The Who’s Who of Mental Health

Psychologist

  • Typically provides one-on-one therapy.
  • Utilizes evidence-based interventions grounded in research.
  • Works in varied settings: community centers, private practices, prisons, and hospitals.
  • To become a psychologist:
    • Requires specific training.
    • Must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  • Registration ensures competency and consumer protection.
    • Adherence to a code of ethics.
    • Avenues for consumer complaints.
  • AHPRA Requirements:
    • Previously: Four-year undergraduate + two-year internship (being phased out).
    • Currently: Five-year undergraduate + one-year internship.
    • Alternative: Fifth and sixth year masters program -> Clinical Endorsement.

Clinical Psychologist

  • A psychologist with specialized training, often via a master's degree.
  • Requires an additional period of supervised practice.

Psychological Scientist

  • Researchers who apply science to the broad study of psychology.
  • Study brain, behavior, cognition, emotions, physiology, and social interactions.

Psychiatrist

  • Medical doctors specializing in mental health.
  • Involved in cases requiring medical training.
  • Can prescribe medication (unlike psychologists).

Social Worker

  • Help people manage difficulties and enhance their wellbeing.
  • Work systemically, interfacing with community services.
  • Often involved in case management but sometimes also counseling.
  • Don’t have to register with AHPRA.
  • Australian Association of Social Workers is a professional body for those with accredited training.

Counsellor, Therapist, Psychotherapist

  • Refer to the type of work done, not the profession or training.
  • Titles are not legally protected.
  • Anyone can use these titles.
  • May include psychologists or social workers, but also individuals without formal training.

Checking Registration

  • To verify if someone is a registered psychologist, check the AHPRA Register of Practitioners.
  • AHPRA and REGISTER OF PRACTITIONERS can be serched via google.

Seeking Help

  • A GP (General Practitioner) is a good first point of contact for referrals.
  • In emergencies, call 000.