Psychologist
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a trained healthcare professional who helps individuals understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Psychologists employ evidence-based treatments, such as talking therapies, to help patients with mental health issues, emotional difficulties, and everyday challenges.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist evaluates an individual’s problems and collaborates with them to create effective problem-solving strategies. They may offer psychological treatment, assessments, and techniques to enhance emotional well-being.
Psychologists may
- Discuss your ideas, feelings, and behaviour.
- Evaluate your mental health and emotional difficulties.
- Provide psychological therapy.
- Help you develop coping mechanisms.
- Help you cope with major life changes.
- Help with stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues.
- Conduct psychological assessments as needed.
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers as part of your care.
What conditions can a psychologist help with?
A psychologist can help individuals experiencing:
- Anxiety and excessive concern.
- Depression and low mood.
- Stress and burnout.
- Relationship issues.
- Grief and loss.
- Trauma-related issues.
- Sleep issues.
- Low self-esteem.
- Eating and body image issues.
- Work or study challenges.
- Emotional dysregulation.
- Other mental health issues.
Types of psychologists
Different psychologists may have different areas of training and expertise, including:
- Clinical psychologists: Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health issues.
- Counselling psychologists help people with emotional, interpersonal, and life issues.
- Educational and developmental psychologists: Educational and developmental psychologists work with children, adolescents, and families to promote learning and development.
- Organisational psychologists: Organisational psychologists study psychological well-being and workplace behaviour.
- Forensic psychologists: Apply psychology in legal and correctional settings.
- Health psychologists: Help people manage psychological and behavioural factors related to physical health.
What happens during a psychology appointment?
A first appointment may include:
- Discussing your issues – The psychologist will ask what has been troubling you.
- Exploring your history – They may enquire about your mental health, relationships, employment, education, and other relevant issues.
- Understanding your goals – You can talk about what you want help with.
- Assessment: The psychologist can use questions or evaluation instruments as needed.
- Creating a treatment plan – You can decide on your goals and plan a strategy for future sessions.
- Beginning treatment – Depending on your requirements, therapy or practical techniques may be used.
Psychologist vs psychiatrist
| Feature | Psychologist | Psychiatrist |
| Medical doctor | No | Yes |
| Mental health assessment | Yes | Yes |
| Psychological therapy | Yes | Yes |
| Can prescribe medications | No | Yes |
| Can diagnose mental health conditions | Yes, within their scope | Yes |
| Medical training | Psychology training | Medical degree plus specialist psychiatry training |
| Common focus | Psychological assessment and therapy | Mental health assessment, diagnose and treat mental health diseases, medical treatment |
Psychologist vs counsellor
| Feature | Psychologist | Counsellor |
| Training | University psychology training and relevant registration requirements | University counselling training and relevant registration requirements. Training varies depending on qualification and professional setting |
| Psychological assessment | Can provide certain psychological assessments | Generally more limited |
| Therapy | Yes | Yes |
| Can diagnose mental health conditions? | May diagnose within their professional scope | Generally not their primary role |
| Can prescribe medicines | No | No |
| Common focus | Mental health conditions, psychological difficulties and therapy | Therapy, emotional support, life difficulties and personal concerns |
When should you see a psychologist?
Consider talking to a psychologist if you:
- Feel continuously anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed.
- Are having trouble managing your emotions
- Have been through a terrible or painful incident.
- Are having relationship troubles.
- Are having difficulty with employment, studies, or daily activities.
- Need help establishing healthy coping techniques.
- Feel that your usual ways of managing problems are no longer working.
Do not wait until your condition gets serious. Get help.
How to find a psychologist
- Identify what you need help with.
- Look for a certified psychologist whose experience is relevant to your issues.
- Check their location and availability, especially if they offer telehealth.
- Enquire about costs and Medicare eligibility, when applicable.
- Book an appointment if the psychologist seems suitable.
Benefits of seeing a psychologist
Consulting a psychologist may help you:
- Understand your own ideas and feelings.
- Create healthy coping methods.
- Manage tension and anxiety.
- Improve your communication and connections.
- Work through challenging situations.
- Develop confidence and self-awareness.
- Make beneficial improvements in your routine.
Note: The content on this page is for information only. If you’re in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
