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?
Key Differences Between Psychotherapist and Psychologist
| Criteria | Psychotherapist | Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A professional who uses talk therapy and counseling to help patients manage psychological and emotional issues. | A professional with a doctoral degree who studies mental processes and behavior, and provides treatment for various mental health disorders. |
| Education | Typically holds a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. | Holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in psychology. |
| Training | Specializes in therapeutic techniques such as CBT, DBT, and talk therapy. | Extensive training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and research methods. |
| Licensing | Varies by state; not all states require a license to practice. | Requires state licensure to practice. |
| Services Provided | Focuses on talk therapy and counseling for issues like stress, low self-esteem, substance abuse, trauma, and relationship problems. | Provides psychological assessments, diagnoses, and treatments for mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. |
| Approach | Uses various therapeutic methods to help patients manage emotional difficulties and life situations. | Focuses on understanding and changing behavior through scientific methods. |
| Ability to Diagnose | Cannot formally diagnose mental health conditions. | Can formally diagnose mental health conditions. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive than psychologists; cost varies based on location and therapist’s experience. | Typically more expensive due to higher level of training and education; cost also varies based on location and experience. |
| Best For | Milder mental health issues and general life stresses. | Complex and severe mental health issues requiring formal diagnosis and treatment plans. |
What is a Psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a trained mental health professional who provides therapy to individuals, couples, or groups to help them address emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues.
Qualifications Required to Be a Psychotherapist in Australia
To become a psychotherapist in Australia, you typically need to complete the following qualifications:
Educational Qualifications
- Complete an accredited bachelor’s degree in psychology, counselling, or a related field.
- Pursue a postgraduate degree such as a Graduate Diploma, Master’s, or Doctorate in Psychotherapy.
- Choose programs accredited by professional bodies like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Clinical Experience and Supervision
- Gain supervised clinical experience, with specific hour requirements varying by state and professional association.
- Seek supervision from qualified and approved supervisors meeting the criteria set by ACA or PACFA.
Registration and Membership
- Register with professional associations such as ACA, PACFA, or the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
- Familiarize yourself with the ethical guidelines and code of conduct set by these professional bodies.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Participate in workshops, seminars, and training programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Meet the continuing education requirements mandated by your professional association or licensing board.
The path to becoming a psychotherapist in Australia typically takes 4-6 years, including an undergraduate degree, postgraduate study, and supervised clinical experience. Joining a professional body and engaging in ongoing professional development are also important for maintaining competence and growing your career as a psychotherapist.
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 Are the Main Responsibilities of a Psychotherapist?
The main responsibilities of a psychotherapist includes:
- Providing Psychotherapy: Psychotherapists conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions to help clients address emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. They utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions to foster self-awareness and personal growth in clients.
- Assessing and Diagnosing: Psychotherapists perform intake assessments to evaluate clients’ mental health and develop treatment plans. They also diagnose psychological disorders based on assessments and provide appropriate treatment.
- Treatment Planning: Psychotherapists collaborate with clients to establish treatment goals and care methods. They develop comprehensive treatment protocols tailored to each client’s needs.
- Maintaining Records: Psychotherapists are crucially responsible for documenting client progress and maintaining accurate, confidential records. They also provide written summaries of assessment results to therapists and clients.
- Collaboration and Referrals: Psychotherapists are not solitary figures in the mental health landscape. They consult with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. They provide referrals to other therapies or supportive services as needed.
- Professional Development: Psychotherapists must conduct ongoing training to enhance their skills and stay current with best practices. They also participate in supervision to improve therapeutic effectiveness.
What Are the Most Common Mental Health Issues Psychotherapists Treat?
The most common mental health issues psychotherapists treat are:
- Anxiety Disorders: About 85% of licensed psychologists frequently treat patients with anxiety disorders, which are the most common type of mental health condition.
- Depressive Disorders: 84% of psychologists frequently treat patients with depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
- Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders: 57% of psychologists frequently treat patients with trauma and stressor-related disorders, which include PTSD.
- Other Common Disorders: Psychotherapists also commonly treat mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and personality disorders
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is a professional who studies mental processes and behavior, and who may provide therapy, conduct assessments, and engage in research to understand and address psychological issues.
Qualifications Required to Be a Psychologist in Australia
To become a psychologist in Australia, the following qualifications are required:
- Complete an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree: A three-year undergraduate degree in psychology recognized by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
- Complete a Fourth Year of Study: This can be an Honours degree in psychology or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, both typically lasting one year.
- Complete a Postgraduate Program:
- Pathway A (Higher Degree Pathway): Complete a two-year accredited Master’s program in psychology.
- Pathway B (5+1 Pathway): Complete a one-year Master of Professional Psychology followed by a one-year supervised internship.
- Pass the National Psychology Exam: Required for registration as a psychologist.
Overall, this process typically takes a minimum of six years of education and training to achieve full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
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.
What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Psychologist?
The main responsibilities of a psychologist include:
- Conducting Assessments: Evaluating patients through interviews and psychological tests to identify mental health issues.
- Diagnosing Disorders: Identifying psychological, emotional, or behavioral disorders based on assessments.
- Developing Treatment Plans: Creating and implementing individualized treatment strategies tailored to the client’s needs.
- Monitoring Progress: Regularly reviewing and adjusting treatment plans based on the client’s development and feedback.
- Providing Therapy: Engaging in various therapeutic techniques, such as talk therapy, to support clients in managing their mental health.
- Research and Education: Conducting research, publishing findings, and potentially teaching or providing training in psychological principles and practices.
- Collaboration: Working with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for clients and consulting with families when necessary
What Are the Most Common Mental Health Issues Psychologists Treat?
The most common mental health issues psychologists treat are:
- Anxiety Disorders: About 85% of licensed psychologists frequently treat patients with anxiety disorders, which are the most common type of mental health condition.
- Depressive Disorders: 84% of psychologists frequently treat patients with depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
- Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders: 57% of psychologists frequently treat patients with trauma and stressor-related disorders, which include PTSD.
- Mood Disorders: Psychologists provide therapy to help manage symptoms of mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder.
- Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders: While less common, psychologists work with patients to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders through therapy and in collaboration with psychiatrists who prescribe medication.
How Are Psychologists and Psychotherapists 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.
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.
