Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST?

Clinical Psychologists are experts in mental health. They have undertaken highly specialised training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders. Clinical psychology is a science-based profession which integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychologically based distress or dysfunction.

Do I need a referral?

If you have been referred by your doctor or another care provider, please bring along any referral paperwork. Consultation session duration is up to 50 minutes. Services are available for adults only, ages 20+ for therapy and 16+ older adolescents for cognitive/educational testing.

Please note a valid referral must constitute the following. If it does not contain this information I cannot legally issue you an invoice to claim the medicare rebate.

PATIENT REFERRAL FORM
Referral to David Patton Clinical Psychologist for psychological treatment under the provisions of the Medicare Better Access Scheme with a Mental Health Carer Plan.
Patient Name: DOB:
Address:
Phone:
Reason for Referral:

Number of Sessions Being Referred for:
[ ] 6 Sessions
[ ] 4 Sessions

GP/Psychiatrist Details/ Signature:
Name:
Practice Details:
Provider Number:
Signature:

MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN (note above requirements for a valid referral)

If you have been referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan, you are able to access a significant Medicare rebate (currently $137.05) for up to ten consultations per year. I will need to include details from this referral to process your Medicare rebate, so it is important to bring this documentation with you on your first visit. You are free to choose your psychologist even if your GP has referred you to a particular psychologist.

Bulk Billing/DVA WHITE CARD HOLDERS

I am not a bulk billing service and charge a ‘gap’ fee with the exception of DVA white or gold card holders. However, if you are currently unemployed, a pensioner, Health Care Card holder, suffering financial distress or are having difficulty paying my standard fee then we can to talk to you about a concessional rate.

WorkCover or Third Party Insurance

When making the appointment, please let me know that you wish to be seen under WorkCover and you have a referral from your GP. We may require written approval for Psychology Assessment/Treatment prior to your first appointment.

TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Telehealth services allow the psychologist and patient to use videoconferencing technology such as skype, facebook, zoom and corviu to have remote sessions over the internet instead of face to face sessions in the clinic.

No Referral

If you would like to see me as a private client, that is without a referral, you do not need any paper work at all. In some cases you may be able to claim a rebate from private health insurance. You should check with your health fund. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you are unsure what to bring, or would like further information about any of the above options.

Psychological Assessment and Reports

Please call for a quote. Neuropsychological and other testing may involve a lengthy testing session along with several hours spent on report preparation. Therefore before making an appointment please call me for a quotation of your requirements or the referral question. Brief letters are included in the standard consultation fee for GPs and others involved in your care. However, other than a letter of attendance, a report other purposes (e.g. Centrelink, Employment assessment, Treating Psychologist Report) will be charged on a fee for service basis according to the time taken for preparation. I do not provide reports for the Court or Family Law matters. At this time I am only providing this service if requested by a third party such as a Psychiatrist, GP, government authority, NDIS.

Approved provider

• Medicare Better Access

• NDIS - I can only see clients who plan or self managed.

• Workcover - prior approval by the insurer must be in place

• Dept of Veterans Affairs - white card for mental health

• Open Arms (veterans and serving members and their families

• Bupa ADF Health Services - ADF reserve and regular members

in case of emergency

I am unable to provide crisis counseling services. In case of crisis or if you need immediate assistance, or you or somebody else you know is at risk of harm, please contact one of the following:

• Ambulance Services 000

• Your Local GP

• Bowral Mental Health Services - Intake 02 4861 8000

• Bowral Hospital Emergency Dept - 02 4861 0200

• Lifeline 24 hour Telephone Crisis Support 13 11 14

• Beyondblue 24/7 hotline 1300 22 4636 chat and email