What’s the difference between a psychologist, a psychotherapist and a counsellor?
In Australia, psychology, psychotherapy and counselling are integral parts of the mental health landscape, each with distinct scopes of practice, education pathways, regulatory frameworks, and financial accessibility through Medicare rebates and private health fund coverage. Here, we explore these differences and intersections comprehensively.
Psychology
Scope of practice
Assess and diagnose: Utilise clinical interviews and standardised tests.
Treat: Provide evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation.
Research and consult: Conduct research to advance understanding of mental health issues and provide consultancy services in various settings like hospitals, schools, private practices, and organisations.
Education Pathways
Undergraduate degree: A four-year accredited psychology degree.
Postgraduate study: A two-year master’s program in psychology or a combination of a one-year postgraduate diploma and one year of supervised practice.
Registration: Must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Professional bodies
Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)
Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Medicare rebate
Better Access Initiative: Provides rebates for up to 10 sessions per year with a referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
Rebate amount: Approximately $89.65 for general psychologists and $131.65 for clinical psychologists per session.
Private health fund coverage
Extras cover: Many private health insurance plans cover psychology services, though gap fees may apply.
Psychotherapy
Scope of practice: Psychotherapists tend to engage in long-term, relational therapy to explore deep-seated psychological issues. They:
Build relationships: Establish long-term therapeutic engagements.
Use varied techniques: Employ methods such as psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and existential therapy.
Holistic approach: Focus on the individual's life context, including past experiences and current relationships.
Research and consult: Engage in research to improve therapeutic practices and provide consultancy in various contexts.
Education pathways
Background degrees: Often start with degrees in psychology, social work, or related fields.
Postgraduate training: Typically involves a master’s degree or postgraduate diploma in psychotherapy, including extensive supervised clinical practice.
Continuous Development: Ongoing professional development is required to stay current with therapeutic techniques and approaches.
Professional bodies
Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP)
Medicare rebates
Limited coverage: Generally not covered by Medicare unless services are provided by a registered psychologist or clinical social worker under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Private health fund coverage
Variable coverage: Some private health funds provide rebates if the therapist is accredited by recognised bodies like PACFA or ANZAP.
Counselling
Scope of practice: Counsellors tend to provide short-term, more practical support for specific issues. They:
Target specific problems: Address immediate concerns such as stress, grief, and relationship issues.
Supportive techniques: Use active listening and varied supportive techniques.
Short-term focus: Typically engage with clients for shorter durations.
Research and consult: Conduct research on counselling practices and provide consultancy services in various settings.
Education pathways:
Initial education: Completion of a diploma, bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate qualification in counselling.
Supervised practice: Practical experience gained through supervised training.
Ongoing education: Participation in continuous professional development to maintain and enhance skills.
Professional Bodies:
Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
PACFA
Medicare rebate:
No direct coverage: Generally not covered by Medicare unless provided by a registered mental health professional under a treatment plan.
Private health fund coverage:
Extras cover: Some private health insurance plans cover counselling services if the counsellor is accredited by bodies like ACA or PACFA.
Intersections and differences
Intersections:
Common goals: All aim to improve mental health and well-being.
Overlap in techniques: Use similar therapeutic methods and can work in similar settings like private practices, schools, and community organisations.
Collaborative care: Often work together to provide comprehensive care.
Research and consultation: All engage in research to improve their practices and provide consultancy services.
Differences:
Scope and depth:
Psychologists: Emphasise assessment, diagnosis, and structured, evidence-based treatments within a medical framework.
Psychotherapists: Focus on long-term relational therapy and deep emotional exploration.
Counsellors: Provide practical, short-term support for more immediate and specific issues.
Training and regulation:
Psychologists: Highly regulated with stringent educational and registration requirements.
Psychotherapists and counsellors: Diverse training pathways with professional bodies ensuring standards.
Financial accessibility:
Psychologists: Eligible for Medicare rebates and commonly covered by private health insurance.
Psychotherapists and counsellors: Less likely to be covered by Medicare; private health fund coverage varies based on accreditation.
Understanding these distinctions helps individuals in Australia select the appropriate mental health professional based on their needs, the nature of their concerns, and financial considerations.
