Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Description

Psychologists are educated in the science of how people feel, behave and react. They provide help with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and eating disorders. Psychologists do not prescribe medications but use a number of scientifically-supported tests to determine the mental health and wellbeing of people. Psychologists can specialise in a number of areas including mental health disorders (clinical psychologists), jobs and careers (organisational psychologists) and sports and exercise (sports psychologists).

Learn more about psychological treatmentsExternal Link

Services provided

  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • Mental health
  • Talk-based therapy
  • Early intervention for those at risk
  • Information and advice

Eligibility

Appointments can be made directly without a referral.

Your doctor or other health professional may also refer you to a psychologist.

Costs

The cost of psychological services varies depending on the treatment. Contact the clinic before you attend if you are unsure of the cost.

Medicare

Psychology fees are partly covered by Medicare for people who are eligible under the following programs:

Psychology fees are also partly covered by Medicare for:

  • women who are concerned about a current pregnancy or one that occurred in the past 12 months
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people using follow-up allied health services.

To access Medicare benefits for psychology services, you must be referred to your psychologist by:

  • a GP (doctor) who is managing your treatment under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, or under a referred psychiatric assessment and management plan
  • a psychiatrist
  • a paediatrician.

Private health funds

Psychologist fees are covered by some private health funds but your coverage will depend on your insurance policy.

Profile

Sector

Conventional healthcare.

Regulation

Commonwealth Government.

Registration

Psychologists must be registered through the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA).

Minimum qualifications

Professional Masters (MPsych), Combined Professional Masters/ProfessionalDoctorate (MPsych/DPsych) or Professional Doctorate (DPsych).

Tip

Overseas trained psychologists must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society before being allowed to practise in Australia.

Important

  • Psychology is one of the fourteen regulated health professions in Australia.
  • Psychologists do not have a medical degree but many psychologists have postgraduate qualifications to specialise in particular areas of psychology.
  • Suitably qualified psychologists must register with the PBA to practice as a psychologist.
  • The PBA has requirements that psychologists must meet before they can be registered.