What is the difference between a Psychologist and Counsellors / Psychotherapists’?
Counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia are self-regulating, in other words, many individuals can claim to be a counsellor or psychotherapist regardless of the level and limits to training or qualifications. Further, counsellors and psychotherapists can have very limited training in comparison to health professionals registered by state and federal health boards, such as psychologists Counsellors and psychotherapist are not recognised by the NSW Psychology board and are not governed by the ethics prescribed by NSW Health or the Australian Psychological Society. Unlike psychologists and psychiatrists, counsellors and psychotherapists DO NOT have access to the Federal Governments Medicare Rebate system and are not governed by one recognised professional body. Counsellors and psychotherapists can voluntarily join one of several professional associations, however many people who claim to work in the counselling profession may not be accountable to any government or professional body.
