How to choose a Psychologist or Counsellor that's right for you
At some point in life, most of us could use a bit of extra support, whether it's for everyday stress, deeper mental health challenges, or personal growth. Psychologists and counsellors offer that help – but with so many different types of professionals it can be hard to know who’s best suited to your needs.
When taking that first step of searching for professional support it can be overwhelming to know how to choose. What is the difference between the various types of psychologists and counsellors anyway? Let’s start by understanding what support is available and the different types of professionals you can choose from.
Who Can a Psychologist Help?
Psychologists work with people experiencing a wide range of challenges, including:
Stress and Anxiety – Whether it’s workplace stress, generalised anxiety, or panic attacks, psychologists provide practical strategies to help you manage.
Depression – If you're struggling with low mood, lack of motivation, or feeling hopeless, psychological support can help shift your mindset.
Mental health concerns – Some people might have experienced mental health challenges that are quite complex and require ongoing professional support (for example neurodevelopmental disorders and personality disorders that may require long-term commitments to therapy)
Relationships and Family Issues – From relationship difficulties to family dynamics, psychologists can help improve communication and foster healthy connections.
Life Transitions – Big life changes like a new job, parenthood, or grief can be overwhelming, and psychological support can guide you through.
Chronic Health Conditions – Managing long-term illness or pain often requires emotional support and coping strategies, which psychologists are trained to provide.
Personal Development – Even if you're not experiencing a specific issue, psychologists can help you with personal growth, self-reflection, and goal setting.
So who's who?
Clinical psychologists have completed extensive training in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of mental health conditions and psychological issues. They have completed a minimum of six years of study and undertaken additional years of supervised training for their endorsement. Clinical psychologists are a popular choice for people experiencing mild to severe and complex presentations due to their high level of expertise.
Psychologists with general registration are also highly trained and work with a broad range of mental health concerns, often focusing on more everyday challenges like stress, emotional distress, or life adjustments. They make up the majority of psychologists found in the workforce and use many of the same therapeutic techniques as clinical psychologists but typically see people with less severe conditions. They are
Counselling psychologists focus on helping people navigate everyday life challenges, like relationship issues, work stress, or personal growth. Their approach is often more holistic and relationship-based, making them ideal for those seeking emotional support rather than treatment for a mental health disorder.
Provisional psychologists are in the final stages of supervised training and can provide affordable services to clients that may be faced with financial difficulties or long waiting lists. They generally have a fresh and up to date knowledge of the most current treatment modalities as part of their training. They’re a great option if you’re looking for budget-friendly support and have the added assurance of professional oversight.
Counsellors generally provide short-term support for life issues like grief, stress, or personal concerns. While they aren’t trained to diagnose mental health disorders, they offer valuable emotional support for those navigating difficult life changes and have often developed their skills based in similar psychological principles as psychologists.
Here is some more information on types of psychologists and counsellors from the APS
How Do I Choose Which Professional is Right for Me?
If you’re unsure where to start, your GP can be a great starting point to help refer you to the right professional based on your specific needs.
When facing a more complex mental health condition or seeking a formal diagnosis, a clinical psychologist may be your best option. Individuals who have obtained a mental health care plan (MHCP) from their GP may also find that seeing a clinical psychologist is the most economical option due to the available Medicare rebates.
If you’re dealing with stress, emotional distress, or relationship issues, a general or counselling psychologist could be a great fit.
Provisional psychologists are skilled in their field and offer a more affordable option for those seeking support with the added assurance of professional supervision.
If you’re looking for short-term guidance or need support with a life transition, a counsellor can provide helpful direction.
To learn more about how we approach faith-based psychology and counselling, or for help in choosing who might be the best fit for you, feel free to speak to our friendly admin team on 03 9855 9555 or 'Meet the Team' here. If you know who you would like to see you can also request an appointment with one of our experienced therapists. We’re here to walk alongside you.
In support of your journey towards total wellbeing….
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