Understanding Mental Health Professions in Australia

Seeking mental health support in Australia can be confusing, given the range of professional titles people encounter. These may include psychologist, counsellor, psychotherapist, mental health social worker, and mental health occupational therapist. While all play roles within the mental health system, they are not interchangeable.

These professions differ in their training pathways, regulatory frameworks, and scopes of practice, differences that are particularly relevant when accessing Medicare-funded services or working alongside a GP.

Scope of practice refers to what a professional is educated, trained, and authorised to do. Although there is overlap in therapeutic skills, scopes of practice are not the same. Understanding these distinctions supports safety, appropriate referral, and informed decision-making about care.

Psychology in Australia

Psychologists are registered health professionals regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The title psychologist is protected by law and requires nationally consistent education, training, and professional standards.

Psychologists complete a minimum of six years of university education and supervised practice. This training prepares them to assess mental health concerns, develop psychological formulations, and deliver evidence-based treatment within ethical and professional frameworks.

Psychologists work within a regulated health system and commonly collaborate with GPs, psychiatrists, and other allied health professionals. Psychology is the primary profession funded under Medicare for mental health treatment through Mental Health Treatment Plans.

Scope of Practice

Psychologists work across the full cycle of psychological care, including:

• Psychological assessment and diagnosis

• Development of psychological formulations

• Delivery of evidence-based psychological therapies

• Risk assessment and management

• Monitoring outcomes and adjusting treatment

• Liaison and reporting to GPs and other medical providers

Psychologists are accountable to AHPRA registration standards, the Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct, mandatory continuing professional development and Supervision requirements, and formal regulatory oversight.

Understanding scope of practice helps people choose the right mental health professional.

Counselling and Psychotherapy in Australia

Counselling and psychotherapy are not regulated health professions under AHPRA, and neither title is legally protected. Training pathways and standards vary depending on the practitioner’s background, qualifications, and professional association.

Counsellors and psychotherapists often provide supportive therapy focused on life stressors, emotional challenges, and relationship difficulties. Many people find these services helpful during periods of transition or situational distress.

Psychotherapy describes a therapeutic approach rather than a distinct regulated profession. Practitioners using this title may come from psychology, counselling, social work, psychiatry, or other backgrounds. Some psychotherapists are psychologists; others are not.

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for counsellors and psychotherapists varies widely. Practitioners are expected to work within the limits of their training and competence and to refer on when concerns exceed their scope. Counselling and psychotherapy services are generally privately funded and are not eligible for Medicare rebates, though some private health funds may offer rebates.

Mental Health Social Workers

Mental Health Social Workers are qualified social workers who have completed additional training and accreditation to deliver focused psychological strategies under Medicare.

Their work emphasises psychosocial assessment and the impact of social, family, and environmental factors on mental health. Mental Health Social Workers can provide Medicare-rebated services under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Scope of Practice

Mental Health Social Workers typically provide:

• Psychosocial assessment

• Focused psychological strategies

• Support around social, family, and environmental stressors

• Advocacy and systems navigation

They do not provide psychological diagnosis, and their scope focuses on psychosocial rather than diagnostic or formulation-based care.

Mental Health Occupational Therapists

Mental Health Occupational Therapists are registered occupational therapists with additional mental health training and accreditation. Their work focuses on how mental health difficulties affect daily functioning and participation in life roles.

Mental Health OTs can provide Medicare-rebated services under specific items, particularly where mental health concerns impact work, study, or daily routines.

Scope of Practice

Mental Health Occupational Therapists typically focus on:

• Functional capacity and daily living

• Participation in work, study, and routines

• Skills development and rehabilitation

• Establishing adaptive strategies and routines

They do not diagnose mental health conditions, and their primary lens is functional rather than psychological formulation.

Psychology’s Role Within the Australian Health System

Psychology occupies a distinct role within the Australian healthcare system as a core diagnostic and treatment profession. Psychologists are authorised to integrate assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and treatment within a single AHPRA-regulated scope of practice, governed by the Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct and statutory oversight. Psychology is often the most appropriate entry point where diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, are required.

Making an Informed Choice

There is no single mental health professional who suits everyone. The most appropriate support depends on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. However, for people seeking structured, evidence-based care within the Medicare system, psychology often provides the clearest and most comprehensive pathway.

If you are considering psychology support, your GP can assist with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral.

TL;DR:

Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, mental health social workers and occupational therapists all support mental health in Australia, but differ in training, regulation, scope of practice and Medicare access. Psychology is the only profession authorised to integrate assessment, diagnosis, formulation and treatment within a single AHPRA-regulated scope.