Psychologists are experts in mental health. They have undertaken highly specialised training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders. Clinical psychology is a science-based profession which integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychologically based distress or dysfunction.
A psychologist is able to assess your symptoms of psychological distress. Central to practice are psychological assessment, clinical formulation and psychotherapy. A clinical psychologist is able to make a diagnosis and work with you to develop a management plan for your treatment and recovery. Psychologists do not prescribe medication, rather they use psychological techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to treat you.
A psychologist is a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn.
In Australia, psychology is a regulated profession. This means that people who call themselves a psychologist or say they are practising as a psychologist must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Registered psychologists are required to have a minimum of four years of university training and undertake 2 years of supervised experience. Clinical psychologists undertake a minimum of six years of university training, with at least a year of clinical supervision afterward. All psychologists are required to engage in ongoing education to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
They must also adhere to certain strict standards to keep their registration, and must provide professional services according to a strict code of ethics.