The qualifications and titles used in mental health can be confusing. Here's some of the more common ones and what they mean. Bridge is a Clinical and Forensic practice.

 

PSYCHOLOGIST
The term “psychologist” is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and only professionals who have completed approved university training can call themselves a psychologist. A psychologist is able to offer medicare rebates for an approved list of services. Psychologists work in many settings including the courts, brain injury, education, sport, the corporate world, and in our case, mental health.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

A Clinical Psychologist has completed six years of Psychology study, and then an additional two years of supervision with a senior clinician, specifically treating mental health disorders.

 

CLINICAL REGISTRAR
A fully qualified psychologist who is now completing the final two years of supervision to become a Clinical Psychologist.

​

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST

A Psychologist who has undertaken additional training to provide assessments, psychological reports or expert testimony for a court or tribunal. 

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGIST
A qualified psychologist who may work in a variety of  fields.

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Has completed tertiary psychology qualifications and is now undertaking two years of mentorship and supervision with a qualified senior psychologist before receiving general registration. They are not eligible to offer Medicare rebates.

PSYCHIATRIST
A doctor who has completed a medical degree and then completed post graduate training to specialise in mental illness. Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists may work together with clients who benefit from a combination of medical and psychological treatments.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Psychotherapists are not registered by AHPRA and may have a range of qualifications. Registered Psychologists may use psychotherapy as a treatment mode, however the term psychotherapist does not mean the therapist is a registered psychologist. 



COUNSELLOR
Counselling is not registered by AHPRA and a counsellor may have a range of qualifications. Psychologists may use counselling methods as part their therapy, however a practising counsellor does not need to be a registered psychologist. They do not offer medicare rebates.

MODALITIES AND METHODS
Psychologists use a variety of tools to treat mental health disorders. These have titles including CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR and ACT. A psychologist will choose the mode or modes to bring the best outcome for each individual client. Find out more about these on our What We Do page.