Quick answer: A psychologist assesses and treats mental health concerns with evidence-based talking therapies but cannot prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose complex conditions and prescribe medication. A counsellor offers supportive talk-based help for life challenges but is not registered with AHPRA. For most people the best first step is a GP, who can guide you to the right professional and set up a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan.
| Psychologist | Psychiatrist | Counsellor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Psychology degree + supervised training (min. 6 years) | Medical doctor who specialised in psychiatry | Varied training; no single mandated pathway |
| Registered with AHPRA? | Yes | Yes | No (self-regulated via ACA / PACFA) |
| Can prescribe medication? | No | Yes | No |
| Provides talking therapy? | Yes — core focus | Sometimes; often focuses on diagnosis + medication | Yes — supportive counselling |
| Medicare rebate? | Yes, with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan | Yes, with a GP referral | Generally no |
| Best for | Assessment + evidence-based therapy (anxiety, depression, trauma) | Complex/severe illness, medication, diagnostic clarity | Life stressors, relationships, grief, personal growth |
A psychologist is a university-trained health professional who specialises in how people think, feel and behave. In Australia, all psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA, which requires a minimum of six years of training and supervised practice. Some psychologists hold an area of practice endorsement — for example, clinical psychology — reflecting additional specialised training.
Psychologists assess and diagnose mental health conditions and treat them with structured, evidence-based talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR. They do not prescribe medication. If you want to understand the different psychologist types, see our guide to the types of psychologists in Australia.
See a psychologist for: anxiety, depression, trauma, stress and burnout, grief, relationship difficulties, and evidence-based therapy or psychological assessment.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (they hold a medical degree) who has completed further specialist training in psychiatry and is registered with the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA. Because they are doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, order medical tests, and manage the physical aspects of mental illness — as well as provide some psychological treatment.
Psychiatrists tend to focus on more complex, severe or treatment-resistant conditions, and on diagnostic clarification. You will usually need a referral from your GP to see a psychiatrist and to receive a Medicare rebate (Services Australia, 2026).
See a psychiatrist for: conditions that may need medication, complex or severe mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or severe depression), or when a diagnosis needs clarifying.
Counsellors and psychotherapists provide talk-based support to help people work through difficulties such as grief, relationship problems, stress and life transitions. Counselling can be genuinely helpful — but there is an important difference: “counsellor” is not a protected title in Australia and counsellors are not registered with AHPRA. Instead, reputable counsellors are self-regulated through professional associations such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and PACFA, which set their own membership and training standards.
You do not need a referral to see a counsellor, but Medicare rebates are generally not available (healthdirect, 2025). Counselling is often a good fit when you want support with a specific life challenge rather than diagnosis or treatment of a mental health condition.
See a counsellor for: relationship issues, grief and loss, stress, and general emotional support and personal growth.
There is no single right answer — it depends on what you are experiencing and what you need. A simple way to think about it:
Under the Australian Government’s Better Access initiative, you can receive a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year once your GP prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan (Services Australia, 2026). Your GP typically refers you for up to six sessions first, then reviews your progress before the remaining sessions. Rebates are higher for clinical psychologists than for other registered psychologists; you can check the current amounts via Services Australia.
Psychiatry appointments also attract a Medicare rebate with a GP referral. Counselling is generally not rebatable. At The Talk Shop, low-cost appointments are available from $50, with bulk billing for eligible concession, under-18 and hardship clients — see where to find affordable support in Melbourne.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (2026). Psychology Board of Australia — Registration standards. https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/
Beyond Blue. (2025). Find a mental health professional. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-mental-health-professional
Department of Health and Aged Care. (2026). Types of health professionals. Medicare Mental Health. https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/finding-help/types-health-professionals
healthdirect. (2025). Psychiatrists and psychologists. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychologists
Services Australia. (2026). Mental health care and Medicare. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare
Victorian Government. (2024). Who’s who in mental health services. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/whos-who-in-mental-health-services
Still not sure who you need to see? Our friendly team can help you understand your options and match you with the right clinician across our Melbourne CBD, Reservoir, Wheelers Hill and Mooroolbark clinics — or via telehealth Australia-wide.
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