What is a Psychologist (Clinical)?

Psychologists are experts in human behaviour. Clinical psychologists help with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Most psychologists also help mentally healthy people to find ways of functioning better. For example, they train people to handle stress and family problems. Psychological therapies are also widely used by groups and organisations; you must see a psychiatrist or other medical doctor to be treated with medication. For further information contact the Australian Psychological Society (www.psychology.org.au)

SOURCE: Adapted from Australian Psychological Society

What is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor who has obtained additional qualifications to become a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness and emotional problems. For further information contact the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (www.ranzcp.org)
SOURCE: mentalhealthchannel
What is a Counsellor?
A counsellor is a person who assists people ”to develop understanding about themselves and to make changes in their lives”. According to the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA - www.pacfa.org.au) it is expected that they ”work within a clearly contracted principled relationship that enables individuals to explore and resolve issues of an interpersonal, intrapsychic or personal nature”
There are different types of counsellors such as rehabilitation counsellor, marriage and/ or family counsellor, school counsellor etc, and each may have very different qualifications and experience levels, which can be enquired about by potential clients. In Australia there is no mandated minimum training and qualification framework in place yet, though many counsellors are voluntary members of professional counselling associations, and are working towards this through PACFA, their peak body. PACFA maintains a national voluntary register of counsellors and psychotherapists who have satisfied its minimum training standard.
SOURCE: Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia


print this page  Print  Send to a Friend  Send to a Friend