FAQs
Please see below our frequently asked questions.
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If you have any other questions not found on this website, please feel free to call us on 0435 074 567.
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. With their extensive training in both medicine and psychiatry, they are uniquely qualified to understand the complex relationship between emotional and physical health. Psychiatrists use a range of approaches to help their patients, including psychotherapy, prescribing medication, and recommending lifestyle changes. They work with individuals of different ages (Dr Valeria Spivak normally looks after 16 to 60yo group) , tailoring their care to meet each person's unique needs. Whether it's managing anxiety, depression, ADHD or other conditions like schizophrenia, psychiatrists play a vital role in supporting mental well-being and promoting recovery.
What qualifications and training do Psychiatrists undergo?
Psychiatrists undergo extensive education and training to ensure they are equipped to provide specialized mental health care. Their journey typically begins with completing a medical degree, which usually takes around 5-6 years. After earning their medical qualifications, they undertake a year or more of internship and residency to gain hands-on experience in general medicine.
Following this, aspiring psychiatrists enter specialized psychiatry training programs, which can take at least 5 years of training full time or more. During this time, they delve deeply into areas such as psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and diagnosing complex mental health conditions. Many psychiatrists also choose to further specialize in areas like child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addiction medicine through additional training and fellowships. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Fellowship Training Program includes a series of rigorous exams and assessments designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and competencies of psychiatry trainees. Not everyone makes it through the process. Pass rates for exams can be as low as 23%. Altogether, the path to becoming a psychiatrist often spans over at least a decade of rigorous education and clinical practice/assessments/exams, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to address the intricacies of mental health care.
Is Dr Valeria Spivak accepting new patients?
Books are currently closed, Dr Spivak will be reassessing in July.
How can I get a new script?
For all scripts an appointment is required, please contact reception on 0435 074 567 to book an appointment. Dr Spivak is unable to perscribe outside of consultation.
I need a medical certificate, how can I get this?
If you require a medical certificate for university, work, or a travel letter, and your consultation time has already passed, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with Dr. Valeria Spivak. Please note that Dr. Spivak is unable to complete any documentation outside of the scheduled consultation.
Do I need to pay for my appointment?
Regarding payment for your appointment, all consultations are subject to a private fee. To arrange payment and booking, kindly contact reception at 0435 074 567. As Dr. Spivak is not a bulk billing provider, all appointments must be paid privately by the patient prior to the consultation. Please ensure payment is completed in advance, as failure to prepay may result in the cancellation of your appointment.