Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and mental illness. They are located in private practice, hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centres and mental health services.
Clinical psychologists work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults. They are also involved in designing and implementing a wide range of prevention and mental health promotion programs.
Clinical psychologists are specialist psychologists with a minimum of six years university training, including approved postgraduate clinical studies and placements in psychiatric settings.
In order to become a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists, two years of further approved supervision in the clinical field is required.
The APS College of Clinical Psychologists maintains the highest standards for clinical psychology practice in Australia. These standards are also consistent with international standards for clinical practice. All practising psychologists must be registered with their state or territory registration board. Some registration boards make provision for registration of specialist titles such as clinical psychologist. View details of Australian Registration Boards.
For further information, see the APS College of Clinical Psychologists website.
Most clinical psychologists develop expertise in specific areas, or practice in sub-specialisations of clinical psychology. Specific areas assessed, diagnosed and treated by clinical psychologists include:
1. Psychological assessment and diagnosis
Clinical psychologists have specialist training in the assessment and diagnosis of major mental illnesses and psychological problems. Through their specialist training, clinical psychologists are qualified to provide expert opinion in clinical, compensation, educational and legal jurisdictions.
Some clinical psychologists also specialise in particular types of assessment such as neuropsychological, forensic and educational.
2. Treatment
Clinical psychologists are trained in the delivery of a range of (non-drug) techniques, strategies and therapies with demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. They are specialists in applying psychological theory and scientific research to solve complex clinical problems requiring individually tailored interventions.
3. Research, teaching and evaluation
Research, teaching and evaluation are all integral to the role of clinical psychologists. Research is often conducted on prevention, diagnosis, assessment and treatment. Treatment strategies in various settings (such as primary care, psychiatric and rehabilitation) are designed and implemented, and the treatment outcomes are evaluated.
Consultation with a clinical psychologist involves detailed discussion of the issues concerning the client. The psychologist then intervenes by:
Sessions are usually up to one hour in length, but assessment sessions may be longer. The number of sessions required will vary and is usually negotiated between the psychologist and the client.
Client privacy is protected because psychologists follow strict guidelines for professional conduct that cover confidentiality. These ethical codes are set and monitored by the APS and the psychologists registration boards in each state and territory.
Clinical psychologists may be located by one of the following methods:
Some private health funds pay rebates for clinical psychological services, provided that the client has ‘extras’ cover. For rebates to be payable from some of these funds and for WorkCover purposes, clients may be required to provide the following items: a referral from a General Practitioner to the psychologist; the psychologist’s provider number for the specific health fund and a stamped receipt from the psychologist.
Clients are advised to check with their health fund about their eligibility requirements before making an appointment. Clinical psychology services may also be covered through Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Workplace Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and compensation insurers.
On 1 November 2006, the Australian Government introduced new Medicare items for psychological treatment by registered psychologists. This service provides considerable assistance to people living with mental heath problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.
Under the new Medicare scheme, all registered psychologists who are endorsed by Medicare Australia can provide treatment for mental health problems. Medicare rebates are also available for consultations with specialist clinical psychologists, who are experts in the assessment and treatment of mental disorders.
New Medicare services promote a team approach to mental health care, with general practitioners, psychiatrists and paediatricians encouraged to work with psychologists, and other allied mental health professionals as well as mental health nurses, to increase the availability of care.