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Counsellor or Psychologist?

Wendy Bennett
May 21, 2015
3 min read

I am often asked “What is the difference between a Counsellor and a psychologist?”

The main point of difference is that anyone can give themselves the label of Counsellor, there is no regulation over the use of this title. However, to be a psychologist you have to have undertaken a degree, have a number of years post degree experience and be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. Psychologists that are members are bound by the same rules, code of conduct and ethical guidelines. In addition to this registered Psychologists are covered under Medicare meaning you can get a rebate for a certain number of sessions under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative.

So, I hear you ask, why would I see a counsellor?

Counsellors are generally a lot less expensive than Psychologists
There is no limit to how many times you can visit a counsellor
Even after Medicare rebates counsellors are often a more cost effective option
You can shop around and choose a counsellor that suits you.
You don’t need a referral to see a counsellor

However, with most things, when you are looking to invest your time and money it is worth doing some research into the organisation or person you are going to be dealing with. When looking at a particular counsellor you should look for the following:

Are they registered with a Regulatory body?
Do they have an ABN?
Do they offer the option of an initial consult to determine your suitability in working together?
Do they have Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance?
Visit the Website and Facebook page to see if there core philosophy is in line with yours.
What is their experience or area of expertise and will they be able to assist you in the areas in your life where you are struggling?

Most Counsellors should be registered with the Australian Counselling Association

(www.theaca.net.au). To be registered as a practicing member with this organisation a Counsellor is required to have a minimum diploma level of education that has been provided by an accredited training organisation. A counsellor is also required to have public liability and professional indemnity insurance, undertake a minimum of 10 hours supervision and attend 25units worth of accredit professional development courses.

As much as we hate to admit it there are unscrupulous people out there and it is up to us as a consumer to ensure the people we entrust with our health and wellbeing are doing the right thing.

This strategy can be applied to anywhere we spend our money, and while word of mouth and a referral from a friend is highly valued I would still recommend you do your own due diligence.

An example of where this is highlighted is the young lady Belle Gibson who claimed to have cured her terminal cancer through holistic methods that turned out to be false. This person held fundraisers for charities that then never saw a penny – why would people give their money to some random person? I believe it is because we want to believe in the innate goodness of human kind, we don’t want to believe that there are people in the world that would be so low as to make up something so devastating. Also we like the feeling we get when we feel as though we have helped and made a difference. If you realised you were just giving you money to someone who had no regulation, no legal responsibility or reporting requirements to tell anyone what she had done with their money would you still give?

To ensure you are giving to an entity that has an obligation to use your donation in the manner in which it is intended check they are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (www.acnc.gov.au). Also, check with the Australian Tax Office as to whether or not they have Deductible Gift Recipient status – this means any donations you make to them are tax deductible. Many organisations have an authority to fundraise number issued by the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing – this is not the same as being a registered charity and does not mean that person is held accountable for how they decide to use the funds they receive.

Ok, I will get off my soap box now!!!! I have gone off on a bit of a tangent but I hate to see those who want to help being taken advantage of – BUYER BEWARE – Do your due diligence, ask questions – you are investing your time and money – you have a right to know it is being handled responsibly and ethically.