Frequently Asked Questions

Clients can self-refer. However, if clients are hoping to access a Medicare rebate, a Referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from treating GP or Paediatrician is necessary. Health fund rebates may be accessible for some therapies. Marsden Psychology also works with clients who have self or plan-managed NDIS packages.

Session fees are paid in full on the day of appointment. Invoices are emailed (or printed) for clients and can then be used to claim any rebate you might be eligible for (Medicare or Private Health Insurance). Please see Fees, Medicare and Rebates for more information.

As part of providing a psychological service, assessment and intervention to you, your psychologist at Marsden Clinical Psychology will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation.  This information will be a necessary part of the psychological assessment and treatment that is conducted.  You do not have to give all your personal information, but if you don’t, this may mean the psychological service may not be able to be provided to you.

The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the client’s condition and is seen only by the psychologist.  The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions,and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.

At any stage you as a client are entitled to access to the information about you kept on file, unless the relevant legislation provides otherwise.  Your psychologist may discuss with you appropriate forms of access. 

When you seek help from a psychologist, whether it be from a Clinical Psychologist or a Registered Psychologist, you should expect the same level and quality of care, ethical behaviour and standards of practice. All psychologists, whether Clinical or Registered must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and meet high standards in education, training, supervised practice and ongoing learning and development. A Clinical Psychologist is a psychologist who has undertaken highly specialised APAC-accredited training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders across the lifespan. The education and training of Clinical Psychologists takes eight years. A Registered Psychologist has undertaken six years of training, which includes a 4-year Honours degree addressing the scientific foundations of psychology, and a further 2 years of training. However, general psychologists do not undertake accredited education and training to specialise in an endorsed area of specialised practice.

Unsure what to book?

If you are unsure what appointment type you need, contact our Client Engagement Team. They can assist you by booking you an initial intake appointment with one of our neuropsychologists. During this appointment you can discuss your concerns and reason for referral and they will help guide you to either an assessment or for ongoing therapy and support. 

What to do next?

If you think you are ready to make a booking, you can contact the clinic by calling (02) 9139 0126 or via email info@marsdenpsychology.com.au. Our friendly Client Engagement Team are available to help you. 

If you want to claim the Medicare rebate on your sessions, you will need to book an appointment with your GP to arrange a referral and Mental Health Care Plan. Make sure the referral is addressed to Marsden Clinical Psychology and that it states the number of sessions approved.

Marsden Psychology is not a crisis-service, our clinicians work within “business hours” and do not offer after-hours support. In any emergency, we recommend you attend your nearest hospital emergency department or call 000. In other cases, where you need support after hours or while waiting to be seen, the following services may be of assistance: 

• Kids helpline (age 5-25), kidshelpline.com.au, 1800 55 1800 
• 24hr mental health line (NSW health) 1800 011 511 
• Lifeline (all ages), lifeline.org.au, 13 11 14 
• Suicide Call Back (ages 15+), suicidecallbackservice.org.au, 1300 659 467 
• Your family GP is also a crucial resource for primary health needs.