The terms “counsellor,” “registered psychologist,” and “clinical psychologist” refer to professionals in the mental health field, but they have different roles, qualifications, and scopes of practice. Here’s a brief overview of the distinctions:
Counsellor:
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- Role: Counselors, or mental health counsellors, typically provide talk therapy and support to individuals or groups dealing with emotional, mental, or behavioural issues.
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- Qualifications: The educational requirements for counsellors can vary, but they often hold a master’s degree in counselling or a related field. They may also have certifications or licenses depending on the region.
Registered Psychologist:
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- Role: A registered psychologist is a professional trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of psychological issues. They may work with individuals, couples, families, or groups.
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- Qualifications: Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. They must be registered or licensed by a regulatory body to practice. Psychologists often have expertise in various therapeutic approaches and psychological assessments.
Clinical Psychologist:
- Role: Clinical psychologists specialize in the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders and emotional issues. They often work with individuals who have more severe or complex psychological conditions.
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- Qualifications: Clinical psychologists have advanced training, usually holding a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology. They undergo supervised clinical experience and may have specialized training in specific therapeutic modalities or populations.
Under a Mental Health Care plan (Doctor referral), registered and clinical psychologists qualify for medicare rebates. However, under some private insurance plans, counsellors qualify for rebates.
COPE Centre of Psychological Enrichment
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