The mental health and wellness environment in Australia can be confusing for someone not familiar with the different names of practitioners and what each of them does. For most people, you may have heard of Psychologists and Counsellors. Less recognised are Social Workers and Psychotherapists. All of these professionals are trained and skilled in supporting individuals, couples and groups (such as workplaces and communities) through issues and events that affect your well-being and mental health.
So is there a difference?
Psychology is possibly the most well-known name in mental health support. It is deeply embedded into the Australian mental health process of General Practitioner (G.P) referrals and Medicare rebates. The use of the name, Psychologist is regulated at a national level and is governed and registered through a standard of training (minimum undergraduate degree) and use of accepted scientific methods of diagnosing and treating emotional, mental and behavioural personal problems (more detail is available at https://psychology.org.au/). Psychologists’ distinctive difference comes in their training in research and emphasis on diagnoses.
Social Workers can be known by many different names. Counsellors, community workers, Case managers on so forth depending on their place of employment. Of note, only those with Mental Health postgraduate training can qualify for Medicare rebates, however, social workers use the same evidence-based skills and techniques available to Psychologists (more detail is available at https://www.aasw.asn.au). Social workers’ distinctiveness is their focus on justice for all and how the systems and relationships in society affect the well-being of individuals.
Counsellor and Psychotherapist is currently an unregulated term in Australia. However, at the time of writing, there are two registering and accrediting bodies (Australian Counselling Association and PACFA ) working with the Federal Government to standardise and include Counsellors into the mental health portfolio including the Medicare system. The terms Counsellor and Psychotherapist can be used interchangeably. Counsellors typically have a minimum of a Diploma qualification, though most registered and accredited Counsellors have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree to coincide with experience and the needs of their workplace. Similar to Social Workers, Counsellor’s are distinct in their focus on working with the individual/s, working alongside the person/s to provide encouragement, support and guidance, whilst still providing evidence-based methods of care and help. Gerard Egan’s formative textbook (The skilled helper) for counsellor training states the three goals of therapy:
- Life-Enhancing Outcomes
- Learning How to Help Oneself
- Prevention Mentality
Counsellors are less concerned about making and treating diagnoses and more concerned with the whole person. Counsellors also play an important role in the prevention of emotional, mental and behavioural problems through life coaching and early intervention of issues.
(The information in this blog post is general in nature. Whilst distinctions exist, the most important aspect of any type of psychological, emotional and behavioural support comes from the relationship the therapist has with you, serving your needs and providing techniques which work for your circumstances)
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