Therapist vs psychologist explained
September 3, 2025 11:26 am
Sometimes, the first step towards a healthier and happier life is finding the right mental health professional to help you on this journey.
Not sure who to turn to?
While often referred to interchangeably, it’s important to know the difference between a therapist vs psychologist.
The term “therapist” is broad, covering various professionals in psychotherapy, while psychologists hold specialised training.
Therapy is typically a core component of a psychologist’s practice, leveraging their advanced expertise and education to support individuals through mental health challenges.
In other words, all psychologists can be considered therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists.
To help determine whether this is the right support for your unique needs and goals, our clear guide compares therapists and psychologists. Keep reading to understand the key distinctions between these mental health professionals.
What is a therapist?
A therapist is an umbrella term that includes professionals like counsellors, psychotherapists, and clinical social workers, each with their own area of expertise.
While these mental health practitioners don’t have the formal training to make diagnoses as psychologists do, they can offer valuable support that can assist clients in improving their lives.
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a registered professional dedicated to understanding human behaviour and the intricacies of mental processes. Psychologists have completed extensive studies, which provide an in-depth foundation in mental health and various treatment approaches.
Unlike therapists, psychologists are trained to diagnose mental health conditions, conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored treatment plans grounded in empirical research.
Their role is not only to support individuals through therapy but also to contribute to broader mental health knowledge, such as strategies for treatment and prevention.
This research deepens our understanding of psychological issues, with many psychologists specialising in specific mental health areas like:
- Anxiety, stress, and depression
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Relationship and marital difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Domestic violence and abuse
Similarities between a therapist and psychologist
At their core, both therapists and psychologists aim to enhance mental well-being through talk therapy, creating a safe, judgment-free space where clients can openly discuss their challenges.
They provide consistent support through regular sessions, listening actively and offering strategies to help clients tackle emotional, behavioural, and psychological issues.
Moreover, neither profession works in isolation. Therapists and psychologists often collaborate with other healthcare providers to offer comprehensive care, referring clients to additional services or therapies when necessary to create a holistic support network.
Therapist vs psychologist: 5 key differences
Here, we discuss the core differences between psychologists and therapists to help you find the best fit for your mental health needs.
Role
“Therapist” is a broad term that includes a range of professionals dedicated to improving mental health and well-being. The defining duty of this role is to provide guidance and support, helping clients work through emotional and psychological hurdles.
On the other hand, a psychologist researches, diagnoses and treats mental health disorders – a journey that often involves talk therapy to pinpoint the root cause of issues.
Education
While psychologists and therapists both study therapeutic methods, their training pathways meet distinct professional standards. Read on to discover the educational differences between a therapist vs psychologist.
Psychologists generally complete a longer period of formal education, with extensive training in psychological research, assessment, and diagnosis.
Therapist training
In Australia, becoming a therapist generally involves completing an accredited bachelor’s degree in psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field. The educational pathway for therapists is varied and can be unregulated.
Psychologist training
Becoming a psychologist in Australia demands even more extensive education, requiring a minimum of six years of rigorous training.
It begins with a three-year undergraduate degree in psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Afterwards, students must complete a fourth year, either through an Honours degree in psychology or a Graduate Diploma, both of which take one year.
Next, aspiring psychologists must pursue a postgraduate program. The path to general registration includes either a two-year Master’s or Doctorate program.
Alternatively, they may opt for a one-year Master of Professional Psychology followed by a one-year supervised internship. After completing their education, they are required to pass the National Psychology Exam (NPE).
To legally practise and use the title of psychologist, individuals must register with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), ensuring they meet high standards of education, ethics, and ongoing professional development to provide reliable care.
Authority to diagnose
While therapists may focus on counselling clients through emotional and behavioural challenges, they generally aren’t permitted to diagnose mental health issues.
In contrast, psychologists have advanced training that enables them to formally diagnose mental disorders with specialised assessment tools.
Costs and Medicare cover
The cost of mental health services varies based on factors like the type of professional, location, and available insurance. However, psychologists tend to charge more than therapists due to their advanced training and qualifications.
On the plus side, sessions with psychologists typically qualify for Medicare rebates, which means you can claim a portion of the cost back with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
Therapists, on the other hand, are not covered by Medicare, so rebates aren’t available. That said, therapist fees are often lower. You also don’t need a referral or MHCP to book an appointment.
Keep in mind that while you can see a psychologist without a referral, this means you won’t be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Learn more about psychologist visits and Medicare.
Should you consult a therapist or psychologist?
When it comes to choosing a therapist vs psychologist, the most suitable support depends on your individual needs.
If you’re experiencing signs of a complex or significant mental health issue that might require a formal diagnosis and structured treatment plan, consulting a psychologist may be the best option. Psychologists are trained to assess and treat a wide range of mental health disorders with evidence-based interventions.
For support with milder mental health concerns or general life challenges—such as relationship issues, stress, or career transitions—a counsellor can be a great choice. Counsellors offer a safe space to discuss and navigate your concerns.
Whichever type of mental health provider you choose, make sure to verify their qualifications. A qualified psychologist should be registered with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). For therapists, look for professionals accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Not sure where to begin?
Start by visiting your primary care doctor to rule out any physical health issues that might be affecting your mental well-being.
They can provide referrals to the appropriate mental health specialist, whether a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, based on your needs.
Feel better naturally with support from a psychologist
Choosing the right mental health support starts with understanding the unique roles of therapists vs psychologists.
Although both play crucial roles in mental health services, they offer different functions and expertise. Psychologists bring specialised training in psychological assessment and diagnosis, while therapists focus on counselling to address emotional and psychological challenges.
Our psychologist in Warners Bay, NSW, is here to help you explore the root causes of your concerns and develop lasting strategies to overcome them.
Grace offers a warm, judgement-free space, working closely with you to provide evidence-based therapy tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Take the first step toward understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and embark on a journey toward meaningful change.
Contact us to book an appointment today.
