Clinical Psychologists

Who are clinical psychologists?

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.

The APS College of Clinical Psychologists

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.

Addressing a range of areas

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:

• Adjustment disorders
• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Anxiety disorders e.g. social anxiety, phobias, panic attacks
• Attention deficit disorders
• Behaviour disorders
• Brain injury e.g. attention, memory, judgement, reasoning deficits
• Chronic pain
• Chronic psychiatric conditions
• Delirium, dementia and other cognitive disorders
• Depression and depressive illness
• Eating disorders
• Educational functioning
• Intellectual disability
• Loss, grief and bereavement
• Couple and family difficulties
• Medical conditions caused or aggravated by stress
• Obsessions and compulsive behaviour
• Parent-child relationships
• Personality problems
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Relationship difficulties
• Sexual disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Stress and chronic stress disorders
• Suicidal behaviour

Skills and competencies of Clinical Psychologists

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

Consultation with a clinical psychologist involves detailed discussion of the issues concerning the client. The psychologist then intervenes by:

• Assessing the emotional, intellectual and behavioural functioning of the client
• Exploring the thoughts, emotions and behaviour of the client and tracing their origins
• Helping the client develop effective ways of controlling and coping with these difficulties
• Helping the client to implement changes that enhance wellbeing and awareness, and alleviate the presenting problems.

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.

Finding a Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists may be located by one of the following methods:

• Call the APS Psychologist Referral Service on 1800 333 497 for a clinical psychologist close to you
• Look for an APS Clinical Psychologist in the Yellow Pages
• Visit the APS College of Clinical Psychologists on this website
• Enquire with a private health insurance fund
• Enquire with a government department or private agency concerned with health, education or social and community services
• Ask a GP (A doctor’s referral is not required to see a clinical psychologist.)

Rebates

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.

Medicare rebates

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.

• For more information, download the Medicare consumer fact sheet  (78kb)