT)
2. Cognitive restructuring
3. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
4. Straight behavior therapy including classical and operant conditioning
5. Narrative therapy
6. transactional analysis
7. Brief solution focused therapy

Why people see a counselor

• Sometimes we need someone to listen
• Sometimes we need to feel supported
• Sometimes we need to be empowered
• Sometimes we need a little more...

Sometimes people just need someone to listen to or to see a professional who is not emotionally involved and has specialized training to work in this area. A professional who has dedicated their career to working with people who are facing change and challenges in their life. Anxiety, panic attack, coping with stress, relationship break up, conflict with family members of colleagues. Dissatisfaction with current job, career indecision, financial troubles.