When you seek help from a psychologist, you might see a psychologist with general registration, or one who has further advanced training called a special 'area of practice endorsement' such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, educational and developmental psychology, forensic psychology, sport psychology and so on.

All psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, meet high education, training, ethical and professional standards, and undertake ongoing training and skills development in order to remain registered.

All psychologists use evidence-based, customised psychological approaches to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of clients and concerns.

Psychologists with general registration have a minimum of 6 years of university training and supervised experience, and build on that with compulsory ongoing education. Psychologists with general registration who are undergoing advanced training are called Registrars. Psychologists who have further advanced training and are endorsed in an area of practice such as Clinical Psychology have a minimum of 8-9 years of training.

Vlatka Duric has been registered as a Psychologist since 1998. She is endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist. She completed advanced postgraduate training in addition to general training which includes another 2 years at a Master degree Level and an additional 2 years post Masters at a Registrar Level as per requirements by the Psychology Board of Australia and AHPRA.

As well as an endorsement in Clinical Psychology, Vlatka has a PhD in Psychological Medicine, and further training to provide supervision to early career psychologists, Clinical Psychology Registrars and her psychologist colleagues. She is also an Accredited Schema Therapist.

Clinical Psychologists have advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders and psychological problems and are qualified to provide expert advice. They research psychological problems and use their psychological knowledge to develop and use scientifically based approaches to improve mental health and well being. You can read more about the different types of psychologists here https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists and here acpa.org.au

"Clinical Psychology is a science based profession that integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychological problems or disorders whether they are mild, moderate, severe, chronic or complex" (acpa.org.au).

There is often overlap between some areas of endorsement but each endorsement has specific advanced training in their area of practice. Clients can enquire whether Vlatka Duric's endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist and her other training and experience is a good fit for their needs.

Psychologists are not Psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors. Psychologists do not prescribe medication; Psychologists use psychological therapies and interventions.

There are different types of counsellors such as a rehabilitation counsellor, marriage and/or family counsellor, school counsellor, financial counsellor etc. Each may have very different qualifications, regulatory requirements and experience levels, which can be enquired about by potential clients. Psychologists do provide counselling or psychotherapy as part of psychological services but all Psychologists must have at least a minimum level of training, be registered (see https://www.ahpra.gov.au/ ) and comply with continuing requirements to ensure their continuing registration as a Psychologist.

All sessions are online (or by phone). At our initial consultation we will explore your current concerns and relevant history. This will help us establish a shared understanding of your problems and goals.

We will also discuss the most appropriate treatment approach based on your needs and preferences. In addition to this, we will discuss your expectations and rights as a client. We would typically use the first session or a few after, to work out if we are a good fit for working together.

At subsequent consultations we will progress with treatment according to the approach agreed upon. I will also make space for you to raise whatever you feel is most important to discuss. Along the way, we will track progress to make sure we are moving in the right direction. This may involve completing questionnaires. In addition, you will be guided to carry out regular reflection and review.

How often will I need to attend sessions?At your initial consultation we will agree on how often you will need to attend sessions in order to benefit from treatment, as well as how many sessions you may need to address your problems and reach your goals. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others find that fortnightly sessions or less work fine (especially if they have been attending for some time). We will likely reserve some appointment times for you in advance, to ensure your treatment is consistent. Therapy works best if you attend all scheduled sessions, even at times when you feel better.

Couples therapy can help couples to resolve and better manage conflict, find common ground and better connect to achieve positive change in their wellbeing. Vlatka works with you to really understand your individual and shared stories to formulate her approach using the best evidence and strategies. Vlatka uses the framework that in couples therapy, the relationship is the client. To help facilitate this, and as per the Gottman Method, the first session is with the couple, second and third sessions are with each member of the couple (or more individual sessions if there are more members in the relationship), the fourth session and all sessions thereafter are with the couple only (no more individual sessions).

No. You can self-refer to me directly. You only need a referral from your GP if you want to use a Mental Health Treatment Plan to claim rebates through Medicare or if you are veteran white or gold card holder. I am not registered with some referrers e.g. Workcover. If you do have a referral from your GP, please ensure that I receive it at LEAST a week before your first appointment.

No matter who we are, or where we are in life, we all have the potential for growth. Psychological strategies can be used to increase resilience, develop leadership skills, improve time management or even enhance how we communicate with others. These skills might be applicable in the workplace, at school or in general life.

If you do not have a mental health concern, you might be seeking emotional growth or self-reflection. Perhaps you may wish to develop new skills and work on improving or changing your quality of life and general well-being. Or you might want to work on interpersonal issues or have couples therapy.

Individuals: Vlatka consults with individuals 18 years and older. To be eligible to receive psychological services through Medicare, a person must be referred by their GP (or in some instances by another medical specialist). Please speak with your GP about your eligibility to claim these Medicare benefits. If your GP (or medical specialist) has sent a copy of the referral directly to me, please check that I have received this referral. Please ensure that the referral is addressed to me and my name Vlatka Duric. Please ensure that I receive your GP’s referral more than 48 hours (business days) before your first appointment. Unless required by your GP or third-party referrer, I do NOT provide reports or letters (e.g. certificate of inability to attend work) of any kind.

Couples: Please note that Medicare does not currently provide rebates for couple therapy. If the referral for couples therapy is from a third-party referrer, then all sessions are 50 minutes in duration. Unless required by your third-party referrer, I do NOT provide reports or letters of any kind.

No. Vlatka Duric does not provide a crisis service. In the case of an emergency please call 000 immediately.

If you require urgent assistance, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP
- Attend your local hospital emergency department
- Call an emergency telephone helpline such as
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

No. Keeping track is up to you. However, your referral needs to be reviewed and a report provided to your GP at certain milestones. These will be discussed with you in session when these reports are required.

My Health Record: The Australian government will have created a My Health Record for you if you have not opted out. Vlatka Duric does not participate in the uploading of client information to your My Health Record, however you should be aware that correspondence between your psychologist and other health providers may be uploaded by them. It is your responsibility to manage and understand your own My Health Record and to communicate clearly with your doctor and other health providers regarding your decisions about the upload of any communication or reports from your psychologist to your My Health Record.

Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare through the use of technology as an alternative to face-to-face consultations. Telehealth is not the use of email, online chat or text message. Telehealth is not suitable in all situations. Vlatka Duric will discuss with you if she has a reasonable belief that telehealth is not suitable for you. Please talk to your GP about your eligibility for rebates if your service delivery is via telehealth.

Benefits and Limits of Telehealth
- Improves access and convenience
- Allows greater flexibility for all
- Enables use of interactive technologies e.g. screen share

Please note:
- Can be vulnerable to disruption dependent on internet connection etc
- It is important to find a suitably private, safe place for the consultation

Vlatka Duric only provides psychological services online or by phone around Australia, and online internationally.

There is no physical location for sessions.

Vlatka Duric does not bulk bill unless you have a DVA or BUPA referral. Vlatka is not a registered provider with NDIS or Workcover.

Vlatka is also not available to see clients for independent assessments required as part of NDIS or DSP applications, or for any medical-legal requirements.

Vlatka does NOT provide any certificates, letters or reports unless part of your referral through Medicare, DVA or BUPA.

Please go to the contact form and request this information as it varies depending on your referral or if you are self referred.

At your initial consultation we will agree on how often you will need to attend sessions in order to benefit from treatment, as well as how many sessions you may need to address your problems and reach your goals.

Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others find that fortnightly sessions or less work fine (especially if they have been attending for some time).

We will likely reserve some appointment times for you in advance, to ensure your treatment is consistent. Therapy works best if you attend all scheduled sessions, even at times when you feel better.

I can provide psychological therapy and supervision in English and Croatian.

Schema therapy (not for accreditation)
Individual and couples therapy
Career mentoring
Ethical, professional and legal
Relational issues and countertransference
Principal supervisor for Clinical Psychology registrars
Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
Adjustment disorders
Transcultural considerations
Personality Disorders
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

All supervision is online.

I provide supervision to psychologists and mental health professionals.

Please go to the contact form and request this information as it varies depending on your level of training (students and registrars are eligible for discounts).

Frequently Asked Questions