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Therapist

Types of practitioners

How do types of therapists differ?

This section seeks to explain the difference between the types of mental health practitioners that work from Lantern Psychology.  Psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists all differ in terms of: 

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  • qualifications

  • focus and type of treatments

  • cost and Medicare rebates

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For detailed information of each type of practitioner, select the links below.

  • Qualifications

    Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialise in mental health. They complete a medical degree, followed by a specialisation in psychiatry through additional training.

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    Role

    Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. They often deal with more severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.

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    Treatment

    Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists are the only professionals who can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.

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    Cost and Medicare rebates

    Psychiatrists usually cost more per hour than other mental health workers but also have access to higher rebates and many more rebated sessions (up to 40 per year).

    • Qualifications: Psychologists hold a degree in psychology, typically a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by postgraduate study (master's or doctoral level). They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. 

    • Role: Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through various forms of psychological therapy  but cannot prescribe medication.

    • Treatment: Psychologists provide therapy, conduct psychological assessments, and work with individuals, couples, or groups. They may specialise in areas like anxiety, depression, or trauma.

    • • Cost and rebates: Usually cost less than a clinical psychologist but Medicare rebates are lower. With a GP referral, clients access 10 rebated sessions a year.

    • Qualifications: Clinical psychologists are psychologists who have completed additional training and supervision in clinical practice. They typically hold a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) or have completed equivalent training in clinical psychology. They are also registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.

    • Role: Clinical psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating complex mental health issues. Their training enables them to work with individuals with severe psychological conditions and use a range of therapeutic approaches.

    • Treatment: Clinical psychologists are highly skilled in providing therapy and assessments, often working with patients who have more serious or chronic mental health issues. They often work with clients who have conditions like severe depression, PTSD, or eating disorders.

    • • Cost and rebates: Usually cost more than a generally registered psychologist but Medicare rebates are higher. With a GP referral, clients access 10 rebated sessions a year (up to 40 for some diagnoses such as eating disorders)

    • Qualifications: Counsellors may hold a range of qualifications, from undergraduate degrees in psychology or social work to specialised diplomas or certificates in counselling. They may or may not be registered with a regulatory body (e.g., the Australian Counselling Association or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia).

    • Role: Counsellors provide supportive listening, advice, and guidance to individuals dealing with emotional, personal, or relationship issues. They focus on more short-term, practical concerns and aim to improve well-being.

    • Treatment: Counsellors typically provide talk therapy, often in less intensive settings than clinical psychologists or psychiatrists. They focus on helping clients manage life transitions, relationship issues, and mild to moderate stressors.

    • • Costs and rebates: Costs are usually less than psychologists but are not eligible for Medicare rebates. 

    • Qualifications: Psychotherapists may have qualifications in psychology, counselling, social work, or other related fields, and they usually undertake further specialised training in psychotherapy. They may be members of professional bodies like the Australian Association of Psychotherapists or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

    • Role: Psychotherapists provide in-depth, long-term therapy to individuals dealing with emotional, relational, or psychological issues. They work to explore deeper, unconscious patterns and unresolved conflicts that may be contributing to mental health issues.

    • Treatment: Psychotherapy can be more intensive and long-term than standard counselling. It often explores the root causes of emotional distress, aiming for long-term change in how a person relates to themselves and others.

    • • Costs and rebates: Costs are usually less than psychologists but are not eligible for Medicare rebates.

Brief summary of differences

  • If you need medication for a mental health condition, a psychiatrist is the best choice.

  • If you are looking for therapy or psychological assessments, a psychologist or clinical psychologist may be appropriate.

  • For short-term guidance or support with specific life challenges, a counsellor could be a good fit.

  • If you are seeking long-term therapy to explore deeper psychological issues, a psychotherapist might be the right choice.

  • Each of these roles can be helpful depending on your needs and the level of support required.

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