There are many different professions when it comes to mental health and helping people with their emotional well-being. In this blog post, we want to explore the difference between a psychologist and counsellor. We will also touch on similarly used terms such as therapist, and psychotherapist.
Many people use these terms interchangeably, as all of the professions may be working in mental health support, but there are some very distinct differences between each of them! Namely, the regulation and protection behind the title psychologist, and the others.
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is a registered health professional with training in human behaviour and mental health. In Australia, psychologists can work in various settings and in various roles. Common settings can include :
- hospitals and mental health clinics
- community mental health services
- private practices
- universities and schools
- research institutes
Level of Training
Psychologists undergo extensive theoretical training and must complete a minimum of four years full-time university study (or its equivalent). This is followed by an additional two years of study and training (in the form of an internship, a masters program, or both) under registered supervision.
In Australia, registered psychologists can undertake additional training to register with an ‘endorsement’. Endorsed psychologists can include; clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, educational and developmental psychologists, health psychologists and more.
Once registered, all psychologists in Australia must adhere to a strict code of ethics and conduct, as set out by the Psychology Board of Australia, which includes completing ongoing professional development (CPD) to maintain registration.
Regulation and Protected Titles
The title ‘psychologist’ is protected by law, which means that in order to use the title psychologist, an individual must have completed an accredited degree in psychology and be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. Misuse of the title ‘psychologist’ can thus result in legal consequences.
What can a psychologist do?
Depending on the setting they work in, a psychologist’s responsibilities may include;
- conducting psychological assessments
- diagnosing mental health conditions
- Addressing behavioural disorders
- Manage anxiety, depression and other symptoms
- developing and implementing treatment plans
- working with families, couples, or groups
- researching psychological topic areas
As regulated health practitioners, psychologists are also able to register as Medicare health providers and have their services subsidised by Medicare. They’re also able to provide treatment for complex mental health conditions and other forms of mental illness. Treatment may include a wide range of approaches, however, psychologists tend to use forms of cognitive behavioural therapy, family counselling, and many other forms of treatment. The specific treatment approach will be determined based on your needs and psychologists tend to
How Are Psychologists Different to Counselors & Therapists?
What is a Counsellor?
A counsellor is a professional who helps people deal with different life issues, including relationship problems, communication skills, work-related stress, and more. Counsellors may have experience working in a specific area, such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation or trauma counselling.
Level of Training
In contrast to psychologists, counsellors are not required to have a specific degree or licensure to practise counselling. Whilst some counsellors and therapists have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counselling or therapy, this is not a mandatory requirement by law.
This means that there is a wide range of qualifications, skills, and experience levels within the counseling and therapy field, and technically anyone could use the title ‘counsellor’, ‘therapist’, or ‘psychotherapist’.
Therefore it’s important to do your research when seeking out a counsellor or therapist to make sure they have the appropriate training and experience for your needs. This is especially true if you’re seeking support for mental health issues. You can look for counsellors on the Australian counselling association website.
What can counsellors do?
Counsellors and therapists help people deal with everyday problems and stressors that may include;
- Communication skills
- Marriage Guidance services
- Career and guidance fields
- Immediate and practical issues
- Manage conflicts
Counsellors can also provide support for people with mental health conditions, however, they are not able to diagnose mental illness and are not necessarily trained in the treatment of mental health conditions.
Summary
At the end of the day, both counsellors and psychologists aim to do similar work – to help people through difficult times in their lives. But it’s important to know the difference between each title, and find someone who is best suited for your individual needs.
Counsellors and therapists may have a more relaxed approach to therapy, whereas psychologists are bound by a strict code of ethics for treatment and therefore may have a more directed approach to therapy. These different approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and one is not necessarily ‘better’ than the other, but simply stylistic differences.
When it comes to finding someone to talk to, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with them and they make you feel supported. If you’re not sure whether a psychologist, counsellor, or therapist is right for you, the best thing to do is speak to someone about your options. This person could be your GP, a trusted friend, or someone else who has had experience with these services.
We hope this blog post has cleared up any confusion you may have had about the differences between psychologists, counsellors, therapists, and psychotherapists.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are a number of organisations that offer support services:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 63
Headspace – 1800 650 850
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 655 266.
These services are free, confidential, and available 24/seven. If it is an emergency or you feel like you or someone else is at risk, please call 000.
We hope this blog post has cleared up any confusion you may have had about the differences between psychologists, counsellors, therapists, and psychotherapists.