We are often asked: what’s the difference between a Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor.

The answer is in our training, explained below.

Clinical psychologists have a high level of training in psychology and are formally recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia as having specialist skills in mental health. 

All ICP Clinical Psychologists have a minimum of 8 years training in psychology. This includes a 4 year undergraduate psychology degree; at least 2 years of postgraduate university training focused on the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental health and psychological problems; and a further 1 or 2 years of intensive supervision in the workplace. So, ICP Clinical Psychologists have completed 4 years postgraduate and higher level intensive training in psychology and mental health.

Registered Psychologists do not require the same level of accredited training in mental health as Clinical Psychologists. 

Psychiatrists have completed a medical degree and further training and study related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists specialise in the medical treatment of mental illness and can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists combine medication with psychotherapy. Some work closely with clinical psychologists in treating the same person or group.

In Australia  a “counsellor” may have no formal training at all. Some have completed training in an educational setting and some have completed supervised practice though the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) which is attempting to establish standards and ethical training of counsellors.

The area of “coaching” is similar to “counsellors”. Life coaches come from all walks of life, and may have no formal training. Some have psychology training. It is important to check credentials since there is no formal health training required to become a life coach outside of a short period of supervision by another life coach.

…they will use different approaches to therapy and have varying interpersonal styles. Some see only adults, some see only children, and some see families- some will provide services to all three. The different types of approach to therapy will include work with groups, or with an individual or couple.

There are also a variety of approaches a Clinical Psychologist might take to therapy such as mindfulness, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Person Centred therapy- to name just a few. The list is very long, and many experienced Clinical Psychologists are adept at a variety of different therapeutic approaches. It is important that the therapist you choose has expertise in the issues/s you wish to bring for therapy.

Some people don’t care if their therapist is male or female, old or young, but for some people this choice is important. Make the choice that makes the most sense to you. The same goes for considerations like cultural backgrounds. Sometimes it helps to find a Clinical Psychologist with a similar background to your own, or one who understands your cultural background.

Does the therapist have postgraduate training in psychology and mental health?

Do they have expertise and experience with the issue/s you wish to work on?

What are their fees? Are their fees rebatable through Medicare or your private health fund?

Can you access the higher or lower Medicare rebate? (Clinical Psychologists attract the higher rebate)

How long have they been in practice?

Do they use particular approaches are are they able to adapt and deliver an approach suited to the individual and the particular situation?

…as they might have experience with someone who helped them or know someone who has been helped. It’s worth asking. Or, your General Practitioner might help to guide you in this choice.

…(i.e. how long until you can have your first session and subsequent follow-up sessions after that). These and other considerations important to you will help you select a good fit.

When thinking about your choice, it’s helpful to be aware that change is what you are usually wanting when you go to therapy. And, change often feels uncomfortable. Changing attitudes, behaviours, or thought processes (whatever is keeping you stuck or distressing to you) can produce distress or anxiety because old ways often feel comfortable. A clinical psychologist will raise issues that might feel uncomfortable. This is a sign that the therapy is working. It is at these times that it’s important to understand that your clinical psychologist has your best interests in mind. So, when choosing a clinical psychologist, it is not necessarily the one who is nice, or feels the most comfortable, but the one who is willing to confront issues and support you through any distress you may feel as you develop new ways of coping, thinking and behaving.