Question 1

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

As part of providing the best treatment for you, I will complete a full psychological assessment before we commence therapy, which takes between one-and-a-half and two hours and costs $300. 
Therapy appointments run for 50 minutes, and cost $190.  
You may be eligible for WINZ subsidies for counselling. You can check your eligibility here:
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/health-and-disability/counselling.html#null
Payment is expected at the time of consultation. EFTPOS is available at reception. I am sorry but I cannot accept payment by credit card. 
For specialist assessments and reports, such as for people wishing to commence Hormone Replacement Therapy for gender transition, I charge a set fee of $800. This includes one or two assessment interviews, a full report to provide to your GP for HRT referral, and a feedback session. A payment plan for this can be negotiated.

Question 2

What sorts of people do you see, and how do I refer myself or someone else to you?"

Accepted Answer

I see adults with a range of presenting problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health problems. I am passionate about supporting people who have gender identity issues, and aim to be a safe ally for the rainbow community. I can also help with lifestyle issues such as relationship problems, assertiveness, emotional regulation and others. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to see if I can help and what my availability is.
 
I take self-referrals from everyday people via this website, email or phone. I also take referrals from GPs, other psychologists and other medical professionals. I am registered as an ACC sensitive claims provider, however I am at capacity for sensitive claims and at the moment I am not taking any more sensitive claims referrals.

Question 3

What if I need to cancel or change my appointment?

Accepted Answer

That's fine! I just ask that you notify me at least 24 hours before your appointment. Otherwise you will be charged the full session fee.

Question 4

How do I know you're the right Psychologist for me?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic relationships take time to develop, and part of my job is to develop rapport with you. I am happy to talk with you over the phone before you commit to anything, so you can get a sense of me and if you would like to come in for an assessment.

Question 5

What happens to my personal information?

Accepted Answer

Everything we discuss is confidential to me, which means it is private. I store all your information in a secure, cloud-based document storage system called Cliniko. If I have to store any paper documents, these will be kept secure in a lockable cabinet. As part of my responsible care to you, it is important that I am able to access information from your GP, and provide them with information if necessary. For this reason, at the outset of our contact, I will ask you to sign a consent form which requests full disclosure with your GP. I may also ask you for consent to request information from other sources as well. Your written consent is an important aspect of our contact, and you can withdraw this consent at any time. 
 
There are some limits to the confidentiality of your information: if during our contact I have any concerns about your or someone else's imminent safety, I may have to let other people know in order to keep everyone safe. This is a rare event and if at all possible, I will let you know in advance of doing this. 
 
I am bound by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act 1993, as well as the Psychologists' Code of Ethics.

Question 6

What is therapy like?

Accepted Answer

For many, coming to see a Psychologist can bring up lots of feelings: excited, nervous, scared, relieved, daunted, curious, intimidated, ashamed...
 
But hopefully, you'll find coming to therapy a meaningful and helpful experience, where you feel heard, understood, and sometimes challenged! But ultimately, it should feel safe and collaborative. 
 
Therapy sessions run for 50 minutes, and depending on the therapy framework may be more or less structured, provide space for you to bring issues to discuss. I may give you some homework based on our therapy work to do between sessions.
 
Sessions are typically scheduled weekly or fornightly, depending on things like your and my availability, the type and severity of your problem and other factors. The length of time you attend therapy sessions also varies and is an individualised decision. Therapy can vary from four to more than 12 sessions. The planning around this should be a transparent and collaborative process.

Question 7

How do I find out more about Psychologists in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

I am registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board, under the Clinical scope of practice. You can find their website here. http://www.psychologistsboard.org.nz/for-the-public  
There are many resources available here, including a list of registered Psychologists in New Zealand, what you can expect when you attend a Psychologist appointment and the complaints process.
I am also a full member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP). https://nzccp.co.nz/

Question 8

What is Telehealth?

Accepted Answer

When NZ is in Alert Levels 4 and 3, I will be providing all services via Telehealth to ensure the health and safety of everyone. I use Zoom, and utilise settings which ensure the safety and privacy of my clients. My fees remain the same. See below for some information about telehealth. 
 
Telehealth or telepsychology refers to providing psychotherapy services remotely using telecommunications technologies, such as video conferencing or telephone. One of the benefits of telepsychology is that the client and clinician can engage in services without being in the same physical location. This can be helpful in ensuring continuity of care if the client or clinician moves to a different location, takes an extended vacation, or is otherwise unable to continue to meet in person. It is also more convenient and takes less time. Telepsychology, however, requires technical competence on both our parts to be
helpful. Although there are benefits of telepsychology, there are some differences between in-person psychotherapy and telepsychology, as well as some risks.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions