Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor Therapist…Which Do You Need?
There are so many roles in the mental health services, and knowing what combination you need for a certain condition can be confusing. Read on to find out the different kinds of mental health practitioners and psychologists in Melbourne.
General Practitioner
Your general practitioner or GP is usually the place to start. They will briefly assess you, start your mental health treatment plan and refer you to your psychologist.
They have either a Bachelor of Medical Studies or Doctor of Medicine, are registered with the Medical Board of Australia and have a fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Psychologist
Also known as registered psychologists or general psychologists, psychologists research and provide therapy and counselling for various psychological struggles. They diagnose and treat using evidence-based therapy in Melbourne.
There are numerous pathways to become a psychologist, but generally they have a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or equivalent, a Master of Psychology and General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Clinical Psychologist
Compared to general psychologists, clinical psychologists in Melbourne have a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and additional specialised training. This is called practice endorsement, where they complete two years of intense work experience and development. They are also more involved in research and may take part in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, treatment strategies, and teaching. Due to their extra qualifications, clinical psychologists tend to charge more.
While not necessarily ‘better’ than a registered psychologist, people with complex conditions, suicidal thoughts, or challenges with their current treatment may suit a clinical psychologist. In the end, both clinical and registered psychologists provide the same range and standard of care.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose mental health disorders, treat them, and prescribe medication. Some may also engage in talk therapy CBT or DBT similar to psychologists.
A psychiatrist has a Bachelor of Medical Studies or Doctor of Medicine, they are specially trained by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and have a Fellowship with the RANZCP.
Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses are specially trained in caring for mental health, generally working alongside psychiatrists in mental health units, hospitals, or nursing homes. They give medication, assist in treatment, and assess patient mental health status.
They are Registered Nurses (Division 1), have a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing and a Graduate Diploma or Master in Mental Health Nursing.
Counsellor
The term ‘counsellor’ covers those who provide talk therapy. That means that they may be a psychologist, nurse, social worker, or even an occupational therapist. Their goal is to overcome unwanted emotions and behaviours and develop new routines. Counsellors include career counsellors, mental health counsellors, rehabilitation, relationships and more. Counsellors may focus on specific areas such as career, mental health, rehabilitation, relationships, etc.
Generally, counsellors work with patients in the short term to address a specific situation and act more as guides. Because the term is so general, they may not have qualifications, specific training, or registration with a professional body, so be sure to check.
Qualified counsellors have a Diploma, Bachelor or Master of Counselling and are registered with the Australian Counselling Association.
Therapist
A therapist, or psychotherapist is also a general term that is often interchanged with counsellor, but there are differences. Psychotherapy tends to be deeper and more intense with long-term aims, for example covering recurring emotions, patterns of thinking, personality, and core attitudes. They tend to deal with mental health conditions rather than general ‘life.’ Psychotherapists use different techniques such as CBT, IPT, DBT or supportive therapy.
Alternative Therapist
Alternative therapists provide a variety of non-conventional, non-recognised treatments or non-western medicine. These therapies can include naturopathy, yoga, reiki, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine. Like some counsellors, they may not have qualifications, specific training or registration recognised in Australia.
So, which type of therapy do you need? Your first step should be to make an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms or potential psychological condition. The decision about which mental health professional you need to see is best made in conjunction with your referring GP, taking into account your individual circumstances. By using one central service from which to access counsellors, psychiatrists and psychologists Melbourne residents can assure themselves of greater continuity of care across mental health disciplines as required.
