Navigating mental health support options can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of professionals and specialisations available. Knowing what each type of mental health provider offers can help you make an informed decision when seeking support. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of mental health professionals in Australia, along with their roles, qualifications, and areas of expertise.

Psychologist

What They Do:

Psychologists are mental health professionals who treat mental health disorders, and assist individuals address emotional and behavioural difficulties and life challenges. Psychologists provide assessment and therapy to clients, conduct psychological research, or administer psychological tests to individuals or groups.  Through various psychological treatments, psychologists facilitate positive changes in thinking, feeling, and behaviour, contributing to improved mental well-being.

Qualifications and Registration:

In Australia, psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). To be registered as a psychologist requires completion of at least six years of university training.  Psychologists may hold general registration, or hold a specific ‘area of practice endorsement’ (such as clinical psychology, health psychology, or sport and exercise psychology).

Counsellor

What They Do:

Counsellors aim to enhance and promote individuals’ mental health and well-being using a range of evidence-based practices. Counsellors use evidence-based therapy techniques, while creating a safe space with empathy and deep listening. They help you determine some options to deal with your challenges, help facilitate shifts in perspective, and assist to improve emotional regulation.  The process is flexible, and support can be short-term or lifelong, depending on your needs.

Qualifications and Registration:

A trained counsellor has usually completed an approved undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Counselling. However, there is no law in Australia that requires a person who provides a counselling service to have completed an approved course of study. Therefore, it is important that you find a counsellor with the appropriate training and experience. Counsellors registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia (PACFA) are required to have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate counselling qualification, and are expected to participate in ongoing professional development and supervision. Counsellors registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) are required to have completed an approved course of study in counselling.

Psychotherapist

What They Do:

Psychotherapists are trained in providing a holistic approach addressing mental, emotional, relational, and even spiritual well-being. It proves beneficial for various issues, fostering understanding and acceptance of life’s meaning. Psychotherapists assist individuals’ in creating life-affirming solutions to both old and new challenges. The therapeutic relationship is pivotal, exploring conscious and unconscious aspects of the client’s experiences, including early life impact, family history, relationships, and cultural factors.

Qualifications and Registration:

Psychotherapists have usually completed extensive training in one or more psychotherapeutic approaches including a Bachelor or Master’s degree.  Similar to counsellors, there is no law in Australia that requires a person identifying as a psychotherapist to have completed an approved course of study.  Psychotherapists registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia (PACFA) are required to have completed an approved course of study, engage in ongoing professional development and training, and to abide by a Code of Ethics for professional practice.

Social Worker & Mental Health Social Worker

What They Do:

Social workers assist individuals, families, groups, and communities in addressing personal challenges and structural obstacles. Their roles can also involve engaging in non-client-facing positions within government or community organisations. Social workers employ a diverse range of methods, including one-on-one counselling, group work, community development, advocacy, and policy, to support people and foster positive change. Their training equips them to view individuals within the broader context of their social, familial, and community environments.  Social Workers can conduct biopsychosocial assessments to guide treatment, and to adopt a holistic and practical approach for individuals experiencing mental health problems.

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) have completed further training in clinical counselling skills and use a range of interventions to help improve a person’s emotional wellbeing, as well as identifying and addressing external factors that are also impacting upon a person’s life.

Qualifications and Registration:

Social workers complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Accredited mental health social workers have further training in clinical counselling skills and are registered with AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers).

Mental Health Occupational Therapist

What They Do:

Occupational therapists specialising in mental health assist individuals in identifying and engaging in meaningful daily activities. Utilising occupational therapy tools and psychological techniques, they address specific activities crucial to a person’s daily life. They support individuals dealing with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, helping them manage their conditions and difficult emotions, and assisting with reintegrating into daily activities for improved well-being.

Qualifications and Registration:

Mental health Occupational Therapist’s have completed an accredited Bachelor or Master’s level University degree, and are required to meet national regulation requirements set out by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia for the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Psychiatrist

What They Do:

Psychiatrists are specialist medical doctors with training in mental health disorders. They can diagnose and prescribe medications to treat mental health conditions. They often focus on the biological aspects of mental health and use medication management as part of their treatment approach. Some psychiatrists may also provide therapy as part of treatment.

Qualifications and Registration:

Psychiatrists have completed a university medical degree, on the job training, and further specialist training in psychiatry with The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

The information on our Site, including content and articles, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. This content should not be used to diagnose or treat health issues and does not establish a physician-patient relationship. For specific health concerns, users should consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Mental Health Hublink

Finding support and understanding the type needed can feel overwhelming. Our aim is to bridge this gap by providing information and resources tailored to the Australian health landscape, along with a comprehensive directory to match individuals with the best options for their unique needs.

We strive to create a platform that promotes holistic well-being, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead healthier, happier lives – through resources, information, and therapy options, including individual, couples, family, group therapy, or mental health retreats.