FAQS

The following are some of the questions often asked when people make enquiries.  If you would like more details, or have other questions, please contact us.

What is the difference between a Psychologist, a Psychiatrist and a Counsellor?

Psychologists complete six years of formal, post-graduate clinical training through an accredited university program.  Psychologists assess, diagnose and treat people with a range of emotional and behavioural problems.  Treatment assists people to change their behaviour and thinking styles to help them function more effectively and cope with everyday stressors.

Psychiatrists are doctors who have a medical degree and undertake further study to specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses.  Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, and some utilise other forms of therapy.

Counsellors can give advice on personal problems.  In Australia, the training is variable ranging from a few weeks correspondence to a Masters in Counselling.  This means that anyone can call themselves a counsellor or a psychotherapist.

What about my privacy and confidentiality?

Your privacy is protected.  Psychologists are bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.  Client files, which include your personal details and session notes, are held in secure storage.

The confidentiality of your information is of great importance and all personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:

• It is subpoenaed by a court, or
• Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
• Your prior approval has been obtained to:
• provide a written report to another professional or agency, (e.g., a GP); or
• discuss the material with another person, (e.g., a parent or employer); or
• If disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

Why choose Lincoln Clinical Psychology?

At Lincoln Clinical Psychology the psychologists have six or more years of university training in psychology and have experience in various settings.  Clients are always treated with respect and their privacy is ensured.  We utilise a combination of different therapy styles that will be most effective for the client. 

What is Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is an evidence-based therapy which has demonstrated, in numerous scientific research trials, clinically significant improvements in a range of mental health disorders.  CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, in other words, the way people think and behave.  In working with the psychologist people learn to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and replace them with more helpful responses.  CBT can also enhance productivity, well-being and ability to cope with problems.