Mental Health Professions in Australia

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialist training in mental health after finishing their medical degree. They are registered with Ahpra and are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medications. Their primary role is to diagnose and manage complex or severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and psychosis. Psychiatrists can assess whether symptoms have a medical or psychological cause and offer treatment that may include medication, hospital admission, and/or therapy. While some psychiatrists offer talk-based therapy, many work alongside psychologists, social workers, or GPs as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Psychiatrists are especially helpful for individuals requiring urgent care, medication review, or when mental health issues are impacting physical health.

Psychologists

Psychologists are university-trained professionals who specialise in understanding how people think, feel, and behave. In Australia, the title “psychologist” is legally protected and only those registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (under Ahpra) can use it. To become a registered psychologist, one must complete a minimum of six years of accredited education and supervised clinical training. Psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, and they use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and others to help clients improve their wellbeing. Psychologists can work with individuals, couples, or groups to address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, learning difficulties, grief, and behavioural issues. Their treatment often includes psychological testing and formulation. If referred by a GP through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, clients may be eligible for Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) 

AMHSWs are highly-trained clinical social workers with specialised experience in mental health. They are different from general social workers. AMHSWs hold a recognised social work degree and must have completed at least two years of full-time supervised clinical experience in mental health practices. They are formally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) but in Australia, the title “social worker” is not legally protected. AMHSWs help individuals to resolve presenting psychological problems, the associated social and other environmental problems, and improve their quality of life. Like other allied health professionals, such as psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers use a range of interventions in helping people with mental health disorders, including the following focused psychological strategies. AMHSWs are recognised by Medicare and can provide therapy under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Clients may be eligible for Medicare rebates for sessions with a AMHSW. They work across the lifespan and offer counselling for depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, grief, and more.

Psychotherapists

 Psychotherapists help people explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, relationships, and past experiences. Psychotherapy often involves deep emotional work and is typically suited to people seeking long-term, insight-based therapy. The title “psychotherapist” is not legally protected in Australia, meaning training can vary. However, many psychotherapists have postgraduate qualifications in psychotherapy and/or a background in psychology, social work, or counselling. Psychotherapists are skilled in helping clients address a wide range of issues, such as childhood trauma, identity struggles, emotional dysregulation, and long-standing relational patterns. They may use approaches like psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, or depth-oriented counselling. This form of therapy aims to foster greater self-awareness, emotional growth, and internal change over time. Sessions can be weekly and ongoing, depending on client needs.

Counsellors

Counsellors offer support for life challenges and emotional distress, such as grief, stress, relationship problems, and work-related difficulties. Their work is usually short- to medium-term and focused on helping people cope better in the present. The title “counsellor” is not legally regulated in Australia. Many counsellors complete diploma or degree-level training in counselling and may register with professional associations for ethical and educational standards. Counsellors typically use a person-centred approach, which means they provide a safe, empathetic space where clients feel heard and understood. They support individuals in identifying goals, building coping strategies, and making positive life changes. Although counsellors do not diagnose mental illness, they play an important role in early intervention, and can refer clients to other professionals if needed.

Hypnotherapists

Hypnotherapists use guided relaxation and focused attention to help people access their subconscious mind and make behavioural changes. Hypnotherapy is often used to support treatment for issues such as phobias, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, insomnia, and habit change (e.g. smoking cessation). Hypnotherapy is not regulated by AHPRA, and the title “hypnotherapist” is not protected. However, many practitioners complete certification through professional associations, such as the Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA).

Some qualified therapists (e.g. psychologists or counsellors) may include hypnotherapy as part of their clinical practice. It is often used as a complementary therapy and may be combined with other forms of treatment, such as CBT or talk therapy. Hypnotherapy is considered safe and can be effective for certain clients, though it may not be suitable for everyone. It is typically used for short-term, goal-specific interventions.