Counsellors, Psychologists and Psychiatrists. What’s the difference?
This is a big question I get asked all of the time! And it can be hard to know what the difference is, especially if you’re navigating the mental health system for the first time. Furthermore, if you live in a regional or remote area, it’s likely your town may have no access, or very limited access to these varying professionals. Here’s a run-down on the differences.
(NOTE: This has been specifically written for an Australian context and may vary depending on your country).
Psychiatrists: A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in treating severe mental illness. They can diagnose and treat acute mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or other very severe disorders alongside things like chronic alcohol abuse, depressive disorders or severe anxiety disorders. They (alongside other medical doctors) can prescribe mental health medication and also specialising in treating complex or biological concerns. They also can and do use talk therapies, like a counsellor or psychologist, but if you don’t have or need a mental health diagnosis or regular mental health medication it’s likely you won’t go to a psychiatrist for support.
When to see a psychiatrist: If you have acute or severe mental health concerns; if you feel like you need a diagnosis and/or medication; if you’ve been recently hospitalised for mental health concerns. Note: You typically need a referral from a doctor to see a psychiatrist.
Psychologists: In Australia, there are certain qualifications you need to call yourself a psychologist. Most psychologists in Australia have 4–6+ years of university training and specialise in treating acute or clinical mental health concerns, or more complex trauma. They utilise talk therapy techniques and practices (like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and specialise in human behaviour. They can work with a range of people, and in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health and general health facilities, care homes and in private practice. Psychologists in Australia can also diagnose clients with mental health disorders.
When to see a psychologist: If you have complex or long-standing trauma; if you suffer from behavioural issues or concerns; if you feel like a diagnosis should be explored; if your GP has specifically requested you see a psychologist; if you want to learn new techniques to help manage thoughts and behaviours.
Counsellors: Counsellors utilise the same talk therapies that psychologists do, and our main purpose is to help you work through any personal concerns. Often, counsellors and psychologists provide a very similar service but counsellors can’t diagnose mental illness and are not specialists in human behaviour, but they are specialists in understanding and supporting “people” (at least that’s how I like to think of it).
They can assist with issues relating to relationships, anxiety, depression, processing grief and loss, early childhood experiences or general life experiences (to name only a few). Counsellors can give you helpful techniques and processes to boost self-esteem, manage stress and figure out how you want to proceed with whatever problem you’re currently facing.
Some counsellors will also have a different areas of expertise. For example, some will specialise in anxiety, others in youth, grief and loss, addiction, some in family issues and others in existentialism. Any personal issue you have, you can likely find a counsellor who might specialise in that area, or at least have it as a main interest!
It’s important to note that in Australia, being classified as a “counsellor” is not protected by law, so anyone could theoretically call themselves a counsellor and offer “counselling” services. If someone calls themselves an ACA (Australian Counsellors Association) Registered Counsellor or PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) Registered Counsellor then they have undertaken some required study and abide by their associations code of ethics and practice. I, for example, am an ACA registered counsellor and undertake regular professional development, supervision and study to maintain my registration. It’s best to do some research around who you’re seeing, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their experience and ethics.
When to see a counsellor: if you need a safe, non-judgemental space to process varying emotional and/or life experiences; if you need help and assistance with learning new techniques for stress reduction; if you’re exploring a new/old/different part of your identity; if you need emotional support and techniques to manage depression; if you’re dealing with relationship concerns; if you’re struggling at work or with your study; if something feels “wrong” and you don’t know where to start receiving help; if you need to explore new ways of being to cope with any challenges you might be facing.
There are also social workers or life coaches, but I’m going to do another article on that later, so follow along if you’d like for regular mental health content.
Karyna Jansons is a registered Australian counsellor and owns Ceres Counselling, a boutique private practice that specialises in remote and regional counselling, as well as anxiety, depression, grief and loss and spiritual concerns. You can sign up for the email newsletter here, or check out more about Karyna here.
