Psychologist Vs Therapist Explained

TL;DR:

• "Therapist" isn't a protected title—anyone can use it. "Psychologist" requires 6+ years of training and AHPRA registration.
• Psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions. Counsellors and most psychotherapists provide support but can't diagnose.
• Medicare covers psychologists (with GP referral), not counsellors. But counsellors are often free through workplace EAPs.
• Always ask what qualifications someone has—it determines what they can legally do.

Getting the right mental health support matters. But when you're faced with titles like psychologist, psychotherapist, and counsellor, it's hard to know who does what.

This article breaks down what each role actually means, who can legally call themselves what, and how to pick the right person for your situation.

What Are the Main Types of Mental Health Professionals in Australia?

The terms psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, and therapist get used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing.

Psychologist

A psychologist has completed at least six years of university training and supervised practice. They're registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), which means they're legally regulated and must meet specific standards.

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists usually have postgraduate qualifications and focus on deeper, longer-term therapeutic work. They're not regulated by AHPRA, but may be registered with professional bodies like PACFA.

Counsellor

Counsellors typically have a diploma or degree in counselling. Registration is voluntary—they can choose to join bodies like PACFA, but they're not legally required to.

Therapist

This is a catch-all term that could refer to any of the above. It's not a protected title, so anyone can technically call themselves a therapist.

What's the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Therapist in Australia?

"Therapist" isn't a protected title—anyone can use it. That's why you need to check what someone's actual qualifications are.

Education and regulation

Psychologists must complete at least six years of government-accredited university training and register with the Psychology Board of Australia (part of AHPRA). This is legally required.

Counsellors and psychotherapists might have anything from a certificate to a doctorate, but their titles aren't protected by law. There's no mandatory training or registration.

What they can legally do

Psychologists can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders.

Counsellors provide emotional support and help with life challenges, but can't diagnose mental health disorders.

Psychotherapists vary. Some are also registered psychologists (so they can diagnose), but many aren't. If they're not a registered psychologist, they can provide therapeutic support but can't make formal diagnoses.

The bottom line: if someone calls themselves a "therapist," ask what their actual qualification is. 

Are they a registered psychologist? A counsellor? A psychotherapist? This tells you what they're trained and legally allowed to do.

When Should You See a Psychologist vs Another Type of Therapist?

See a psychologist if you:

• Need a formal diagnosis for a mental health condition
• Want to access Medicare rebates (requires a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP)
• Have a clinical mental health issue like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or an eating disorder
• Need psychological testing or a detailed assessment

See a counsellor or psychotherapist if you:

• Want support for relationship issues, grief, or life transitions
• Need help with stress management or general wellbeing
• Don't require a formal diagnosis
• Are looking for emotional support rather than clinical treatment

For example, for short-term, focused support — like dealing with a difficult boss, navigating a redundancy, or managing work-life balance — a counsellor through an Employee Assistance Program can be more practical and cost-effective than seeing a psychologist. The issue doesn't need clinical diagnosis or long-term treatment; it just needs someone to help you work through it.

How Do Cost and Access Differ in Australia?

Psychologists

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare rebates cover part of the cost—typically $96-$141 per session. Most psychologists charge more, so expect a gap payment of $50-$150+. Some bulk bill (no gap), but they're harder to find.

Wait times are often long—weeks to months—especially in regional areas.

Counsellors and psychotherapists

Sessions typically cost $100-$200+, with no Medicare rebate.

You might access them for free or low cost through:

• Employee Assistance Programs (3-6 free sessions)
• Community health services
• Workplace or university programs

Because they're not covered by Medicare, counsellors often have better availability and shorter wait times than psychologists.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Mental Health Professional?

Check their credentials

For psychologists, verify registration at ahpra.gov.au. For counsellors and psychotherapists, look for PACFA or ACA membership—it shows they meet professional standards.

Match their experience to your needs

Ask: "How much experience do you have with [your issue]?" Make sure they've worked with your specific concern before.

Consider the basics

• Can they see you when you need (in-person or online)?
• Can you afford them (Medicare rebates, bulk billing, health insurance)?
• Do you feel comfortable and safe with them?

Trust your gut

If it doesn't feel right after a session or two, try someone else. The relationship matters as much as the credentials.

How Are These Professionals Regulated in Australia?

Psychologists

Legally regulated by AHPRA. Must register annually, complete 30 hours of professional development, and follow a code of ethics. If they breach standards, they can lose their registration.

Counsellors and psychotherapists

Not legally regulated. Registration with PACFA or ACA is voluntary and shows they meet professional standards, but it's not required by law.

Why it matters

With psychologists, you can lodge complaints with AHPRA. With counsellors and psychotherapists, accountability depends on whether they've chosen to register with a professional body.

FAQs 

Are All Psychologists Therapists? Are All Therapists Psychologists?

While all psychologists can act as therapists, not all therapists are psychologists. This distinction is crucial in understanding who can diagnose or treat mental illnesses effectively.

Does a psychologist prescribe medication? 

No, that’s the role of psychiatrists.

Can a therapist work with children? 

Yes, if they have specialised training in child psychology and therapy.

Getting the Right Support

The key difference is simple: psychologists are legally regulated and can diagnose mental health conditions. Counsellors and psychotherapists aren't legally regulated, but can still provide valuable support for life challenges and emotional wellbeing.

When choosing someone, check their credentials, ask about their experience with your specific issue, and make sure you feel comfortable with them.

If you're dealing with work-related stress or challenges, talk to your employer about Employee Assistance Program (EAP) options. Most EAPs offer free, confidential counselling sessions — usually 3-6 per year — which can be perfect for immediate workplace issues without needing a formal diagnosis or Medicare referral.

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