Frequently asked questions about seeing a psychologist at Psychcare Clinic, Wahroonga

Both are fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, follow the same Code of Conduct and complete at least 30 hours of professional development every year. Both can assess, diagnose and provide evidence-based therapy.

A clinical psychologist has an extra “area of practice endorsement” on their registration. It shows they completed a specific training pathway: an accredited clinical master’s or doctorate, followed by a supervised registrar program. The endorsement is a protected title. It isn’t a separate specialist register, and the Board doesn’t limit what other psychologists can treat.¹ Many registered psychologists also have master’s degrees and years of further training. See the comparison above.

Mostly because of Medicare. Medicare pays a higher rebate when you see a clinical psychologist. For a 50-minute session from 1 July 2026, the rebate is $149.05 with a clinical psychologist and $101.55 with a registered psychologist.² Practices set their fees with these rebates in mind.

The rebate is linked to the title and training pathway, not to years of experience or skill in your particular area. A newly endorsed clinical psychologist may have just finished university, while a registered psychologist may have a master’s degree and more than 10 years of hands-on experience. Both are qualified. What matters most is experience with what you’re going through, and how comfortable you feel together.

Research consistently shows that the relationship between you and your psychologist, often called the therapeutic alliance, is one of the strongest predictors of good outcomes.³ It helps to look for:

• Experience with the things you want help with.
• An approach that fits you, such as neuro-affirming or trauma-informed care.
• Someone you feel safe and understood with.

A free 15-minute call is a low-pressure way to find out.

• Psychologists study human behaviour and mental health, and are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. They assess, diagnose and provide therapy, but don’t prescribe medication.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication, and some also provide therapy.
• Counsellors and psychotherapists offer skilled, supportive talking therapy, and many are highly trained and experienced. Counselling is a self-regulated profession in Australia, so training varies. See the next question for what to look for.

Counsellors and psychotherapists can be a great fit for many people, especially for talking through relationships, life changes, stress or grief. Because counselling isn’t regulated by Ahpra, it’s worth checking that your counsellor:

• Is registered with a professional body, such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Registered members have recognised qualifications, ongoing clinical supervision and professional development, and follow a code of ethics.
• Is listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP). It’s a shared register run by PACFA and the ACA, and you can raise concerns through it.
• Has experience with what you’d like help with, and feels like a good fit for you.

This protects you. It means your counsellor is accountable to professional standards, and you have somewhere to go if something doesn’t feel right. In NSW, counsellors must also follow the Code of Conduct for non-registered health practitioners, and you can contact the Health Care Complaints Commission with concerns.

Counselling isn’t currently covered by Medicare’s Better Access program, but some private health funds offer rebates. If you’d like a Medicare rebate, a formal diagnosis or an assessment, a psychologist may suit you better.

Search the Ahpra register of practitioners. It shows each psychologist’s registration and any endorsements. MJ Basilio’s registration number is PSY0001868947.

It means we see autism, ADHD and other neurotypes as natural differences, not something to fix. We work with your strengths, adapt sessions to suit you, and focus on what helps you live well. Read more about neuro-affirming therapy.

No. You can book privately without a referral. To claim a Medicare rebate, you’ll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP before your first session.

No. You’re welcome whether you’re diagnosed, self-identified or simply wondering.

We talk about what’s brought you here, what you’d like to change and what helps you feel comfortable. You only share what you’re ready to share. Together, we agree on next steps. See new clients for more.

The first appointment is 60 to 70 minutes, and standard sessions are 50 minutes. Some people come for a few sessions, others for longer. We’ll review progress with you regularly, and you can stop or take a break at any time.

Yes. Therapy and adult assessments are available by secure video anywhere in Australia. You can have your camera on or off for therapy. See telehealth.

Yes. We see children, teens and their families, and parents are welcome to be part of sessions. See children and teens.

The first appointment is $315 and standard sessions are $252.99. A deposit secures your booking: $95 for therapy and $295 for assessments. See all prices on our fees page.

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP referral, you can claim up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year under Better Access. The rebate for a standard session with MJ is $101.55, so you pay $151.44.

Some extras policies cover psychology. Check with your health fund. You can claim either Medicare or private health for a session, not both.

Yes. We’re a registered NDIS provider and see NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants, with no gap fees. See NDIS psychology.

Please give at least 2 business days’ notice to change or cancel, so we can offer the time to someone else.

Yes. Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD and autism. We offer ADHD, autism and combined AuDHD assessments, with a strengths-based report.

No. Psychologists don’t prescribe medication. With your permission, your report can be shared with your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist if you’d like to explore medication.

We aim to send your report within 4 weeks of your final session.

Medicare rebates for assessments are limited. If you’re under 25 and referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist for possible autism, some sessions may attract a rebate. Ask us on a free call.

Yes. What you share stays private, with a few legal exceptions, such as a serious risk to someone’s safety, child protection concerns or a court order. We’ll explain these in your first session. See our privacy policy.

Only with your consent, except where the law requires it.