Clinically reviewed by Bülent Ada, BSc.(Psychol.)(Hons.), MAPS · Updated June 2026

When you decide to seek mental health support, the terminology can feel like a barrier before you’ve even made an appointment. Psychologist. Psychiatrist. Counsellor. Therapist. The words are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but in Australia they describe quite different professions — with different training pathways, different scopes of practice, and different fee structures.

Understanding the distinctions matters, because it can help you find the right support more quickly and use your Medicare entitlements wisely. This article walks through each profession clearly, explains what each one does (and doesn’t do), and offers guidance on where most people’s journey sensibly begins.

One important note before we start: this article provides general information only. Your own situation — your history, symptoms, and goals — should guide any decision about who to see. A conversation with your GP is almost always the best first step.

What Is a Clinical Psychologist?

A Clinical Psychologist is a university-trained mental health specialist who has completed, at minimum, an accredited Masters or Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. This training typically takes six to eight years of university study, including supervised clinical placements in mental health settings.

Clinical Psychologists are registered with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) under the Psychology Board of Australia and must hold an endorsed area of practice in Clinical Psychology. This endorsement is what distinguishes them from other registered psychologists.

In practice, Clinical Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological therapies. These include:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) — well-supported by research for anxiety, depression, OCD, and many other conditions
• Schema Therapy — used for complex presentations and personality-related difficulties
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) — an evidence-based approach for trauma and PTSD
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other third-wave CBT approaches
• Psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies

Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Their work is psychological — focused on understanding how thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and life experiences interact, and on building skills and insight to create lasting change.

Medicare rebate: With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you are entitled to a Medicare rebate of approximately $145.25 for a 50-minute session with a Clinical Psychologist (item 80010, current at the time of writing; rebates are indexed annually). See the costs article for full detail on gap fees and out-of-pocket costs.

What Is a Registered (General) Psychologist?

A Registered Psychologist has completed a four-year accredited psychology degree plus two years of supervised practice (or an additional postgraduate qualification). They are also registered with AHPRA under the Psychology Board of Australia.

Registered Psychologists are trained to provide psychological assessment and therapy across a broad range of presentations. Many specialise in particular areas — such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship difficulties, or workplace stress — and develop significant expertise over years of practice.

The key difference from a Clinical Psychologist is the level of specialist clinical training. A Registered Psychologist does not hold an endorsed area of practice unless they have completed additional postgraduate training. Both are regulated health professionals bound by the same ethical and professional standards.

Medicare rebate: With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, the Medicare rebate is approximately $98.95 for a 50-minute session with a Registered Psychologist (item 80110, current at the time of writing).

What Is a Psychiatrist?

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor — they have completed a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent), followed by specialist training in psychiatry, which typically takes an additional five or more years. Psychiatrists are registered as both medical practitioners and specialists with AHPRA.

The key distinction is this: Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. This is the primary reason a person might be referred to a psychiatrist rather than, or in addition to, a psychologist.

Psychiatrists are particularly well placed to assess and manage conditions where medication plays a central role in treatment — such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression that has not responded to psychological therapy alone, or complex presentations that require careful diagnostic assessment.

Psychiatric consultations are typically shorter than psychology sessions and are often more focused on medication management, monitoring, and review. However, some psychiatrists also offer psychological therapies, particularly those trained in psychodynamic or other therapy models.

Access and cost: You need a GP referral to see a psychiatrist and access Medicare specialist rebates. Psychiatry rebates are substantially higher than psychology rebates per session, but psychiatrists’ fees also tend to be higher, and gap fees can be significant. Many psychiatrists have long waiting lists, particularly in private practice.

What Is a Counsellor?

“Counsellor” and “therapist” are not protected titles in Australia. This means that, unlike psychologists and psychiatrists, anyone can legally call themselves a counsellor — regardless of their training or qualifications.

This is not to say counsellors are not helpful — many are highly skilled and well-trained, particularly those who are members of professional associations such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). These bodies have their own membership standards and codes of ethics, and membership indicates a practitioner has met certain training requirements.

However, there is no single national registration or regulatory body for counsellors equivalent to AHPRA, and qualifications can vary from a short course to a graduate diploma or degree.

Medicare: Counsellors are generally not eligible to provide Medicare-rebatable services under the Better Access scheme. Sessions are typically paid out-of-pocket, though some private health insurance extras policies provide a rebate.

Counsellors may be a good fit for people dealing with life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief, or stress who are looking for a supportive conversational space rather than structured clinical treatment.

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Clinical Psychologist	Registered Psychologist	Psychiatrist	Counsellor
Minimum training	6–8 years (Masters/Doctorate in Clinical Psych)	4-year degree + 2 years supervised	Medical degree + 5+ years specialist training	Varies widely — no national standard
AHPRA registered?	Yes	Yes	Yes (as medical specialist)	No (national registration)
Can prescribe medication?	No	No	Yes	No
Can diagnose?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Generally no
Evidence-based therapy?	Yes	Yes	Some do	Varies
Medicare rebate (with MHTP)?	~$145.25 (item 80010)	~$98.95 (item 80110)	Yes (specialist referral)	Generally no
GP referral needed for Medicare?	Yes (MHTP)	Yes (MHTP)	Yes (specialist referral)	N/A
Self-referral possible?	Yes (no Medicare rebate)	Yes (no Medicare rebate)	Generally not for Medicare	Yes

Medicare rebates shown are for 50-minute sessions and are current at the time of writing; they are indexed annually and may change. See our fees & rebates page for the latest figures.

What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

If you want to access Medicare-rebated psychology sessions, you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP. This is a structured document your GP prepares after an assessment of your mental health needs. It identifies your concerns, sets goals, and provides a referral to a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.

With an MHTP, you are entitled to up to 10 individually-funded psychology sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative. These sessions attract the Medicare rebate outlined above.

Your GP can also review the plan after the initial sessions and, if clinically appropriate, refer you for additional sessions. In some circumstances — such as for eating disorder treatment — additional sessions beyond the standard 10 may be available.

Your GP does not need to refer you to a specific psychologist. You can choose your own practitioner, provided they are a registered psychologist eligible to provide Better Access services.

When Might You Need a Psychiatrist Rather Than a Psychologist?

This is a question worth discussing with your GP, but some general indicators that a psychiatric assessment may be useful include:

• You are experiencing symptoms that may require medication (for example, severe depression that has not improved with therapy, or symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder or psychosis)
• You need a specialist diagnostic assessment for a complex or unclear presentation
• You are already taking psychiatric medication and need ongoing management and review
• Your GP recommends a psychiatric opinion as part of your care

It is also common for people to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist — the psychiatrist managing medication and monitoring mental state, while the psychologist provides therapy. This collaborative approach can be effective for complex conditions.

When Might a Counsellor Be the Right Fit?

Counselling may suit you well if:

• You are navigating a specific life challenge or transition (relationship difficulties, career stress, grief)
• You are not experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition but want a space to talk and reflect
• You prefer a conversational, supportive approach over structured clinical treatment
• You have already addressed clinical needs with a psychologist and are looking for ongoing support

If you are unsure whether your concerns are “clinical” enough for a psychologist, err on the side of consulting one — or at least your GP. Psychologists work with the full spectrum from mild distress to complex conditions, and an initial session can help clarify what level of support is likely to be helpful.

Who Should You Contact First?

For most people, the answer is straightforward: start with your GP.

Your GP can assess your situation, rule out any medical contributors to how you’re feeling, provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan if appropriate, and help you decide whether a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other professional is the right next step.

This is particularly important if you think medication might be part of your care — your GP can either prescribe and manage straightforward medication (such as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression), or refer you to a psychiatrist if a specialist opinion is needed.

If you already know you want psychological therapy and do not need a Medicare rebate, you can self-refer directly to a psychologist without going through your GP first. Many people do this, particularly when access to GP appointments is difficult or when cost is less of a concern.

If you are in urgent distress, do not wait for an appointment — contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or your nearest emergency department.

A Note on Finding the Right Person

Qualifications matter, but the therapeutic relationship — the sense of trust, safety, and genuine connection between you and your clinician — is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in psychological therapy, according to a substantial body of research. If you see a psychologist and feel the fit is not right, it is entirely appropriate to discuss this or try another practitioner.

At Mind Health Associates, we offer an initial consultation that allows you to ask questions and assess whether the approach and fit feel right for you before committing to a course of therapy.

For information about available services or to enquire about appointments, visit our contact page or see our fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Both are AHPRA-registered, but a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication and tends to focus on diagnosis and medication management. A psychologist provides assessment and structured psychological therapy, such as CBT, but does not prescribe. Many people see both, with the psychiatrist managing medication while the psychologist provides therapy.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist in Australia?

No referral is needed if you are paying privately. However, to claim a Medicare rebate you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. With that plan you can access rebated sessions and still choose your own psychologist, as the GP does not have to refer you to a specific practitioner.

Is a counsellor the same as a psychologist?

No. “Counsellor” and “therapist” are not protected titles in Australia, so training varies widely and there is no single national registration body. Psychologists are AHPRA-registered with set qualifications. Counsellors who belong to associations like ACA or PACFA meet membership standards, but counselling is generally not eligible for Medicare rebates.

Who should I see first for mental health support?

For most people, the GP is the best starting point. A GP can assess your situation, rule out physical contributors, prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan if appropriate, and help you decide whether a psychologist, psychiatrist or other professional suits your needs. If you need a Medicare rebate, a GP visit is required first.

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a registered psychologist?

Both are AHPRA-registered and bound by the same professional standards. A clinical psychologist holds endorsement in clinical psychology after additional postgraduate training, which carries a higher Medicare rebate. A registered (general) psychologist completed a four-year degree plus supervised practice. Both provide evidence-based therapy across a broad range of presentations.

Related reading

• How much a psychologist costs in Australia
• How to get a Mental Health Care Plan
• Our fees and rebates

About the author: Bülent Ada is the Principal Psychologist and Founding Director of Mind Health Associates in Parramatta, Sydney. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Bülent specialises in anxiety disorders, trauma, mood disorders, and complex presentations in adults. Learn more about Bülent

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please consult a qualified health professional.

Ready to take the next step? Mind Health Associates offers evidence-based psychological support in Parramatta and via telehealth across Australia. Contact us to enquire about appointments.