Description
Psychologists are educated in the science of how people feel, behave and react. They provide help with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and eating disorders. Psychologists do not prescribe medications but use a number of scientifically-supported tests to determine the mental health and wellbeing of people. Psychologists can specialise in a number of areas including mental health disorders (clinical psychologists), jobs and careers (organisational psychologists) and sports and exercise (sports psychologists).
Services provided
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Mental health
- Talk-based therapy
- Early intervention for those at risk
- Information and advice
Eligibility
Appointments can be made directly without a referral.
Your doctor or other health professional may also refer you to a psychologist.
How to access
Go to the Australian and the Australian Association of Psychologists to find a psychologist near you.
Costs
The cost of psychological services varies depending on the treatment. Contact the clinic before you attend if you are unsure of the cost.
Medicare
Psychology fees are partly covered by Medicare for people who are eligible under the following programs:
Psychology fees are also partly covered by Medicare for:
- women who are concerned about a current pregnancy or one that occurred in the past 12 months
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people using follow-up allied health services.
To access Medicare benefits for psychology services, you must be referred to your psychologist by:
- a GP (doctor) who is managing your treatment under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, or under a referred psychiatric assessment and management plan
- a psychiatrist
- a paediatrician.
Private health funds
Psychologist fees are covered by some private health funds but your coverage will depend on your insurance policy.
Website
Australian Psychological SocietyProfile
Sector
Conventional healthcare.Regulation
Commonwealth Government.Registration
Psychologists must be registered through the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA).Minimum qualifications
Professional Masters (MPsych), Combined Professional Masters/ProfessionalDoctorate (MPsych/DPsych) or Professional Doctorate (DPsych).Tip
Overseas trained psychologists must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society before being allowed to practise in Australia.
Important
- Psychology is one of the fourteen regulated health professions in Australia.
- Psychologists do not have a medical degree but many psychologists have postgraduate qualifications to specialise in particular areas of psychology.
- Suitably qualified psychologists must register with the PBA to practice as a psychologist.
- The PBA has requirements that psychologists must meet before they can be registered.
Complaints
- Australian Psychological – to make complaints about their members, call 1800 333 497 or (03) 8662 3300.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Complaints , call 1800 246 054.
- Health Complaints , Complaints and Information, call 1300 582 113
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation (AHPRA) in your state, call 1300 419 495
- Better Health Channel - Complaints about health services