Professional Qualifications and Associations
Lyn Shumack
B.A. (Psych), M.A. (Psych), Dip Clin Hyp, M.A.P.S. M.A.S.H.
NSW Registered Psychologist
Dr Stephen Hook
MBBS FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist
Choosing a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist
Clinical Psychologists are competent in the treatment of psychological disorders, including a wide range of personality disorders and clinical syndromes. Clinical psychologists specialize in diagnosis of all psychopathology, and routinely use psychometric evaluation to provide scientific information about behavioural and cognitive problems.
What distinguishes psychologists and psychiatrists is their background training at the undergraduate level, which for psychologists is primarily science-based. For Psychiatrists, their undergraduate training is invariably medicine-based, with similar post-graduate training for both professions.
Many clients with identified psychological disorders benefit from short-term pharmacological treatment, which is the sole preserve of medical practitioners such as psychiatrists. Then again, many clients prefer to avoid taking medicine, and need to seek appropriate advice about the best treatment alternatives for their disorder, based on recent scientific research. Often clients assume that they will be given a prescription by a psychiatrist and choose to see a Clinical Psychologist on the basis that they would rather not take medicine. However, our professionals strive to give advice based on contemporary research outcomes.
Often evaluating research information on treatment approach requires consideration of many factors, including the quality of the research itself. Clinical Psychologists undergo rigorous training in the quality of research design and interpretation of outcomes, but never-the-less cannot ethically give advice regarding particular medical treatments. They are skilled in utilizing a wide variety of behavioural treatments, which they choose depending on the client and the diverse factors outlined above. Attitudinal change and interpersonal dynamics are more the preserve of psychology than psychiatry, and each client will need to consider carefully how best they can address their problems in collaboration with professionals with these different skills.
In short, you will need to use your own judgment, or that of your referring medical practitioner, to decide whether to see a medically-trained psychiatrist or a scientifically-trained psychologist. Some disorders are always best treated with medicine, some with medicine in the short-term but not the longer-term, and many require no medicine at all. All psychological change requires time, courage, persistence, maturity and commitment to improving one’s thinking, feeling, behaving and relationships. To these ends it is a noble and important way to make a better life for all, and we know we are privileged to be your confidants.
About Us
Lyn Shumack is a registered psychologist with 20 years experience in private practice. She is specialist qualified in both Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology.
Dr Stephen Hook is an experienced consultant psychiatrist whose special interest areas are mood disorders, addictions, and employment-related problems. He is able to provide you with up-to-date, evidence-based advice about medications, but he can also guide you in other approaches such as using meditation for stress reduction, and the methods of positive psychology.
Referrals and consultation with other professionals
As experts in mental health we may consult with referring medical practitioners, paediatricians (for children), specialist psychiatrists, and/or solicitors and attorneys, to provide comprehensive mental health assessments, and treatment of the highest professional standard. Multi-disciplinary care is sometimes essential to achieve the best outcome for our clients, and we have a wealth of professional and community contacts that ensure the best possible support for your wellbeing.
Forensic assessment reports and expert witness appearances are available for civil and criminal matters, workers compensation, third-party (CTP) insurance, children’s law and family law matters.
Fees and Services
Fees for psychological and psychiatric services vary depending on the type of service and duration of each service. Initial appointments require more time and are charged accordingly.
Psychological services are generally charged at the Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) recommended fee. For the usual 50 minute session this rate is $206.00. For clients with a referral from a medical practitioner (item 2710) the Medicare rebate for treatment from a specialist Clinical Psychologist is $117.65.
Services for treatment received at locations other than our consulting rooms allow for clients with disorders requiring exposure therapy, e.g. phobic avoidance of shopping centres, bridges, tunnels etc. These treatments are charged at a higher fee and attract higher Medicare rebates.
Clients who do not have a doctor’s referral may be eligible for treatment using a fee schedule according to their means, as negotiated with their treating professional.
Both the Medicare rebate and the APS recommended fee are increased annually on November 1st and July 1st , respectively.
Psychiatric services similarly are increased each year, and the initial session scheduled for 60 minutes costs $380.00. The Medicare rebate is $209.10. Subsequent sessions may be 45, 30 or 15 minutes by agreement with Dr Hook.
Payment options
Medicare rebates are available for both clinical psychology and psychiatric services, with referral from your medical practitioner. GP referrals for psychiatry must be renewed every 12 months, and for clinical psychology services GP referrals must be accompanied by a Mental Health Plan (item 2710) in order for rebates to be paid through Medicare. This is not necessary for psychiatrist’s or paediatrician’s referral to a psychologist. For more details see www.psychology.org.au, and click on Medicare icon.
Please note that Mona Vale Psychology does not bulk-bill for any services, however discretion on this matter rests with our individual professionals.
Payment is required at time of service. All major credit cards are accepted including Visa and Mastercard. EFTPOS is available for those who prefer direct debit from savings and cheque accounts. Cheques and cash are also welcomed. We can process the Medicare rebate immediately if you bring in your Medicare card and your debit card.
For those requiring psychological services without a medical practitioner’s written referral, HICAPS operates for direct rebate from your health insurer. Note that HCF is the only health insurer that does not cover individual psychology services.
Clients concerned to minimize out-of-pocket expense are best advised to obtain a doctor’s referral for treatment until the maximum number of sessions per calender year (normally 12) are used. Then, if further treatment is required, you should claim payments through your health fund. Health funds generally rebate less than Medicare, and co-payments are prohibited.
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