What is the difference between a psychologist and counsellor/psychotherapist?
Psychologists usually have a minimum of six years of university training and are required to be registered with the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria. Psychologists practice according to a Code of Ethics outlined by the Australian Psychological Society. This Code of Ethics sets out standards of professional conduct for psychologists, to ensure that clients are receiving a high level of professional care. In Australia, counsellors and psychotherapists are not regulated by a specific government body. This means that anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist whether or not they have undertaken professional training in treating mental health issues. If you are planning to see a counsellor or psychotherapist, it is wise to enquire about their qualifications, the professional organisations to which they belong, and whether they practice according to a code of professional ethics.
