Psychotherapists provide talking therapies that focus on personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and long-term change. They may come from counselling, social work, or psychology backgrounds, and many practice psychotherapy in private practices. The title is not legally protected in Australia and psychotherapists generally cannot diagnose mental health conditions or offer Medicare rebates unless they also hold a rebate-eligible registration.
Psychologists are registered mental health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses and mental health disorders. Registered psychologists develop treatment plans, provide evidence-based talk therapy, and can offer Medicare rebates in Australia with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Clinical psychologists complete specialist training and often work with complex mental health problems.
If you want a formal assessment and a structured treatment plan, start with a psychologist. If your priority is deeper emotional work, self awareness, and long-term personal growth, a psychotherapist may be the better fit.
How Are Psychologists And Psychotherapists Similar?
Both psychotherapists and psychologists provide therapy that aims to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing. Sessions commonly involve talk therapy, goal setting, and practical skills. Both use therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches where appropriate. Both support clients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, relationship problems, and personal challenges, and both may collaborate with medical doctors and other mental health professionals when care needs to be shared.
Quick Comparison: Psychotherapist Vs Psychologist
| Feature | Psychotherapist | Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Title status in Australia | “Psychotherapist” is not a legally protected title | “Psychologist” is a protected title regulated by AHPRA via the Psychology Board of Australia |
| Typical training path | Undergraduate degree plus postgraduate study in psychotherapy or counselling, supervised practice, and membership with a professional body such as PACFA or ACA | At least a three year undergraduate degree plus fourth year, then a postgraduate degree or supervised practice pathway, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) |
| Registration | Voluntary registration with professional associations such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) | Mandatory registration with the Psychology Board of Australia under AHPRA as a Registered Psychologist; some complete specialist training to become Clinical Psychologists |
| Scope of practice | Talking therapies aimed at insight, coping skills, and personal growth; does not usually include diagnosing disorders | Assessing, diagnosing disorders, developing treatment plans, providing psychological testing and psychological services across health psychology, forensic psychology, and organisational settings |
| Medicare rebates | Not eligible unless the practitioner also holds an eligible registration such as psychology or social work | Eligible when referred under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan |
| Common techniques | Talking therapies, psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, mindfulness based approaches | Evidence based therapies including CBT, ACT, and other modalities; psychologists perform talk therapy and formal psychological tests where indicated |
| Best fit | Emotional difficulties, long term exploration, relationship patterns, self awareness and personal growth | Formal assessment, structured treatment plans, diagnosing disorders, outcome monitoring |
What Is A Psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a mental health professional who provides structured talking therapies to help people understand thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and the impact of past experiences. Psychotherapists focus on human behaviour and patterns that sit beneath day-to-day symptoms. Many offer broad focus work on trauma, attachment, and long-standing relationship issues, and some offer specialised training in specific therapeutic techniques.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collection of therapeutic techniques that use conversation, reflection, and practice to resolve psychological challenges. It may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for changing unhelpful thinking, psychodynamic therapy for exploring formative experiences, family therapy for relationship systems, and acceptance-based approaches for difficult emotions. Psychotherapy can be short term for a defined goal or long term for deeper work.
Who Should See A Psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist may suit you if you want to work through personal challenges without seeking a diagnosis, or if you prefer longer sessions that focus on patterns, emotions, and meaning. People seek psychotherapists for emotional issues such as grief, relationship problems, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders, as well as for personal growth and self awareness. Psychotherapists and psychologists often collaborate; your GP or medical doctor can advise on referral pathways.
Benefits Of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy helps people build insight, regulate emotions, and practice healthier behaviours. Talking therapies can reduce distress, improve coping skills, and support lasting change through consistent practice. Over time, many clients report clearer values, better communication, and improved wellbeing in work, study, and relationships.
How To Become A Psychotherapist In Australia
There is no single statutory pathway for the title “psychotherapist.” Many practitioners complete an undergraduate degree, a graduate diploma or master’s degree in counselling or psychotherapy, and significant supervised practice. Voluntary membership with a professional body such as the Psychotherapy And Counselling Federation Of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) usually requires specific education, supervised practice, and continuing professional development.
What Is A Psychologist?
A psychologist is a registered mental health professional who studies human behaviour and uses scientific methods to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Psychologists work in private practices, hospitals, and community services, and across areas like clinical psychology, health psychology, and forensic psychology.
What Does A Psychologist Do?
Psychologists perform talk therapy and use evidence-based interventions. They conduct psychological tests, formal assessments, and structured interviews to diagnose mental illnesses and mental health disorders. They develop treatment plans, provide therapy for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship problems, and collaborate with medical doctors when medication is being considered. Some psychologists focus on conducting research, others provide psychological services in education or workplaces.
How To Become A Psychologist In Australia
To become a registered psychologist, you typically study psychology in an APAC-accredited undergraduate degree plus a fourth year, followed by either a postgraduate degree such as a master’s degree or doctorate degree, or a supervised practice pathway. Registration is with the Psychology Board Of Australia under AHPRA. Clinical psychologists complete specialist training and endorsements. All registered psychologists must complete continuing professional development and supervised practice requirements that the Board sets.
Which Professional Is Right For You?
Choose a psychologist if you want a formal assessment, a diagnosis, a structured treatment plan, or access to Medicare rebates under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Choose a psychotherapist if you prefer longer talking therapies that explore patterns and meaning over time, or you are focused on personal growth without a clinical diagnosis. Many people benefit from both at different stages, and it is common for care to involve your GP and other mental health professionals when your needs change.
If you are unsure where to start, speak with your GP to discuss referral options. For therapy in Perth, you can book with our team for confidential support and evidence-based care that matches your goals. Book An Appointment Today To Begin Your Treatment Plan And Receive Personalised Mental Health Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better, A Psychologist Or A Psychotherapist?
Neither is universally better. A psychologist is the better fit when you need assessment, diagnosing disorders, and a structured treatment plan. A psychotherapist is ideal when you want talking therapies focused on long-term patterns, values, and self awareness. Many clients see both professionals over time depending on their mental health issues and goals.
Is Psychotherapy Covered By Medicare In Australia?
Psychotherapy by itself is not a Medicare item. Medicare rebates apply when you see a registered psychologist or other eligible practitioner under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Some psychotherapists are also registered psychologists and can offer rebates in that role.
Can A Psychotherapist Diagnose Mental Health Conditions?
A psychotherapist does not usually diagnose mental illnesses unless they also hold relevant registration, such as psychology. If diagnosis is important for your situation, see a registered psychologist through your GP.
Should I See A Psychologist Or A Psychotherapist For Anxiety?
If anxiety symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting daily life, start with a registered psychologist for assessment and a structured plan. If you want to explore triggers, patterns, and long-term coping, a psychotherapist can support you with talking therapies. Your GP can help you decide the best first step.
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Fees And Rebates
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