Clinical psychologist vs psychologist
What is the difference between a psychologist vs clinical psychologist? And for that matter, what exactly is a psychiatrist?
The numerous different practitioners in the area of mental health can make for some confusion. To assist you, we’ve put together a list of answers to some of the most common questions about the difference between psychologists, clinical psychologists and other mental health workers.
To skip to a particular question, click on the quick links in the table of contents below. Or, alternatively, have a read from the beginning for a more comprehensive understanding.
Clinical psychologist vs psychologist: Table of contents
- What is a psychologist?
- What is a clinical psychologist?
- What is a psychiatrist?
- What is a counsellor?
- What is a mental health therapist?
- What is a provisional psychologist?
What is a psychologist and how are they different to a clinical psychologist?
Psychologists are trained in the study of human behaviour and work in schools, allied health centres, courts, prisons, businesses and private practices to provide a range of therapies and support.
They work with clients of all ages, all abilities and from all backgrounds, and while some therapists might choose to specialise or focus on a particular area, many work with clients experiencing anything from anxiety and depression to eating disorders, post-traumatic stress or phobias.
Psychologists can also provide support during periods of particular difficulty, such as when you’re experiencing financial stress, relationship problems, grief or loss and domestic abuse. By working through your particular situation, psychologists may diagnose a number of health issues surrounding your mental, physical or behavioural wellbeing. They will then help to develop therapies and treatment plans to assist you.
Unlike a medical practitioner, such as a psychiatrist, a psychologist CANNOT prescribe drugs or medication.
You can read our guide to becoming a psychologist here.
What is a clinical psychologist?
Clinical psychologists generally work with patients experiencing serious or severe mental health issues. There is a lot of cross over between psychologists and clinical psychologists, however the latter are required to complete a six-year degree and then two years of supervised training, compared to the 4+2 or 5+1 study/training pathways for general psychologists.
What is a psychiatrist?
Unlike psychologists, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialised training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists not only diagnose, treat and help prevent a range of mental and behavioural disorders, they can also prescribe medication and admit patients to hospital if need be.
Psychiatrists work primarily with patients suffering far more severe mental health conditions than psychologists. Nonetheless, there is plenty of crossover as they both engage in therapy, counselling and other clinical techniques to help patients control their behaviour, emotions and thoughts.
What is a counsellor?
Counsellors are trained individuals who provide important mental health services. Clients can talk with a counsellor about their feelings, difficulties or concerns in a completely safe and very confidential environment. Whether one is dealing with grief or looking for assistance in another area of one’s life, counsellors can be of great assistance.
Counsellors do not use or design mental health treatment plans and cannot diagnose any conditions or disorders. They are there to provide clients with an outlet to talk through their problems. Through this communication, clients may begin to better understand themselves, feel better in general or be able to cope with various situations better.
Focusing on overall wellbeing, counsellors can help individuals deal with anger, stress, grief, anxiety or even relationship issues.
Some counsellors focus on general mental health, while others may choose to focus on a particular niche, such as drug and alcohol counselling.
What is a mental health therapist?
The term mental health therapist refers to any therapist or clinician that aids in the improvement of one’s mental health. It does not necessarily mean that they are a psychologist, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
Even other therapy specialists might provide mental health support and services.
What is a provisional psychologist?
For a comprehensive overview of the differences between fully registered psychologists and provisionally registered psychologists, read our blog here.
Suffice it here to say that a provisional psychologist is still in the process of their training (post study) and undergoing supervision. Once their 1 or 2 years of supervised practice is completed and the provisional psychologist assessment passed, they will become a registered psychologist with the Australian Psychological Society.
Book a psychologist appointment today
If you’d like to find out more about our psychology services at One Central Health or are just interested in finding out how our psychologists can assist you, give us a call on (08) 9344 1318.
