To become a registered psychologist in Australia, practitioners complete a minimum of 6 years of education and training before obtaining general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Training includes:

• a 4 year APAC accredited psychology degree sequence

• supervised practice through either a postgraduate pathway or the 5+1 internship pathway

• passing national registration requirements

• ongoing supervision and professional development

What they’re trained to do:

Registered psychologists are trained in assessment, diagnosis, ethics, and evidence-based therapy across a broad range of mental health presentations. Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative are available for some clients for ten sessions.

A clinical psychologist is a registered psychologist who has completed additional postgraduate training and supervised practice through an endorsed pathway recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Training includes:

• full registration as a psychologist

• clinically endorsed postgraduate training

• additional supervised practice

What they’re trained to do:

Clinical psychologists have completed additional training in assessing and treating mental health conditions. While all psychologists continue developing specialised skills throughout their careers, only formal training pathways lead to an endorsed area of practice. Clinical psychology is one of these endorsed areas and attracts a different Medicare rebate under the Better Access initiative.

To become an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) in Australia, practitioners complete university training in social work, supervised placement experience, and additional clinical mental health experience before obtaining accreditation through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Training includes:

• an AASW accredited social work qualification

• training in mental health, counselling, assessment, ethics, and therapeutic interventions

• supervised placement experience

• a minimum of 2 years clinical mental health experience after graduation

• ongoing supervision and professional development

What they’re trained to do:

AMHSWs provide evidence-based therapeutic support while also understanding the broader relational, social, cultural, and systemic factors that shape mental health and wellbeing.

Like Psychologists, AMHSWs can provide Medicare rebated services under the Better Access initiative.

To become an accredited counsellor in Australia, practitioners typically complete tertiary training in counselling, psychotherapy, or a related field, though pathways can vary between qualifications and professional associations.

Training may include:

• a Diploma, Bachelor, or postgraduate qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy

• specialised therapeutic training

• supervised placement experience

• ongoing supervision and professional development

What they’re trained to do:

Accredited counsellors provide therapeutic support across a range of emotional, relational, and mental health concerns.

Many Counsellors voluntarily register with professional associations such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), which have their own membership and ethical standards.

Counselling services are not eligible for Medicare rebates. Because of this, fees are often lower, which can make ongoing support more financially accessible for some people.

A provisional psychologist has completed the required university psychology training for provisional registration and is undertaking a supervised pathway toward general registration as a psychologist.

Training includes:

• provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia

• supervised clinical practice

• ongoing training, supervision, and skill development

• working under the guidance of experienced Registered Psychologists

What they’re trained to do:

Provisional Psychologists can offer thoughtful and meaningful therapeutic support while continuing to develop their clinical experience.

At Minded Psychology, we believe therapeutic fit and relational safety matter deeply in therapy outcomes.

Similar to Counsellors, Provisional Psychologists are not currently eligible to provide Medicare rebated services. Because of this, fees are often lower, which can make ongoing support more financially accessible for some people.