Complete comparison of mental health professionals in Australia - psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. Learn about qualifications, Medicare rebates, and how to choose the right professional for your needs.
Understanding the different types of mental health professionals in Australia is crucial for making informed decisions about your mental health care. Each type of professional has distinct qualifications, areas of expertise, and eligibility for Medicare rebates.
Last Updated: September 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes
Australia has several types of mental health professionals, each with different qualifications, registration requirements, and areas of expertise. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right professional for your needs.
This comprehensive comparison helps you understand the key differences between mental health professionals in Australia:
| Provider Type | Core Focus | Typical Training | Registered with AHPRA? | Can Diagnose? | Can Prescribe Medication? | Medicare Rebate? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychologist | Mild-to-moderate mental health; coping strategies, behavioural change | 6+ years (Bachelor + Master/Doctorate + Supervised Practice) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Clinical Psychologist | Complex mental health; trauma, mood disorders, chronic illness | 8+ years (Bachelor + Master/Doctorate + Supervised Clinical Practice) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Psychiatrist | Severe/complex mental illness; medical management | 11+ years (Medical degree (6+ years) + Psychiatry training (5 years)) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Counsellor | Stress, grief, life transitions, relationship issues | 1-4 years (Diploma (1–2 years) or Bachelor/Master in Counselling (3–4 years)) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Psychotherapist | Long-term, depth-oriented work on trauma, identity, attachment, unconscious processes | 3-5 years (Diploma or Master's) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Bachelor of Psychology | (Cannot legally call yourself a psychologist or provide psychological treatment) | 3-4 years (Bachelor) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ = Yes / ✗ = No
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration ensures professionals meet national standards for education, training, and ongoing professional development. These professionals are eligible for Medicare rebates with appropriate referrals.
Hold at least six years of accredited education and supervised practice. Equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat a broad range of psychological issues including anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
Complete a minimum of eight years of education and training, including specialized clinical practice. They handle complex mental health conditions, trauma, and severe psychological disorders.
Medical doctors specializing in mental health. Unique in their ability to prescribe medication and provide comprehensive medical management alongside psychotherapy.
Medicare provides rebates for sessions with AHPRA-registered mental health professionals when you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. Here are the current rebate amounts (2025 rates):
per session with a General Psychologist
Up to 10 sessions per calendar yearper session with a Clinical Psychologist
Up to 10 sessions per calendar yearFind qualified psychologists who accept Medicare and offer the support you need.
Find Medicare PsychologistsEach type of mental health professional offers unique approaches and specializations:
Therapeutic approaches: CBT, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based strategies
Specializations: Stress management, mild to moderate anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions
Advanced approaches: CBT, ACT, DBT, schema therapy, EMDR
Specializations: Complex conditions including mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, personality disorders, severe mental illness
Services: Psychiatric assessment, medication management, psychotherapy, crisis intervention
Focus: Severe mental illness, medical management of mental health conditions, complex medication needs
Role: Initial assessment, Mental Health Treatment Plans, medication management
Services: First point of contact, referrals to specialists, ongoing support and monitoring
While not AHPRA registered, these professionals provide valuable therapeutic services with their own professional associations and standards:
Training: Diploma (1-2 years) to Master's level (3-4 years)
Focus: Situational, relational, or developmental issues
Typical areas: Grief, relationship issues, life transitions, workplace stress, family counselling
Training: 3-5 years of specialized education
Approach: Deeper psychological work and long-term transformation
Focus: Unconscious patterns, complex trauma, identity issues, attachment problems
Selecting the right mental health professional depends on several factors:
Psychologists focus on therapy and psychological assessment, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Both can provide therapy and diagnose mental health conditions, but only psychiatrists can prescribe medications.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist privately, but you'll need a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan to access Medicare rebates. The GP assessment takes 20-40 minutes and covers your mental health history and current concerns.
Counsellors and psychotherapists provide valuable therapy services but cannot formally diagnose mental health conditions or provide Medicare rebates as they're not AHPRA registered. They may have different training backgrounds and professional standards.
Consider your specific needs, budget, whether you need Medicare rebates, and the complexity of your concerns. For mild to moderate issues, a general psychologist may be sufficient. For complex trauma or severe mental illness, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may be more appropriate.
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration ensures professionals meet national standards for education, training, and ongoing professional development. AHPRA-registered professionals are eligible for Medicare rebates and have additional oversight and accountability measures.
With Medicare, you'll pay a gap fee typically ranging from $50-200+ per session. Private fees without Medicare can range from $120-300+ per session. Counsellors and psychotherapists often charge $80-200 per session without Medicare rebates available.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding mental health services or choosing the right professional for your needs.