What’s the Difference?
(Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist, or Counsellor)?
Understanding the differences between the various types of mental health professional in Australia can be difficult; even more so if you were to do an internet search and look at overseas sites where the rules and use of terminology might be subtly different. Even trickier than understanding the roles, is understanding what each mental health professional might actually do during sessions.
I am going to try and demystify this area a little and explain a few differences and areas of similarity. Hopefully you can then feel a bit more comfortable about who you might want to see. It’s important to read the pages about “Selecting a Therapist” and “What Works” in conjunction with this page.
Psychologist
A psychologist is a university trained health professional who will have completed a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology. In addition they will have undertaken one (or more) of the following:
- A two year internship to supplement their formal training;
- A 1 year post-graduate qualification plus 1 year internship; or
- A 2 year Master’s degree or 3 year Doctoral degree.
To be registered as a clinical psychologist, the health professional must have completed a Master’s or Doctoral degree plus a required period of supervised practice.
Psychology training in Australia usually focusses on Mental Health skills training and in particular Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches. However many psychologists extend their training and experience to utilise additional approaches such as psychodynamic work and integrated well-being approaches.
Psychology is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).
Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist usually has, as a minimum, an undergraduate degree in a health related area plus additional specialist training in psychotherapy, typically 3 to 4 years. Additionally most psychotherapists undergo a period of personal psychotherapy to ensure they have suitable levels of self-awareness.
Psychotherapy is a specialisation for working in depth with people who are grappling with a range of personal and well-being issues including diagnosed mental health conditions. Psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors can each, via different pathways, train to be psychotherapists.
Psychotherapists focus on assisting their clients to explore and understand aspects of themselves and their experience. They assist their clients to understand how past experiences influence and shape their current responses to life events. The focus is on the here and now response, the past simply provides the platform for understanding.
Psychotherapy is related to its cousin, psychoanalysis, but is informed by modern interpersonal and relational models of working with clients. Psychotherapists draw from modern neurobiology and a range of evidenced based methods of working.
Unfortunately, in Australia, psychotherapy continues to be self-regulated. I am of the firm belief that all psychotherapists should be regulated like other health professionals. In the meantime ensure that your psychotherapist has suitable training and experience and is a member of an appropriate professional association.
Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor with extensive additional training leading to a specialisation in psychiatry. Typically it takes 11 years to complete training to be a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness. They have the training to identify complex mental health issues and are able to prescribe medication for treatment.
While some psychiatrists also undertake psychotherapy with their patients, many psychiatrists focus on diagnosis and maintaining medication of conditions and prefer to refer patients to other mental health professionals (psychologists, psychotherapists, or counsellors) for ongoing regular support.
You normally need a General Practitioner (GP) referral to see a psychiatrist.
Psychiatry is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).
Counsellor
Training to be a counsellor can vary from a short correspondence course through to a university undergraduate or post-graduate degree. Depending on their training and experience, counsellors may work in areas similar to those undertaken by psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists. However, counselling generally focuses on short-term solution focussed strategies for dealing with specific life events such as bereavement, relationship therapy, domestic violence and similar issues.
Both psychologists and psychotherapists have the skills and experience to provide counselling approaches as appropriate to a particular client’s needs.
Unfortunately, in Australia, counselling continues to be self-regulated. I am of the firm belief that all counsellors should be regulated like other health professionals. In the meantime ensure that your counsellor has suitable training and experience and is a member of an appropriate professional association.
Psychotherapists and psychologists are both mental health professionals who have passed all qualifying examinations and training to receive their titles. However, if you are looking for help, which professional should you reach out to?
What is a Psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is an individual who has received the necessary training to meet the qualifications of the said title. To become a psychotherapist, an individual must have:
- An undergraduate degree in Psychology or other health-related areas
- A master’s degree in Psychotherapy
- Completed the required field hours in practice
- Passed the licensing examination for Psychotherapists
After passing the licensing exam, psychotherapists can now use their title in their profession. One does not need to get a PhD in order to practice psychotherapy, although it can benefit one’s career growth.
What is a Psychologist?
There are many levels to the Psychology profession. All psychologists in Australia need to have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. There are three undergraduate degrees available:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology
After completing the undergraduate course, the student may either take up a six-year Master’s degree in Psychology, specialising in one of the following:
- counselling psychology
- forensic psychology
- organisational psychology
- sport and exercise psychology
- educational and developmental psychology
- health psychology
- community psychology
- clinical neuropsychology
- clinical psychology
Or, the student may choose to undergo a supervised internship under the practice of a licensed Psychologist. After the 2-year internship program, the student must take the National Psychology Exam (NPE). Those who have taken a Master’s degree do not need to take the NPE.
After either completing a Master’s degree or passing the NPE, the student must register with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) in order to use their title and practice as a professional psychologist. If a so-called psychologist is not a member of the PsyBA, they are considered unqualified and may face legal repercussions for fraudulent practice.
How Are They Similar?
Both psychotherapists and psychologists perform talk therapy and help with the management of mental health disorders. Individuals who have anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and other similar mental health problems need to consult either a psychotherapist or a psychologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Are They Different?
A psychologist can be a psychotherapist if the individual has completed the necessary training to achieve psychotherapy certification, apart from already completing the qualifications to become a psychologist.
On the other hand, psychotherapists do not necessarily need to be psychologists. They can have degrees in psychology or other related health sciences, but after their undergraduate degree, they may choose to proceed directly with psychotherapy training and certification.
Who Should You Consult?
When choosing a mental health provider, you should first verify their qualifications. Make sure they have finished the necessary educational degrees and training that they hold in their titles. A qualified psychologist should be a member of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, the governing body of psychology practice in Australia.
If you prefer to see a psychotherapist, you should look for professionals who are members of the PACFA or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. This organisation upholds the standard of psychotherapy education and practice in the entire country.
However, psychologists are not medical doctors. Clinical psychologists usually have a PhD or doctorate degree in Philosophy, not medicine. Therefore, they cannot prescribe medications for mental illnesses. To get a prescription, patients need to see a psychiatrist who holds a doctorate degree in Medicine (MD). Some psychiatrists are also practising psychotherapists, granted that they have the necessary qualifications.
You might also be interested in learning the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist.
Find the Best Mental Health Professional in Brunswick
If you are having problems with your mental health and wellness, you may visit Lotus Medical Centre in Brunswick. Our team of mental health professionals are always ready to assist you. We will develop the best treatment plan for your specific condition and help you achieve healing through proper care and guidance.
At Good Therapy, we recognise everyone’s pathway to healing or search for support is unique. Whether you have connected with a therapist previously, or you are researching before making an initial appointment, it’s vital to make a considered choice based on up-to-date information.
Understanding Your Options
In Australia, people engaging in therapy generally consult a Psychotherapist, Psychoanalyst, Family Therapist, Counsellor, Mental Health Social Worker or Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist.
Although both “Counselling” and “Psychotherapy” are based on talk therapy and many think they are one and the same, there are important differences between a psychotherapist and a counsellor, as well as between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
What is a Psychotherapist?
Psychotherapy: an overview
Psychotherapy is a healing practice in which a trained practitioner collaborates with an individual to support their wellbeing. Generally, psychotherapy entails a format where a therapist uses “talk therapy” to:
- Connect with a client in a collaborative, mutual relationship
- Discuss and explore the client’s past and present challenges, emotions, relationships and beliefs
- Support their transformation and empowerment to improve their capacity to manage their lives, and heal from any psychological distress they have experienced.
In addition to talk-based therapy, other evidence-based techniques can support clients’ healing and transformation. Depending on a practitioners’ area of expertise, these could include art, music, dance and movement therapies.
People seek out psychotherapy for diverse reasons. They may be drawn to therapy because they:
- Have detected a pattern of conflict or loss in their lives, and want to explore the hidden dynamics that inhibit them from reaching their full potential
- Are challenged by an immediate crisis ‐ a relationship breakup; a job redundancy impacting their sense of self; the death of someone they cherish. Therapy offers a chance for individuals to understand their personal narrative
- Are embracing new opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery and creativity. Therapy is a powerful tool for unlocking insights that help people actualise their goals.
In the context of an individual’s life storyline, psychotherapy supports processes of self-reflection, change and renewal. Psychotherapists look at a person’s holistic needs, focusing on their emotional, psychological, spiritual, physical and behavioural wellbeing. They support people to explore their unconscious beliefs, desires and aspirations. A skilled therapist works with clients in the tradition of “unconditional positive regard” developed by Carl Rogers, in an environment where there is no judgement, only support, and in doing so provides a platform for an individual’s existential growth and empowerment.
Who can provide Psychotherapy services?
Various professionals provide psychotherapy, including psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, social workers, and other specialist therapists.
Psychotherapists draw on numerous modalities, such as Person-centred approach, Somatic psychotherapy, Jungian analysis, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Existential or Schema therapy. For information on the different approaches, we encourage you to explore Good Therapy’s Types of Therapy overview.
A skilled psychotherapist will engage their clients in meaningful practice that rewards their curiosity and enriches their understanding of self, others, and the world they inhabit. Underlying this vital work is years of in-depth training in psychotherapy, developmental, social, and relational theory.
All practitioners offering psychotherapy are required to have studied specialist units or courses. Ideally, they will be registered with the appropriate professional body in their field. The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia requires their member practitioners to:
- Have undertaken substantial, experiential professional training with a demonstrated theoretical base before registration
- Adhere to a Code of Ethics for professional practice
- Maintain up-to-date skills and receive peer feedback on the quality of their work, through ongoing supervision, professional development and participation in a Community of Practice with fellow psychotherapists.
Is a Psychotherapist different to a Counsellor?
What is a Counsellor?
A counsellor is a therapist who works with individuals, couples, families and groups to explore and address their identified concerns. Counselling supports clients to achieve improved mental health and wellbeing, through drawing on evidence-based interventions and therapeutic modalities. Approaches that counsellors use may include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, systems theory, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), or an integration of these. You’ll find more information on different modalities at Good Therapy’s Types of Therapy overview.
The counselling relationship emphasises trust, security, and confidentiality. Counsellors work within a strong framework of integrity and ethical practice. Recognising that clients often need urgent, “point-in-time” support, many counsellors are flexible in how they communicate, offering counselling not only in person but over the phone, through Skype or FaceTime, email and via online “webchat”.
Counselling vs Psychotherapy: What’s the Difference?
Counselling is often seen as similar to psychotherapy because both involve a client meeting with a trained practitioner to talk about their issues, problems and concerns.
However, there are important differences between counselling and psychotherapy. Counselling frequently takes place in shorter time-frames. You may seek counselling because you’re experiencing an immediate challenge: an issue with work, children, or in an intimate relationship. You may require support with a behaviour, like quitting smoking, or anger management.
While counselling may occur over the longer-term, it generally focuses on solutions to immediate or practical issues that can be resolved on a conscious level. Psychotherapy goes “deeper” to explore unconscious patterns and sources of problems, aiming to enhance people’s understanding of their personal stories, motives and archetypes with the goal of transforming their relationship to the world.
Who can provide Counselling services?
Counselling is delivered by a range of practitioners, including psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and social workers. In Australia, the label “counsellor” is applied broadly to advisors in other industries, such as “Finance” or “Law”. In the context of therapy, the term refers to a practitioner who has undertaken specialist training in particular areas of interest. For example, they may specialise in addictions, grief, relationships, parenting, or career.
To avoid any confusion over the type of counselling provided or qualifications held by a counsellor, Good Therapy encourages clients seeking counselling to connect with a therapist registered with the appropriate professional body:
- Social workers offering counselling will be affiliated with the Australian Association of Social Work
- Counsellors and psychotherapists will be registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Counselling Association, or one of several other professional associations
- Psychologists and psychiatrists will be linked with their governing bodies, Psychology Board of Australia, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
This ensures an appropriate level of training and experience. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, in 2017 there were over 20,000 individuals classified as “counsellors” working across Australia.
Good Therapy’s Find a Therapist search tool was designed to help you explore the options, and to choose wisely.
Good Therapy aims to reduce the stress that is often associated with looking for a therapist. At Good Therapy, we believe it’s important to keep searching until you find a suitable counsellor or therapist.
Psychotherapy, Psychology and Psychiatry
Psychology vs Psychiatry
So psychologists and psychiatrists can both offer counselling and psychotherapy services … but what’s the difference between these professions? Good Therapy knows many people understand the distinction between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, but it’s worth a refresher.
What does a Psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions. Psychiatrists in Australia undertake at least 11 years of training:
- An initial 5-year university degree in Medicine
- 1-2 years’ training as a general doctor
- 5 years’ further specialised study in psychiatry.
This pathway equips psychiatrists with an understanding of both the biological and psychological basis of clients’ conditions. As doctors, under Australian law they may prescribe medication to clients.
To practice professionally, psychiatrists must be registered with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and undertake regular professional development to maintain their skills.
What does a Psychologist do?
A psychologist is a practitioner with a degree in Psychology, which is defined by the Australian Psychological Society as “the study of the human mind and its influences” (APS, 2019). A psychologist may be employed in a range of settings, including by government agencies or private companies; as a self-employed practitioner; or in the not for profit sector. They may undertake a wide variety of functions and services, including psychological assessments and testing; interventions and programs for individuals and groups; and counselling and psychotherapy for clients, couples or groups.
Psychologists with specialised qualifications may work in fields including:
- Counselling psychology: using counselling and therapeutic techniques to work with clients and assess, treat and resolve problems
- Clinical psychology: diagnosing and treating people with psychological problems
- Educational psychology: includes school/ guidance counselling and designing programs to support children and young people in transitions to, within and from school
- Forensic psychology: undertaking assessment, analysis and diagnosis functions in the criminal and justice systems.
Like psychiatrists, psychologists undertake extensive training:
- an initial 4-year university degree in Psychology
- 2 years’ supervised postgraduate training
- Some have additional endorsed areas of specialisation after completing further training, for example in clinical psychology or neuropsychology.
To practise as a psychologist, a practitioner must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. They must also undertake ongoing professional development to maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge.
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
A commonly asked question is: are psychologists doctors? The simple answer is no. Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist is not a medical doctor.
Many psychologists do have Masters or Doctoral degrees such as Doctors of Philosophy (PhDs) or Doctors of Psychology, otherwise known as PsyD degrees. These however are not medical doctorates or MDs.
This distinction is perhaps the key difference between psychiatrists and other therapists, including psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists. Psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists do not have medical training, and hence cannot prescribe psychiatric medication. Many, in fact, do not subscribe to a “medical model” of psychological intervention, and have therefore chosen professions that involve other evidence based therapies as the foundation for their practice. For some psychological conditions with neurological impacts, there may be the need for medication, and in this case Good Therapy encourages you to consult your GP or other health care provider.
Can I see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist for psychotherapy or counselling?
Psychotherapy and counselling focus on talk-based therapy aimed at developing emotional and relational intelligence through self-awareness and compassion, healing the effects of trauma and loss, or resolving the problems of everyday life. Many psychologists and some psychiatrists offer counselling and psychotherapeutic services.
To access a psychiatrist’s services, you need a referral from a GP. The costs of seeing a psychiatrist may be partially met through the Medicare system and private health insurance coverage. To see a psychologist, you won’t necessarily need a GP referral, unless you want to take advantage of the Federal Government’s Better Access mental health plan option.
Which practitioner should I see?
Depending on your needs and objectives, you can consider reaching out to any of the practitioners mentioned here.
At Good Therapy, we acknowledge and respect people’s individual preferences and values.
Assisting you to find good therapy through providing high quality, meaningful information, we do our utmost to connect you with accredited, ethical practitioners whose focus is to provide you with the support you need.
You can use Good Therapy’s Find a Therapist page to search for a Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Coach or Psychologist.
We recommend reading our guide to Choosing a Therapist before you begin your search.
Sources: Wampold, B. (2019). The basics of psychotherapy: an introduction to theory and practice. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association; Campuzzi, D. and Stauffer, M. (2016). Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and Interventions. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association; Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (
: Wampold, B. (2019). The basics of psychotherapy: an introduction to theory and practice. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association; Campuzzi, D. and Stauffer, M. (2016). Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and Interventions. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association; Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia ( PACFA ) (2019) retrieved August 2019; Australian Psychological Society ( APS ) (2019) retrieved August 2019; Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ( RANZCP ) retrieved August 2019.
