What is the difference between a Registered Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?
All psychologists in Australia hold general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, meeting high standards in education, training, supervised practice, ethical and professional standards, and ongoing professional development.
When you seek help from a psychologist, you might see a psychologist with general registration, or one who also has a specific 'area of practice endorsement' (such as clinical psychology, health psychology or sport and exercise psychology). A psychologist with an area of practice endorsement usually has additional university qualifications and supervised training in that specific area. Whichever type of psychologist, you should expect the same quality of care, ethical behaviour and standards of practice.
Psychologists with general registration have a minimum of six years of university training and supervised experience, and build on that every year with ongoing education to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. They are often experts with supplementary skills, experience and training in other areas applying their skills in psychology within a broad range of professional settings.
Psychologists with general registration can work in any number of settings and assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of clients and areas of concern. They use evidence-based psychological approaches customised to suit each individual, setting, issue or challenge. They are often called upon to conduct psychological assessments and write reports for individuals, education and forensic settings, health and government departments. Where appropriate, Medicare rebates are available via mental health plan referrals.
Psychologists with general registration apply their skills, knowledge and experience in psychology across a range of areas including:
Mental health and wellbeing
Education and training
Population health
Drug and alcohol
Justice and corrections
Public policy
Corporate and commercial
Marketing and communication
Emerging technology and design.
Clinical psychologists provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across the lifespan and for mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex.
In addition to professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health.
Skills
Clinical psychologists have skills in the following areas:
Assessment and diagnosis
Clinical psychologists are trained in the assessment and diagnosis of mental illnesses and psychological problems and are qualified to provide advice in clinical and compensation areas.
Treatment
Clinical psychologists use a range of techniques and therapies to treat mental health disorders. They hold particular skills to solve complex clinical psychology problems requiring individually-tailored treatment.
Learning
Research, teaching and evaluation are all integral to being a clinical psychologist. Research is often conducted on prevention, diagnosis, assessment and treatment. Clinical psychologists are involved in the design and implementation of treatment strategies in various settings (such as primary care, psychiatric and rehabilitation) and in the subsequent evaluation of treatment outcomes.
Source: Australian Psychological Society
