TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Currently, there is quite a bit of confusion around these approaches. This is made more confusing by the considerable overlap between the work that psychologists and counsellors do.
Hopefully, after exploring these questions, we can provide you a clearer view of the approach you are looking for.
- “What’s the difference between a Psychologist and Counsellor?” & “Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan to see a therapist?”
Understanding the differences between these professionals is key in accessing support. We want to ensure our health care providers are qualified, regulated, trustworthy, and suit our needs.
Let’s firstly look at the similarities;
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
- Depending on their registration (which you can enquire about), both are accredited health professionals.
Accredited Counsellors recognised by The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) require a minimum degree in counselling or an equivalent qualification to register.
Accredited Psychologists (those recognised by the Australian Psychological Society or the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency) have studied psychology for a minimum of 4 – 6 years.
Each of these professional bodies demand that members are suitably qualified, that they have professional insurance, and that they undertake a set amount of supervision and professional development each year.
- Both engage in non-invasive health practices (i.e. talk therapy rather than drug-related intervention).
Both use talk, or body-based interventions as part of their healing practices. When it comes to drug intervention, we might wish to seek out our GP, or Psychiatrist. A Psychiatrist is a qualified Medical Practitioner who has gone on to specialise in mental health and is able to prescribe medication for mental health issues. Your GP can also prescribe medication for mental health issues, however, will often refer you to a Psychiatrist for assessment.
- Both are relevant and deserving of consideration.
When engaging as an individual or couple within therapy, quite often it can be your preference of approach, comfortability with practice, and/or severity of mental health issues. A key element can be the degree of connection you feel with your mental health practitioner and how comfortable you feel working with them. When we experience difficulties ANY action to recovery is better than not seeking help at all.
Don’t panic if you get it wrong, an intrinsic responsibility of all Counsellors and Psychologists is to recognise when another approach would be better suited to you, or if an issue is outside their area of expertise, and to make an appropriate recommendation.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Now for the differences;
- Life Solutions vs Specific Mental Health Conditions
Counsellors generally work across a wider range of generalised mental health concerns. Issues in life that may be causing distress, including, relationship problems, work problems, stress, anxiety, eating issues, mild to moderate depression, anger management, adjusting to change, or grief or loss. As clients, we can sometimes feel ‘stuck’, or ‘disconnected’ with an issue, or are struggling with the intensity of feelings, which may be relieved through seeing a counsellor. No referral from your GP is necessary; therefore sessions are not recorded on your medical records.
On the other hand, Psychologists are trained to work on specific mental health conditions that are making life really difficult, for example; chronic anxiety, panic disorders, severe depression, OCD, Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, or Personality Disorders. Some are trained in general counselling as well. To see a Psychologist you will generally have completed a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) with your GP or be under the care of a Psychiatrist as well. If you need a court report you may be required to see a Psychologist for an assessment.
Both Counsellors and Psychologists can specialise in couples or family counselling.
- Financial Considerations
Psychology, in general, demands a higher fee for services than Counselling. As a rule, Psychologists charge from $120 – $235 per hour, while Counsellors will charge from $80 – $120 per hour. Couples counselling varies from $140 to $180 per hour.
If you are suffering from a specific mental health condition and have completed a Mental Health Care Plan with your GP you may be entitled to up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year with a Psychologist. Currently the Medicare Rebate is valued at between $60.10 and $84.84 for most conditions, and up to $145.65* for more severe conditions. The difference in fees should not be interpreted as a difference in the quality of service. As discussed earlier, Counsellors and Psychologists perform different functions.
In summary
To undertake therapy is a powerful individual statement and hopefully a decision that moves toward healing over a lifetime. Priority would be to find a therapist that you feel safe enough with to talk openly about your issues, someone who “gets” you, is interested in what you want to achieve, and has the skills and insight to guide you there. Sometimes you might not always ‘click’ with the first one. Personal distress and mental illness can be terribly debilitating. If left untreated, it can lead to destructive behaviours and the breakdown of our most valued possessions; our happiness and relationships. Mental health workers are in a caring profession, so no matter which path you choose, know that there is always a door open to reach out and seek help.
NEED HELP NOW?
If you need support right now…
You can call any of the following crisis lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Emergency 000
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
- Lifeline 131 114
- Kids Helpline (for young people ages 5 to 25) 1800 551 800
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467