Registered psychologist letters now accepted by Centrelink

[genx]

Centrelink now accepts registered psychologist letters as acceptable for DSP applications. Previously, registered psychologists were not considered qualified enough. The reason might be that it's quite hard to get appointments these days with clinical psychologists and especially psychiatrists.

www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medical-evidence-for-disability-support-pension?context=22276

My advice: Do not solely rely on a registered psychologist for a DSP application for psychosocial illness. Their qualifications are not as highly regarded as those of a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In case of conflicting opinions with Centrelink psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, the Centrelink assessors will carry more weight than a registered psychologist.

By all means, use a registered psychologist to support your DSP application, but do so with at least a supporting letter from a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Even better - get supporting letters from a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist that all support each other. That should make your application bulletproof.

[Denis-NFA]

After years of refusing to accept registered psychologists something smells fishy.

They must have a union and putting in for a pay rise let alone the vast majority of their clients must be 'you go Govt workers'!

PS who made the decision?

[bear]

Mar 1, 2024 15:23:51 GMT 7 Denis-NFA said:

After years of refusing to accept registered psychologists something smells fishy.

They must have a union and putting in for a pay rise let alone the vast majority of their clients must be 'you go Govt workers'!

PS who made the decision?

I can only conclude the decision was due to lobbying by relevant entities and made by the Labor government post the DSP Inquiry and legislation was not required Denis-NFA .  Actual facts seem thin on the ground. Cheers 🐻

News Update: 10 March 2023

APS advocacy in action as we secure positive changes to the Disability Support Pension

The APS is pleased to share news that our advocacy efforts have been recognised as a new Determination for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) Impairment Tables was announced by the Department of Social Services (DSS). This important news will have beneficial impact for many Australians living with a disability or caring for someone with disability. 

The new Determination will take effect from 1 April 2023. The new Legislation and Impairment Tables can be found here. 

Note:- In this instance APS is not Australian Public Service 

Read on for our detailed analysis of these changes:- psychology.org.au/about-us/news-and-media/media-releases/2023/aps-advocacy-in-action-as-we-secure-positive-chang