Executive Service FAQs
Why the focus on privacy? . . .
Some people fear the disclosure of a mental health difficulty, or even to be seen seeking psychological support, may lead to negative perceptions in social and professional circles. While excellent ground has been made in these areas, stigma is still reported as a key barrier to accessing professional support, especially for professionals and prominant individuals. Some mental health diagnoses may also have insurance and medico-legal implications. Dr Paul Williams hopes to alleviate these barriers by providing a professional and ethical service that overcomes any privacy and confidentiality concerns.
After I make contact, what happens next? . . .
All enquiries will be responded to within a few days. If your preferred contact method is phone, this initial contact will be within your preferenced days/times. Intake for the service follows this process: (1) Initial contact from a clinical triage staff member to determine whether Dr Wiliams can meet your needs (2) A 10min phone call with Dr Williams, so that he can answer any outstanding questions. All parties can then determine whether to proceed to the initial session (3) Organisation of the initial session via your preference of email or text.
What are Dr Paul Williams qualifications and training? . . .
Dr Paul Williams has a PhD in Clinical Pscyhology, which is recognised internationally as the highest qualification for Psychologists. He also has additional training in a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. He is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, the EMDR Association of Australia, and the American Psychological Society.
What style of therapy does Dr Paul Williams provide? . . .
Dr Paul Williams takes a pragmatic approach to therapy. His communication style is direct, kind, and wherever possible, uncomplicated. His therapeutic approach draws heavily on the sciences of behaviour and learning, memory systems, emotion and cognition, neuropsychology, family systems, and social psychology. During the initial session, the pros and cons of various evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, EMDR, couples therapy, family therapy) will be discussed. Following these initial discussions, jargon terms will be used sparingly.
Why should I feel safe about Dr Paul Williams entering my home or workplace? . . .
Dr Paul Williams is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Being AHPRA registered requires Criminal History Checks and Working With Children Checks. You can check Dr Paul Williams' registration status and clinical endorsement via the AHPRA Register of Practitioners . His registration number is PSY0001816595. You also have the opportunity to liase with Dr Paul Williams by phone for 10mins before your initial session is scheduled.
Do I need a referral? . . .
No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with Dr Paul Williams. However, if you are an Australian resident and choose to obtain a referral (otherwise known as a Mental Health Care Plan) from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Note your referral becomes part of your public health record, and Medicare guidelines stipulate some communication between Dr Paul Williams and your GP.
How much does the Executive Service cost? . . .
The Australian Psychological Society recommends a fee schedule of $251 per 45-60min session. Ths is line with most private practice settings, where an appointment with a Clinical Psychologist typically costs between $200-300 per 50min session. Initial sessions for the Executive Service are 90-120mins and the cost is scaled accordingly. Follow up sessions will vary in cost depending on the length of sessions, delivery method (i.e., in person or online), or other variables. A comprehensive treatment plan, including costs, will be discussed during the initial session, and again during follow ups.
Can I claim reimbursement through Medicare? . . .
Dr Paul Williams is a registered Medicare provider and if you have a Mental Health Care Plan provided by your GP, you can claim $124.50 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. However, for two reasons, Dr Paul Williams does not advise Medicare reimbursement for initial sessions. Firstly, the intial session allows discussion of how one or more Mental Health Care Plans might be factored into a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, in the case of couples or family work, more than one person may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement. Secondly, a Mental Health Care Plan has some (typically inconsequential) privacy implications. These can be discussed during the initial session.
How many sessions will I need, and how frequent will they be? . . .
The number and frequency of sessions is dictated by the severity of the concern, your individual goals, and pragmatic considerations such as possible scheduling. Near the end of an initial session, you and Dr Paul Williams will discuss a treatment plan that includes an estimate of the number of further sessions, their frequency, and the most beneficial delivery type (e.g., in person, online) for your circumstance. Dr Paul Williams typically provides a time-limited service so that you are able to self-manage after treatment has been completed. In some cases clients wish to maintain contact via infrequent maintenance sessions. The pros and cons of maintenance sessions can be discussed in due course.
Can I claim partial reimbursement of sessions through my private health insurance? . . .
If you have private health insurance that includes psychological sessions as extras cover, you may be eligible for a partial rebate. Please contact your insurance provider directly for further information about your individual coverage.
Is this an emergency service? . . .
No. Dr Paul Williams does not offer emergency or acute care. If you or your loved one is experiencing a psychiatric emergency please call 000 or present to your local hospital emergency department immediately.
Is this service suitable for managing acute suicide risk?. . .
No. Acute suicide risk is an emergency. If you or your loved one are acutely suicidal please call 000 or present to your local hospital emergency department immediately.
Is this service suitable for managing acute drug and alcohol addiction? . . .
No. Please contact your GP or local hospital to find out what drug and alcohol addiction services are available in your area. Dr Paul Williams can support relapse prevention and harm minimisation following initial rehabilitation.
