What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy refers to the techniques, treatments and approaches used by a practitioner to treat a client’s mental health condition. During psychotherapy a client learns about their moods, feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. They learn how to better respond to life’s challenges with improved insight, skills, and strategies.
What Is Evidence Based Psychological Practice?
Evidence-based psychological practice is the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture and preferences (American Psychological Association, 2014). The purpose of EBPP is to promote effective psychological practice and enhance public health by applying empirically supported principles of psychological assessment, case formulation, therapeutic relationship, and intervention (Australian Psychological Society, 2014).
Do Psychologists Prescribe Or Recommend Medication?
Psychologists in Australia do not prescribe medication but they may work in conjunction with a GP or Psychiatrist if a client requires psychotropic medication.
What Is The Difference Between A Psychologist And A Psychiatrist?
A Psychologist is trained in the scientific study of human behavior whereas a Psychiatrist is trained in the study of medicine. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication in Australia but Psychiatrists can. Psychologists use non-medication treatments and approaches demonstrated by scientific evidence to be effective. This includes cognitive behavioural therapy, problem-solving, skills training, goal setting, & environmental/lifestyle analysis.
Psychiatrists typically work with complex mental health conditions or those with an organic basis such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder that require medication management.
What Is The Difference Between A General Psychologist & Clinical Psychologist?
The main difference between a General Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist is that the latter has completed additional supervision & training requirements to be ‘endorsed’ by the Psychology Board of Australia as being able to practice as a “Clinical Psychologist”. A Clinical Psychologist has completed a minimum of 6 years University training plus a further 2 years of clinical supervision and additional training in Clinical Psychology. A General Psychologist has completed a minimum of four years University training plus either 2 years of supervision or a Masters degree in Psychology.
A Clinical Psychologist attracts a higher Medicare rebate (currently $129.55) than a General Psychologist (currently $88.50).