Registered vs Clinical Psychologist: What’s the Difference?

When seeking mental health support, it can be confusing to understand the difference between a registered psychologist and a clinical psychologist. Both are qualified to offer therapy and support, but their training, areas of expertise, and the types of cases they typically handle differ. This post breaks down the key differences between a registered psychologist and a clinical psychologist, helping you make an informed choice for your mental health needs.

What is a Registered (General) Psychologist?

A registered psychologist, also known as a general psychologist, is a professional who has completed a minimum of six years of education and supervised training. They are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and are qualified to offer a range of therapeutic services and psychological assessments.

What Registered Psychologists Do

Registered psychologists work with clients experiencing various mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety and depression

• Relationship issues

• Workplace stress and life transitions

Their focus is on using evidence-based therapies to help individuals develop coping strategies, improve well-being, and work through everyday mental health challenges.

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

A clinical psychologist is a registered psychologist who has completed additional training and education in clinical psychology. This involves a postgraduate degree in clinical psychology, followed by a registrar program, bringing the total training to at least eight years.

Specialisation in Complex Mental Health

Clinical psychologists specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating more complex mental health conditions, such as:

• Bipolar disorder

• Psychosis

• Severe anxiety or depression

• Personality disorders

Clinical psychologists are often trained to work in high-risk settings like hospitals, psychiatric facilities, or private practices that focus on intensive mental health care.

Key Differences: Registered vs Clinical Psychologist

Understanding the differences between registered and clinical psychologists can help you choose the right professional for your needs. A quick comparison table is available at the end of this post.

When to See a Clinical Psychologist

You might consider seeing a clinical psychologist if:

• You have been diagnosed with a complex mental health condition, such as a personality disorder.

• You experience severe symptoms, like treatment-resistant depression or suicidal thoughts.

• Your condition requires a specialised, intensive treatment approach that goes beyond general therapy.

Clinical psychologists are often equipped to handle more severe cases and can provide a higher level of care for individuals needing focused, in-depth support.

When to See a Registered (General) Psychologist

A registered psychologist is well-suited for individuals seeking support for general mental health concerns. You may consider seeing a registered psychologist if:

• You’re managing common mental health issues, such as anxiety, low mood, or relationship challenges.

• You need support in developing coping strategies and improving mental well-being.

• You prefer a professional with a broad scope of practice that can address a range of issues.

For most everyday mental health concerns, a registered psychologist can offer effective support and therapy.

Medicare Rebates: Clinical Psychologist vs Registered Psychologist

In Australia, Medicare rebates for psychological services can help reduce the cost of therapy. The rebate amount differs between registered and clinical psychologists due to their level of training.

• Clinical Psychologists: The Medicare rebate for clinical psychologists is currently $141.85 per session under the Better Access initiative.

• Registered Psychologists: For general psychologists, the Medicare rebate is $96.65 per session.

While clinical psychologists receive a higher rebate, the out-of-pocket expense (or gap fee) may be similar depending on the clinic’s pricing structure.

Choosing the Right Psychologist: Registered vs Clinical

Choosing between a registered and a clinical psychologist depends on the nature of your mental health needs. For complex conditions, a clinical psychologist may be more suitable. However, for general mental health support, a registered psychologist can provide valuable care.

Ultimately, the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in achieving positive outcomes. Whether you choose a registered psychologist or a clinical psychologist, it’s essential to work with someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. Both types of psychologists are trained to support your mental health journey.