How to Find a Psychologist in My Area

Find the Right Help When Searching for Psychology in My Area

When we experience a vulnerable time in our lives, it is important to seek help. But how do you find the right help, particularly when searching for "psychology in my area"? How do we seek help for mental health issues or mental illness? Finding a psychologist in your area is crucial for accessing timely and effective care.

Firstly, ensure you seek appropriate mental health assistance. It is best to seek help for mental issues from trained, qualified, experienced and registered health professionals. This helps protect you.

Seeing a registered psychologist means accessing professional assistance regulated by the Australian Government. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) maintains a register of psychologists to ensure psychologists meet and maintain professional standards.

For those looking for "psychology in my area," knowing that your psychologist is registered with AHPRA gives you peace of mind that they meet strict regulatory standards.

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Dean Harrison - Counselling Psychologist/Director

​Dean Harrison Counselling Psychologist / Director iflow psychology Dean and his team provide: advanced psychology, therapy, counselling and assessment. iflow psychology provide mental health services for teenagers (adolescents), as well as adults, couple counselling and family therapy.

Why Choosing Registered Psychologists for Psychology in My Area Matters

Firstly, ensure you seek appropriate mental health assistance. Seeing a registered psychologist means accessing professional assistance regulated by the Australian Government. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) maintains a register of psychologists to ensure psychologists meet and maintain professional standards. Only a mental health professional registered with AHPRA can legally use the term 'psychologists'. This is to help ensure public safety.

Why Comprehensive Services are key when Searching for Psychology in My Area

When searching for "psychology in my area," it's important to consider a practice that offers a wide range of services, just like iflow Psychology.

From time to time in our lives, we might feel overwhelmed. This includes issues with mood, including anxiety, clinical depression, and stress. Our mood often impacts our sleep, appetite, libido, motivation and confidence. Feeling down or anxious will also affect our work, study, family and relationships.

These challenges impact daily living and can significantly impact our mental health. During these times, we can benefit from professional help with mental health. Finding a psychologist who offers "psychology in my area" can be a game-changer. Psychologists can also assist with marital separation, parenting, the death of a loved one, sexuality, burnout, substance abuse and so on.

If not appropriately addressed, daily stress can further deteriorate our well-being, health, performance and relationships. Seeking assistance from a psychologist will benefit.

Why It’s Important to Verify Credentials in Psychology in My Area

When you consider accessing psychological assistance, ensure you know exactly what health professional you are seeking. Obtain their name and practice location. If you are specifically searching for "psychology in my area," make sure the practice is locally based or offers telehealth services for convenience. Check their training, qualifications, and experience. These details should be listed on their website.

If the website does not list the practitioner you will see, proceed cautiously. Some businesses are driven by profit. These businesses are not owned and operated by psychologists. Their practices might not provide adequate psychological services for clients or even appropriate employment conditions for their clinicians.

Some advertisements are deceptive. While you might believe you are seeing a psychologist, you might be seeing someone who is not a psychologist.

I often have clients complaining about previous therapists they have seen who they believe were psychologists. When I review the 'therapist' names, the 'therapists' are not psychologists.

The Difference Between Psychologists and Other Therapists in Psychology in My Area

The significant difference between psychologists and psychotherapists, therapists, and counsellors is that psychologists are registered health professionals. When looking for "psychology in my area," it’s crucial to distinguish between a registered psychologist and other types of therapists to ensure you receive appropriate care.

Being a registered health professional means that the Australian Government strictly regulates psychologists. The Australian Government requires psychologists to complete extensive university training and post-graduate clinical supervision to be registered. Registered psychologists must also maintain strict professional standards and adhere to a code of ethics.

Anyone can use the terms 'counsellor', 'therapist' or 'psychotherapist' without training or experience. The Australian Government does not regulate individuals using these titles. They are not required to demonstrate a minimum standard of training. They are also not required to maintain professional standards.

If no risks were associated with seeing non-registered health professionals, then health professional registration would not exist. Registration of health professionals helps keep you safe.

What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

The simple answer is that a psychiatrist has a medical background and can prescribe medication.

A psychologist has extensive training in psychological health. Psychologists use non-pharmaceutical therapy to address behaviour, thoughts and feelings. Psychologist's interventions aim to change behaviour, thoughts and feelings. When seeking "psychology in my area," it’s important to know whether you need the services of a psychologist or a psychiatrist, or possibly both. Psychological therapy helps improve mood (including anxiety, depression and so on) and other psychological issues.

Psychological therapy can include talking therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based psychological treatments.

Clients might need a psychiatrist and a psychologist where medication is required. Your local doctor will manage any medications on a day-to-day basis when it is prescribed.

Understanding Different Types of Psychologists When Looking for Psychology in My Area

Are there different types of psychologists? Yes.

All psychologists have a minimum of four years of university training, followed by two years of post-graduate clinical supervision to become registered as an Australian psychologist. Some psychologists undertake further advanced training, including post-graduate courses like a Master of Psychology Degree. This also involves additional clinical supervision.

To gain an area of practice endorsement (AoPE) with AHPRA, further clinical supervision is required beyond graduation. AoPE identifies psychologists who have completed an approved postgraduate qualification (six years of tertiary training). AoPE psychologists also complete a further two years of supervised training in an area of practice. These psychologists can use a protected title associated with that practice area, such as 'Counselling Psychologist' or 'Clinical Psychologist'.

AoPE is a regulatory mechanism. It is a notation on a psychologist’s record on the public register of practitioners. When considering "psychology in my area," it's helpful to know what type of psychologist you need. Psychologists with general registration can be endorsed in one or more of the following approved areas of practice:

• Counselling psychology,

• Clinical neuropsychology,

• Clinical psychology,

• Community psychology,

• Educational and developmental psychology,

• Forensic psychology,

• Health psychology,

• Organisational psychology, and

• Sport and exercise psychology.

Finding the Right Psychological Services in Psychology in My Area

To find a psychologist, ask your treating doctor or contact your national psychology association. If you’re specifically looking for "psychology in my area," you might also consider searching online directories that allow you to filter by location. iflow Psychology offers a range of services, including online counselling through telehealth psychology services and telephone counselling.. If you want more information about iflow Psychology services, visit our website. You can also call our friendly administration staff on 02 6061 1144.

Looking for a psychologist near you? iflow Psychology offers online counselling through telehealth psychology services and telephone counselling. This flexibility ensures you can access "psychology in my area" even if you prefer remote sessions. You can even book an appointment online.

What to Consider When Making the Choice

Psychologists and clients work collaboratively, so the right match is essential. Once a psychologist's credentials and competence are established, consider your comfort level with them.

Your rapport with your psychologist is an essential factor. Research has demonstrated that the client-psychologist rapport is the number one predictor of outcomes in therapy. A good rapport with your psychologist is critical.

Choose a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and at ease. They should also be willing to challenge you when necessary.

If you are specifically looking for "psychology in my area," it’s essential to check the psychologist's proximity to your location or their availability for telehealth.

Questions to Ask

• Are you an AHPRA registered psychologist?

• Do you have a higher endorsement as an AHPRA registered psychologist?

• How many years have you been practising as an Australian psychologist?

• Check if the psychologist is registered by accessing the online AHPRA public register.

• What is your area of psychology? (for example, counselling psychologist, clinical psychologist, working with adolescents, relationships, men and so on)?

• I have been feeling (anxious, tense, depressed, etc.) and having problems (with my job, marriage, eating, sleeping, etc.). What experience do you have helping people with these types of problems?

• What kind of psychological therapeutic approach do you use?

• Do you use evidence-based approaches?

• What are your fees? (Fees are usually based on a 50-minute session)

• Can I claim a Medicare rebate for your services?

• Are you accredited to provide services for third-party funders, such as Lifetime Care, worker's compensation, etc.?

  
  

What to Expect from Your First Visit When Accessing Psychology in My Area

At least two therapy sessions are required to get to know you and understand your mental health issues. Simple mental health issues can often be addressed within six to ten therapy sessions, while more complex issues may require longer. Whether you choose in-person or online sessions, finding "psychology in my area" that meets your needs is essential.

Therapy sessions are normally weekly in the start. Then client’s generally taper off to fortnightly and then monthly therapy sessions. Less frequent therapy sessions are required as you experience improvement in your circumstances and well-being.

Psychological therapy should be an active process and you should feel like you are making positive changes. If not, you should speak openly with your psychologist. Open communication is an important part of the therapeutic process.

Fees

As with all services, you get what you pay for. Good therapy is worth the investment.

In some cases, clients might be able to secure funding for psychological services through a third party. Please refer to our website for more information.

Be wary of ‘free psychology services’ as this is only possible where someone else funds the sessions. Be aware of who is funding the sessions and the set limits. When funding expires, you will be liable to pay any ongoing fees. The offer of free psychology services can be a deceptive hook.

iflow psychology is here to help you. For those searching "psychology in my area," we are conveniently located in the Inner West of Sydney and offer online services as well. Our professional and compassionate team will support you on your journey to wellness.

So, How Do I Find a Psychologist in my Area?

Professional support is available if you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty. Contact iflow psychology today at 02 6061 1144 to schedule an appointment. We can provide services face-to-face or via telehealth or telephone. You are never too far away to access our help.

Flexible Counseling Options

iflow Psychology offers in-person, telehealth, and telephone counselling services.

As registered psychologists, we provide compassionate support tailored to your needs. Take the first step in your journey towards well-being.

Medicare Rebates and Referrals

You may be eligible for Medicare rebates with a doctor's referral and a Mental Health Plan. Receive quality care while maximising your healthcare benefits. Let us be part of your path to healing.

Contact Us

Complete our simple enquiry form, and our friendly admin team will contact you during office hours. We are here to answer any questions and assist you in scheduling an appointment.

Learn More

Location Details

Visit iflow Psychology in Leichhardt, Inner West Sydney, NSW, Australia for in-person consultations. We also provide convenient telehealth services, ensuring accessibility no matter your location.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Before making any decisions, we recommend consulting your treating doctor, health professionals, and legal representatives. This is particularly important if you have health concerns, existing mental health or medical conditions, or feel you are not coping.

(c) 2020 Dean Harrison