Who is a Psychologist, and What Services Do They Provide?
When people hear psychologists, they mostly think about therapy. While psychologists specialise in talk therapy, psychological services go far beyond that. Psychologists apply psychological knowledge and research to solve problems in many settings.
In Australia, they work in diverse roles across education, health, community, sports, and organisations. These mental health professionals treat mental health disorders, study psychological aspects of human behaviour, analyse organisational dynamics, and conduct psychological research in universities.
As trained and experienced psychologists, we have written this piece to answer some of your questions. It will answer questions like, "Who is a Psychologist?" "What Services Do Psychologists Provide?" and many more.
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is a qualified mental health professional who assists individuals in developing healthy strategies to cope with mental health problems. They provide support to people facing specific conditions, such as depression or anxiety, as well as those experiencing challenging life situations, like coping with the loss of a loved one.
To practise psychology in Australia, one must undergo extensive training and be accredited by the Psychology Board of Australia. The Psychology Board of Australia is part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Aspiring psychologists must first complete an accredited undergraduate degree in psychology. After the bachelor's degree, they continue with a supervised practice combined with a master's or professional doctorate in psychology. In Australia, the professional practice of psychologists is supervised by several bodies, including the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Psychologists with versatile degrees and licences work in various settings such as private practice, community health services, hospitals, organisations/businesses, prisons, universities, and more.
In private practice, psychologists often provide direct clinical services to individual clients and families. Community mental health services utilise psychologists in roles focused on mental health promotion, prevention of mental illness, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Their diverse roles across these settings include direct clinical services, research, writing, and teaching. Psychologists typically focus on specialities, lead mental health departments, address workplace issues, handle forensic matters, or serve as university professors conducting research.
Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists
When it comes to mental health care, two common types of providers are psychologists and psychiatrists. At first glance, their roles may seem similar - providing therapy, counselling, assessments and more. However, there are some crucial distinctions in their backgrounds and capabilities.
Like medical doctors, psychiatrists attain a medical degree and then complete specialised training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. Their medical background and clinical practice give them strong clinical skills and the ability to prescribe medication when needed. Many psychiatrists also utilise talk therapy in treatment.
Psychologists, on the other hand, have advanced doctorates in psychology rather than medicine. Their training emphasises various therapy techniques to help clients better understand and cope with their illnesses.
With a strong basis in human behaviour and pathology theories, psychologists like ours at Insight Body and Mind take a holistic approach to creating individualised treatment plans. However, due to current licensing restrictions, clinical psychologists may not prescribe medication.
While their skill sets differ, there is quite a bit of common ground between these providers in improving mental well-being. Many people benefit from collaborative care from psychiatrists and psychologists, incorporating both clinical perspectives into a unified treatment plan.
What Services Do Psychologists Provide?
From counselling individuals to advising large organisations, psychologists offer many vital services. The most common services include the following:
#1 Mental Health Assessment
A clinical psychologist is trained to identify the signs and symptoms of various mental health conditions. These include anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, emotional disorders, and psychotic disorders.
Through consultation, psychological assessment, and testing, they determine whether a mental health condition is present. They also gain insight into the nature, severity, and causes of a client's symptoms to guide appropriate psychological treatment.
#2 Psychotherapy
One of the primary services offered by many psychologists is psychotherapy. This involves meeting regularly with clients to help them understand, navigate and improve challenging aspects of their lives.
During these meetings, called ''sessions,'' psychologists explore emotional struggles, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions and inner conflicts that cause distress and limit functioning. Psychologists create a judgement-free space for clients to process experiences, gain self-awareness, reduce symptoms, and implement positive changes.
Common psychological therapies that psychologists offer their patients include:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT),
Interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic approaches.
Psychologists also offer group therapy sessions and consult with other mental health professionals to coordinate a client's care.
#3 Substance Abuse Counselling
Substance abuse can have profound effects on mental health. A counselling psychologist specialising in addiction counselling can assist individuals in overcoming substance abuse issues. They do this by addressing underlying psychological factors and developing coping mechanisms.
#4 Performance Enhancement
Psychologists who work with athletes, performers, executives, and other specialists provide tailored coaching to unlock potential and achieve excellence.
Sessions build the confidence, focus, perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and mental toughness needed to succeed under pressure. Performance coaching also manages “inner critic's anxiety”, and perfectionism, while nurturing essential creativity and flow.
Organisational psychologists also support hiring processes, create career development programs, enhance workplace wellness and deliver diversity and inclusion training. Their guidance allows organisations to improve productivity, collaboration, innovation, and integrity.
#5 Life Transition and Adjustment Guidance
Psychologists assist individuals of all ages to navigate life transitions skilfully. These include adjusting to disability or illness, grief, relationship changes, parenting stresses and retirement.
Psychologists provide both emotional support and practical strategies to process these transitions in healthy ways.
Should I See a Psychologist?
There are several reasons why you might consider seeking the assistance of a psychologist. However, it is advisable to reach out if you identify with any of the following signs:
You are experiencing thoughts, emotions, or behaviours that feel uncontrollable and adversely impact your relationships, work, or overall well-being.
You are finding it challenging to cope with life issues, such as illness, the loss of a loved one, divorce, or difficulties at work.
Your use of drugs or alcohol is having a negative impact on your health, emotions, relationships, or responsibilities.
You require an impartial and compassionate person to help you navigate and understand your feelings.
You feel so hopeless that life no longer appears worth living.
Live The Life You Deserve
If you are facing challenges or seeking personal growth, reaching out to a psychologist could be the first step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. Discover a holistic approach to well-being at our multidisciplinary centre.
Here at Insight Body and Mind, we are dedicated to nurturing your mind and body. We use a holistic approach to meet your unique needs, ensuring a positive and personalised journey.
Our experienced and licensed Psychologists hold Masters or Doctoral qualifications in counselling and assessments. Drawing from diverse backgrounds, our staff brings practical knowledge and expertise in various treatment and assessment areas. We operate within the ethical framework of the Australian Psychological Society to provide high-quality, principled care for your well-being.
Take the first step toward a balanced, fulfilled life with us. Contact us today!