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Question:  I've been thinking about going to a psychologist and was told to ask my doctor for a referral in order to claim the medicare rebate. Can you tell me, will I be required to disclose to my GP the nature of my problem? Others in my family go to the same doctor so I don't really want him to know the full details as he also sees the persons concerned as patients. Thanks, Chris

Answer (1)  Your GP will have to complete what is called a GP Mental Health Plan in order for you to be eligible for Medicare rebates for seeing a psychologist. My understanding is that the session for doing this is longer than a normal appointment with a GP, and there would be at least some discussion of what the nature of the problems are. You might want to bring up your concerns at the start of the appointment, and your GP might not go into as much detail. Or, you could consider seeing a different GP for this purpose. I'm sure that most GPs would indicate, though, that they would be wrong to refer you without at least an adequate assessment - and that will mean some discussion. But as a family GP, they would also be aware of confidentiality concerns, and know that confidentiality was extremely important in cases like this.

Answer provided by Nicholas Rooke, Psychologist

Answer (2)  Chris: Psychologists are not the only ones capable or available to help you. The referral system for rebates does limit people's choices somewhat and on the surface, getting something for little or no outlay, seems tempting. However, if you consider your problem and the quality of your life to be important, then to pay something to improve it is surely a very worthwhile investment in the future.

It is not necessary to go to your local GP who knows you and your family in order to obtain a a referral. Any GP in any practice can write one out and you can remain relatively anonymous by doing this.

Answer provided by David White, Psychotherapist