Mind and Matter Psychology

A lot of people know what a Clinical Psychologist does, but what is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?

According to the Australian Psychological Society Clinical neuropsychology is an internationally recognised area of practice with in-depth knowledge, skills and training in assessment, diagnosis, formulation, management, and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural consequences of conditions affecting the brain. These include neurological, medical, and psychiatric conditions, developmental disorders, and learning disorders. Clinical neuropsychologists are also skilled in providing cognitive rehabilitation, to target and reduce the impact of cognitive issues.

Clinical Neuropsychologists have completed a minimum of six years full-time university training,  are legally required to be registered with the AHPRA Psychology Board of Australia and must undertake continuing professional development to maintain registration. See https://groups.psychology.org.au/ccn/about_us/  or    https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/clinical-neuropsychologists for more information.

To start with we will talk with you (and if appropriate, other people) about different aspects of your cognition, and any perceived changes that may have occurred over time, or after a certain event. We will then complete a range of tasks that measure thinking skills like memory, attention, and how fast you can process information. You may find some tasks hard, and some easy. This will take a number of hours and may need to be completed over two sessions. Tests are generally not like being at school. Our practice principal thinks of tests as being like gym equipment, each task is designed to try to isolate and assess a particular ability. These tests are our tools, and we select the right tools for the job. After this, we compare your results to other people of the same age. Then, depending on the purpose of the assessment, we write a report, and may give you feedback on how you went. If appropriate, therapeutic intervention or rehabilitation support may be undertaken.

No and unfortunately the Medicare Better Access program specifically excludes cognitive assessments from being able to be claimed. Clinical Neuropsychologists have attempted over a number of years to lobby the Federal Government to include neuropsychological services within the Medicare scheme like other psychological services, but we have been unsuccessful to date. 

If the assessment is being paid for by a third party then they will have typically generated a referral, or the commissioning agency has a number of questions that do need to be answered, and they will need to put these in writing.   

No. However, you will need a GP or Psychiatrist referral plus a Mental Health Care Plan if you are seeking individual psychology services and wish to claim a rebate through the Medicare Better Access scheme. Defence force members and veterans will also need a referral. If your therapy is funded through NDIS supports we will need a copy of your plan to ensure we can provide our services in line with your needs.  

All of the information you provide to us as your psychologist will be kept confidential and secure. It is important to note that this confidentiality has limits such as:

·       If the information is subpoenaed by law

·       If not disclosing the information would place yourself or another person at serious and imminent risk of harm (including disclosure mandated by state and federal laws)

·       If you provide permission for me as your psychologist to provide written or verbal information to someone else (e.g., another health professional), or another organisation (for example, a school, workplace or law firm)

If you are referred by your doctor, or a third party (for example, an insurer), a report is usually requested.

Please discuss with us any concerns you may have regarding confidentiality, particularly if circumstances exist where your health records could be able to be released without your consent (including criminal, civil, and family court matters).

You are best suited to referral to a different practitioner if you are less than 18 years old or are seeking:

-       Eye Movement Desensitisation and Processing (EMDR) for trauma or PTSD.

-       Treatment for Personality Disorders.

-       Addictions recovery

-       Court-mandated therapy or seeking reports for family court matters