Who You Gonna Call? A Psychiatrist or a Psychologist: Understanding the Differences in Australia
Psychiatrists and psychologists are both professionals who specialise in mental health and neurodivergence. However, their roles and responsibilities are different and it can sometimes be confusing to know which you need. In Australia, there are important distinctions between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, as well as between general psychologists and clinical psychologists.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and neurodivergence. They are trained to assess patients, provide therapy, and prescribe medication if necessary. They work in both public and private hospitals and clinics, and often collaborate with other mental health professionals such as psychologists and social workers.
Psychologists, on the other hand, are trained mental health professionals who are not medical doctors. They specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of mental health issues and neurodivergence, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, Autism, and trauma. Psychologists work in various settings, such as private practices, community health centers, and hospitals and use various evidence-based therapies that generally require weekly or fortnightly attendance.
There are many types of psychologists in Australia, but the two that are more common are general psychologists and clinical psychologists. General psychologists have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, and at least 2 years of post-university supervised practice. Clinical psychologists have a Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, followed by at least 2 years of supervised practice. While clinical psychologists have received advanced training and supervision in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions, both general and clinical psychologists can help to assess and treat mental health concerns. And both are held to the same strict ethical guidelines set by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Another important distinction between psychologists and psychiatrists is that psychiatrists are authorised to prescribe medication to their patients. Psychologists, however, are not authorised to prescribe medication, but can work with psychiatrists and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive treatment for their clients.
It’s important to note that both psychologists and psychiatrists play a crucial role in mental health care. Psychiatrists are especially important in cases where medication is necessary to treat mental health conditions, while psychologists are experts in evidence-based therapies and psychological interventions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) are excellent resources for finding qualified mental health professionals in your area.
The APS is the largest professional association for psychologists in Australia. They provide a comprehensive directory of registered psychologists, as well as information on the different types of psychologists and their specialties. The APS website also offers resources and information on mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The RANZCP is the main professional organization for psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand. They provide a directory of registered psychiatrists, as well as information on mental health conditions, treatments, and support services. The RANZCP also offers resources for patients and their families, including information on how to find a qualified mental health professional and how to access mental health services.
If you are unsure where to start, speak to your GP. Your GP will be able to help you prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer you to the right professional. Also, make sure you check out the websites and profiles of practitioners to see if their interests and therapy styles suit your needs.
