Psychology in the Hawkesbury

A psychologist helps people understand and manage thoughts, emotions, behaviours and experiences that may be affecting their mental health, relationships or quality of life. Psychology can help with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, addiction, life changes, emotional difficulties and coping with chronic health conditions. A psychologist works with you to understand what is happening and develop practical strategies that support your goals.

You may benefit from seeing a psychologist when something is affecting your ability to cope, function or enjoy your everyday life. You don’t need to wait until you are in crisis. People seek psychological support for many reasons, including persistent stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, major life changes, chronic illness, pain or feeling that they are struggling to manage things on their own.

No, you do not generally need a referral to make a private psychology appointment. You can contact Focus Physio & Co directly to make an appointment with Brigitte. However, if you want to access a Medicare rebate, you need to meet the relevant eligibility and referral requirements and get your GP to refer you. 

Yes, eligible patients may be able to receive a Medicare rebate for psychology services from your GP.  Eligibility generally requires a clinically diagnosed mental disorder requiring at least a moderate level of support, along with the appropriate referral pathway. Your GP or other eligible medical practitioner can assess whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral are appropriate for you.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a structured plan developed with an eligible medical practitioner to identify a person’s mental health needs, treatment goals and appropriate support. Where a patient meets the eligibility requirements, the plan can provide access to Medicare rebates for eligible mental health treatment services with an eligible mental health professional.

Your first psychology appointment is an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you have been experiencing and what you would like help with. Brigitte will work with you to understand your circumstances, identify the areas you would like to address and begin developing a plan for treatment. 

Yes. You can see Brigitte independently of any other service at Focus Physio & Co. You do not need to be a current Focus patient to see Brigitte, and you do not need a referral from one of our physiotherapists or exercise physiologists.

Where appropriate and with your consent, psychology can also complement physiotherapy or exercise physiology as part of a broader approach to your health.

Yes. Psychology can be a valuable part of managing persistent or chronic pain. Living with ongoing pain can affect mood, sleep, confidence, activity, relationships and quality of life. Psychological therapy can help people understand the relationship between pain, thoughts, emotions and behaviours and develop strategies to manage the impact of pain on everyday life.

Psychological treatment does not mean that pain is “all in your head”. Chronic pain is real, and psychological support can be one part of a broader multidisciplinary approach to managing persistent pain.

Yes. Psychology can help people understand and manage ongoing stress, overwhelm and burnout. Treatment may explore the factors contributing to stress, patterns of thinking and behaviour, boundaries, coping strategies, emotional regulation and practical changes that can support recovery and wellbeing.

The frequency and duration of psychological treatment varies from person to person. Some people benefit from a relatively short course of therapy focused on a specific concern, while others may need longer-term support. Brigitte will work with you to determine an appropriate approach based on your circumstances, goals, progress and clinical needs.