Again, another great question, something that is commonly asked. Here is a brief outline of the differences and similarities in how our mental health services operate in Australia.
Psychology:
Psychology practices are the medical-based model. Psychologists are trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn either through research studies or in the therapy room. Many psychologists work in therapeutic settings, assessing people’s concerns and life circumstances. They provide help with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, stress and eating disorders. ‘Psychologists have special training in diagnosis and assessment, and they tend to support people with more severe mental health problems,’.
In Australia, qualified psychologists must register under Medicare and become members of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), which is part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). To see a psychologist, the patient visits their General Practitioner (GP) and is approved for Medicare rebate. To continue therapy sessions with their psychologist. A psychologist patient is required to revisit their GP to claim on average 6 visits at a time. (The amount of session visits may vary between each patient's needs).
Counselling:
Counsellors work with their clients from general therapy to mild-moderate mental health needs, however, they are not mandated to complete assessments and are not licensed to make official mental health diagnoses. Counsellors will take a client’s diagnoses and presenting symptoms into consideration; however, they will work with their clients, ‘just as they are’, that falls outside a diagnosis.
Counsellors work with their clients using observation-based techniques, that have been proven to be successful across different cohorts. Counsellors assist their clients by improving the relationship between client and counsellor. These strategies focus on building rapport and skill-building opportunities for the client to apply these relationship strategies with the important people of the client.
In Australia, counselling is not part of the medical-based model. Counselling sessions are not regulated through Medicare and do not require GP approval to attend ongoing sessions. At this time, Counsellors and psychotherapists work within an unregulated industry, however, it is ethical practice that they are registered with a peak body such as the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (ACA), Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) to ensure they practice ethically as professionals.
Similarities:
Depending on the industry guidelines and qualifications, our psychology and counselling services have the option to provide their clients with a private health rebate on their session invoice. Please check with your mental health practitioner and private health provider to see if you qualify.
To become qualified psychologists and counsellors, it is required that we undertake territory education is required. College/university qualifications, training and keeping updated with our professional development to ensure that our patients and clients are provided with the utmost care within a professional capacity.
All in all, our mental health team are here to proudly work together in supporting our community members with a range of services to increase morality and life skills to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Resources:
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