Provisional Psychologist | General Psychologist | Clinical Psychology Registrar | Clinical Psychologist
With so many titles, knowing which type of psychologist would be best for you can be challenging. The difference between each type is based on the level of training undertaken. See the example below*
Undergraduate psychology degree
Undergraduate psychology degree
+
Internship
OR
1-year postgraduate degree + 1-year internship**
Undergraduate psychology degree
+
Postgraduate qualification (Masters, Doctorate, PhD in the area of Clinical Psychology or equivalent)
+
Undertaking a Clinical Psychology Registrar Program of supervised practice
Undergraduate psychology degree
+
Postgraduate qualification (Masters, Doctorate, PhD in the area of Clinical Psychology or equivalent)
+
Completed Clinical Psychology Registrar program of supervised practice
In Australia, Clinical Psychologists require a minimum of 8 years of training. To be eligible for Clinical Psychology endorsement, a psychologist must:
Hold General Psychology registration + Six-year or higher qualification in Clinical Psychology + Complete the Clinical Psychology registrar program.
Out-of-pocket fee = Psychologist’s appointment fee – Rebate you may be entitled to
Session fees often vary depending on whether you see a registered General Psychologist or a Clinical Psychologist. They may also depend on the psychologist’s experience and the length of their appointments, among others.
Rebates sometimes depend on the type of psychologist you see. For example, Medicare and DVA Rebates differ for a General Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist. On the other hand, private health rebates might be the same whether you see a General or Clinical Psychologist.
Current Rebates for the 23/24 Financial Year
Current Medicare rebate
50-minute appointment
Current Medicare rebate
50-minute appointment
Current Medicare rebate
50-minute appointment
Current Medicare rebate
50-minute appointment
Psychologists with general registration can be endorsed in one or more approved areas of practice, including Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology.
Clinical Psychologists can provide different services to individuals experiencing mild to severe mental health issues. They conduct diagnostic assessments, develop tailored treatment plans, and provide evidence-based therapies to treat complex conditions based on their client’s needs and circumstances.
Clinical Neuropsychologists undergo extensive training to learn and understand the effects of different brain-related conditions on people’s lives. They learn advanced skills to assess, diagnose and create treatment plans for brain-related disorders that may affect your learning, attention, and memory, among other cognitive issues.
* This is not intended to describe all possible pathways to registration or Clinical Endorsement. For further information, please refer to https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration.aspx”
** Historically, a third pathway included an approved two-year internship.
Sources
AHPRA – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
APS – Australian Psychological Society
ACPA – Australian Clinical Psychology Asociation
