No - having a referral simply means you can have session costs reduced through Medicare or another scheme.

If you obtain a referral from your general practitioner or psychiatrist, you will be able to access a Medicare rebate for sessions.

Sessions last for 50 minutes. Overall duration of therapy will vary according to a range of factors, such as the type of problem you are experiencing, as well as your personal resources (such as supports and strengths). You should have an estimate regarding the number of sessions likely to be required at the start of treatment.

Your information is stored electronically and securely in a two-part file. Your personal details are stored by the practice, and the content of sessions is stored separately and only accessible by your psychologist. 

1. All personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:

It is subpoenaed by a court, or

Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or

You prior approval has been obtained to

Provide a written report to another professional or agency (eg. a GP or a lawyer); or

Discuss the material with another person (eg. parent or employer); of if disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

Please note that if you have been referred by a medical professional on a Government funded intervention (such as a Mental Health Plan) then it is usual practice to provide written reports. The reports provide limited information about your progress with the authorised treatment. 

Please note that you have the right to refuse this consent. However, in certain situations, your refusal may mean that you will not be able to proceed with services at the clinic, especially if they are funded through a collaborative government scheme that requires reporting.