Dr Rachel Hooks
Registered Clinical PSychologist and Neuropsychologist coast psychology ltd
15 Dawson Street, New Plymouth
What is a Clinical Psychologist?Clinical psychologists have advanced University degrees in psychology. Their specialty is in evidence based assessment and treatment of a wide variety of emotional, behavioural and psychological problems. As well as assessment and therapy, Clinical Psychologists can provide psychological testing with well-researched tests. To be registered as a clinical psychologist in New Zealand a psychologist must have a recognised degree, and be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB). To maintain registration clinical psychologists must participate in an ongoing professional development programme of training and adhere to the NZPB code of ethics.
Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication however will work alongside a Psychiatrist or GP to support your treatment if medication is indicated.
What is a Neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists have specialist experience and training in the relationship between the brain and neuropsychological function. They can provide assessments, opinions, and rehabilitation recommendations, for people who have sustained brain injuries or have other neurological conditions. This can include for people with a history of traumatic brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, toxic and metabolic disorders, brain tumours, or neurodegenerative diseases. In New Zealand, the title Neuropsychologist is a New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB) registered title, which means a clinically trained psychologist using this title has demonstrated specialist training and experience in the field of neuropsychology.
Dr Rachel Hooks
I am a qualified clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist with a doctoral level degree. I am registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board, and a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, and the New Zealand Special Interest Group in Neuropsychology. My clinical experience spans both the public and private sectors and I have skills in providing psychological and neuropsychological assessments and psychological interventions to adults with a wide range of psychological and/or neuropsychological problems. I also provide professional supervision to health professionals, and contracted psychological services to ACC, WINZ, Public Health Organisations (PHOs) and private insurers.
I have a very collaborative approach to both assessment and treatment which draws on neuroscience-informed models and includes elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, and solution-focused and psycho-dynamic approaches. I am a provider of EMDR, which is a specialist intervention for trauma. My focus is to help clients achieve psychological wellbeing for the longer term.
Prior to training as a psychologist, I worked as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand, and have lived and worked in Germany, Malaysia, and Scotland with my family for eleven years, before returning to New Zealand in 2012. I now live in New Plymouth with my family - both two and four legged.
What can I expect?
Psychological Services
Initial appointments are normally of one hour duration unless a longer initial assessment is required or has been discussed in advance. Your initial session will involve a discussion about how confidentiality works, there will be time to answer any questions you might have, and time for you to discuss your difficulties and your reason for seeking assistance. At the initial appointment you will likely be asked a number of questions which will help me to develop a deeper understanding of factors contributing to your difficulties, in order to know how to help you best. It is very normal to be nervous and sometimes to feel vulnerable during or after a first session, but the more information you can provide and the more honest you are in your answers the greater chance that therapy will work for you. You are more than welcome to bring a friend or support person along to the initial session, as well as any other information that may be helpful.
If therapy is recommended the number of sessions required to assist varies and depends on the issues being addressed. Therapy can be brief (up to four-sessions), medium term (10 to 20 sessions), or long term (therapy that lasts over a year). Following an initial assessment, your therapy goals and a therapy plan will be developed and discussed together. Therapy sessions are 50 to 55 minutes in duration.
Building a therapy relationship where you feel respected, valued and understood is important, and it can take time to build trust. Making progress on your goals requires not only regular attendance at sessions but also thinking about and practicing what you are learning between sessions. I will help you with suggesting what to practice. Therapy can be challenging, and change in yourself, can change and challenge the relationships you have. I will do my best to help you overcome obstacles you face along the way.
What about Confidentiality?
Clinical psychologists are bound by ethical and legal guidelines that prevent them from sharing what you have said to them without obtaining your consent first, unless there is disclosure of an imminent risk of harm. In this case psychologists are bound by a duty of care for the person at risk. Privacy and confidentiality are clearly discussed in the first session. If the assessment or therapy is funded by another agency, there is usually an expectation of at least a brief report of assessment, progress, or attendance to your funding agency or General Practitioner. The reporting expectations will be discussed at your first appointment.
How much will it cost?The standard rate for an hour long session is $200 inclusive of GST. If a session is longer than an hour, part charges will occur in 15 minute blocks. If a privately funded written report is required, this can be quoted for in advance. An invoice will be generated at the time of the appointment. If you need to cancel an appointment, 24 hours notice is required, otherwise a cancellation fee will be charged. Various means of funding assistance may be available, and it is often good to discuss your therapy needs with your General Practitioner first to see if you may be eligible. General practitioners can provide funding access for brief therapeutic interventions. ACC, WINZ, private insurers, or your employer may also be able to fund psychological services.
Neuropsychological Services
PLEASE NOTE: Private referrals for neuropsychological assessments will only be accepted for adult clients via a medical physician and for a specific purpose.A neuropsychological evaluation is typically carried out over two appointments. The initial appointment will consist of an intake interview where the problem is fully discussed and explored, and the second appointment for cognitive testing. A neuropsychological evaluation typically takes between 12 and 16 hours, with approximately 6 hours allocated to the initial appointments. The remaining time is for reviewing relevant medical and psychological file information, interpreting cognitive testing results, and report writing. This is only an estimate. I will be happy to give a more accurate estimation of the time needed and answer additional questions, after a referral has been received.
Fees for neuropsychological services are provided hourly, and are $220 plus GST per hour.
Fees for neuropsychological services are provided hourly, and are $220 plus GST per hour.
Contact
Unfortunately, I have no current availability for new clients, and do not operate a waitlist.
I do not operate a crisis or urgent care service. If you have an urgent crisis, please contact your local mental health crisis service via your nearest hospital.
Please allow up to five working days for a response to your enquiry. Whether I will be able to assist will depend on caseload availability at the time of enquiry. I do not operate a waitlist for services.
15 Dawson Street is a calm space in the city. Limited parking is available.
Copyright Coast Psychology Ltd. 2020