Psychologists are specialists in human behaviour, development and functioning. They have expertise in conducting research and applying research findings in order to reduce distress, address behaviour and psychological problems, and to promote mental health and rational behaviour in individuals and groups.
In the provision of mental health services (either public or private) psychologists vary in terms of the services they provide, their level and type of postgraduate training, and also their degree of clinical experience and/or specialisation. Becoming a registered psychologist requires 4 years' undergraduate study, followed by either 2 years of supervised experience with a registered psychologist or completion of a postgraduate clinical masters or doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists (i.e. those who have completed the postgraduate clinical qualifications) also have to spend some time working under the supervision of another clinical psychologist.
In order to practice, all psychologists must be registered with the Psychologist Registration Board in their state or territory. Furthermore, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the national professional body for psychologists. Membership of this society ensures a high level of professional and educational competency. The APS also provides a psychologist referral service - linking up members of the public with an APS psychologist in their local area. (Telephone 1800 333 497 outside of Melbourne, or 8662 3300 in Melbourne). This referral service will soon be available online via the APS website.
Psychologists are trained in a range of different psychological therapies, which can be applied to the particular needs of each individual. Psychologists also have their own preferred treatment methods and so it is wise to find one that suits you. Psychological therapies are useful in both treating the symptoms of depression itself, and by addressing some of the underlying 'causes' or the factors that may be keeping a person depressed.
One commonly used therapy for depression is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). CBT aims to show people how their thinking affects their mood and to teach them to think in a less negative (and more 'realistic') way about life and themselves. CBT can be very beneficial for some individuals who have depression but there will be others for whom it is irrelevant.
Other therapies include Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Counselling and Narrative Therapy.
Clinical psychologists who have completed specialised education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders are particularly helpful when seeking suitable treatment for depression, as most are highly skilled in CBT and/or other psychotherapies.
If you're considering seeing a psychologist, it would be worth considering the following factors when deciding about getting help:
Before making an appointment with a psychologist, it is reasonable to put in a brief telephone call to him or her to discuss these issues.
Psychology consultations are now partially or fully covered by Medicare if requested by a General Practitioner. If you obtain a referral letter, part or all of your consultation fee may be reimbursed. You may still consult a psychologist without a referral from a GP, however, you will not be reimbursed by Medicare and it's a good idea to ask what his or her fee structure is for initial and subsequent consultations. Some private health funds also cover psychology services, which means that you may be able to claim back a portion of the consultation fee from the health fund. You should check with your health fund about any conditions.
Free or low-cost psychological therapies (such as group cognitive behaviour therapy sessions) may be available through formal institutions, such as hospitals and universities. Some workplaces offer free employee counselling, conducted by qualified psychologists. Cognitive behaviour therapy is also available over the Internet, provided (free of charge) by the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University. See their MoodGYM program.
There are many different sorts of counsellors and psychotherapists, and their approach will vary considerably from one to the next. Some counsellors may have undergone formal training in counselling (for example, as part of a psychology degree or through a college), while others may have come from a nursing or social work background.
Counsellors aim to work cooperatively with people to help them better cope with difficult life circumstances such as grief and loss, communication and relationships, work and career, stress, anxiety and depression, life transitions, parenting, self-esteem, spirituality and difficulties caused by addictions, trauma and abuse.
Like any other health professional, a counsellor should refer their client to another practitioner if the severity of their symptoms suggests an alternative form of treatment (including medication) or assessment is needed.
The Psychotherapy
and Counselling Federation of Australia Inc (PACFA) is an 'umbrella' association
for psychotherapy and counselling bodies in Australia. PACFA has a National
Register of individual counsellors and psychotherapists available to the public
on its website.
Each member of this Register must be a member of at least one of the 40 PACFA
Member Associations and must have passed rigorous requirements in terms of specialist
training, work experience and supervision.
The training requirements vary according to the specialist area(s) in which
the individual works and to the association they belong to, however, all PACFA
Member Associations have minimum training requirements established by PACFA.
The work experience must be at professional level and the supervision, which
must be on-going for annual renewal of Register membership, is undertaken with
established professionals in the field.
The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is a national professional body of counsellors with chapters in Qld, NSW, Vic, SA and WA. It has several thousand members, including 30 organisational members, and holds conferences annually in each state as well as providing an annual journal "Counselling Australia". ACA is an independent association and is not governed by any umbrella organisation.
If you're considering seeing a counsellor, it would be a good idea to find out beforehand:
Counselling fees vary. Medicare does not cover counselling. Some private health funds may cover counselling where it is undertaken by a recognised psychologist, which means that you would be able to seek reimbursement for a portion of the counselling fee.
Page last updated: 7-May-2007
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.
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