How to Choose the Right Therapist to See
It’s one of the most common questions that people ask out admin staff. We’ve all heard of therapists and psychologists, maybe counsellors, but what about accredited mental health social workers (AWHSWs)? What do they all do, and which therapist is right for me?
Therapists
A ‘therapist’ is a really broad term that can be used in a number of allied health fields.
By definition, a therapist is someone who administers therapy. While it is an unregulated term, it captures the vast majority of people who work in the clinical mental health field.
This means that psychologists, AMHSWs and Counsellors are all technically therapists. However, not all therapists fall into one of these categories.
Counsellors
Like ‘therapist’, ‘counsellor’ is also somewhat of an unregulated term. There are a broad range of people with a range of qualifications who can call themselves a counsellor. For this reason, a lot of mental health workers are critical of anyone who calls themselves a counsellor.
At Safe Place Therapy, we feel that this is unfair to tar all counsellors with the same brush.
There are two regulatory boards, PACFA and ACA, that are both working to protect the title. They restrict the use of it to only mental health workers who have completed a recognised degree in the field.
Furthermore, in addition to a university degree, counsellors who are registered with PACFA or ACA must complete ongoing training across a range of therapeutic fields and modalities.
Safe Place Therapy only employs Counsellors who are members of PACFA or ACA and are trained in a number of therapeutic techniques and modalities.
Our counsellors are completely capable of working with clients to address emotional, behavioural, or personality-based issues. They call on a variety of counselling skills to work collaboratively with clients to bring about a positive change in their lives.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs)
An AMHSW is someone who has completed a minimum four-year sequence in Social Work at university, with substantial additional study in mental health and therapy.
This is a protected title. It is only granted to a Social Worker who has met all the requirements as set out by the Australian Association of Social Workers. Because of the strict regulation, AMHSWs are recognised by Medicare and several Private Health Funds and can provide rebates with a GP referral.
AMHSWs can work with a broad range of mental health conditions. These include depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD and schizophrenia, to trauma and PTSD, alcohol and drug dependence, and grief and bereavement. They may draw on various therapeutic skills, including Emotion-Focussed Therapy, EMDR, Narrative Therapy, and DBT.
With training in Social Work, it’s no surprise that AMHSWs work in a wholistic manner. They will work with you on your mental health taking into account the wider situations that you might be facing. They often put greater focus on emotions and emotional processes.
AMHSWs are often also trained in relationship and family counselling. They often work to provide support and advocacy for people in difficult situations.
Psychologists
A psychologist is someone who has undertaken an accredited 5- or 6- year sequence of study at university. They have also completed an internship before being awarded the title.
Psychologists are regulated by AHPRA, which is the same governing body that regulates other health professionals in Australia.
Similarly to AMHSWs, Psychologists will be trained in a range of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing, amongst others.
They can work with a broad list of mental health concerns. These include anxiety and depression, eating disorders, OCD, problems at work, ADHD and autism, and trauma and PTSD.
As with AMHSWs, Psychologists are able to provide rebates with a GP referral and mental health care plan, as well as private health rebates.
Provisional Psychologists
A Provisional Psychologist is someone who has completed their university studies, but are in the process of completing further training in psychology to meet the requirements to become fully registered.
They have received training in a range are areas in psychology, and are able to work in the mental health field under supervision. However, until they have fulfilled the requirements to be fully registered, they are unable to provide any Medicare rebates.
This is why the fee for a provisional psychologist is often lower than that of a registered psychologist.
Clinical Psychologists
After completing the requirements for Registration, Psychologists may choose to undertake a further two years of study to be recognised as a Clinical Psychologist.
Clinical Psychologists have undergone extensive training in assessment and diagnosis of various psychological conditions. They will often work with very complex cases.
From a client perspective, the main difference between a Registered and Clinical Psychologist is the ability to provide a formal diagnosis of a condition.
There are no Clinical Psychologists working at Safe Place Therapy at this time.
Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed studies in medicine and specialised in the field of psychiatry. As medical practitioners, they are able to assess, diagnose and treat conditions. Unlike other mental health professionals, Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication.
You will need to get a referral from a GP to see a Psychiatrist.
Which therapist is right for me?
Before this question can be answered, it’s important that you know what outcome you’re hoping for.
For a formal diagnosis of a condition for NDIS funding, for example, seek a referral to a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist.
If you’re looking for general mental health supports and therapy, you might want to consider a counsellor, AMHSW or Psychologist.
Do you have a mental health care plan or are rebates important to you? If so, then you might want to consider booking in with an AMHSW or Psychologist.
Ultimately, the greatest benefit in therapy comes when you work with someone who you trust. Don’t choose someone based solely on their qualification or job title. Book with the person who feels like a good fit for you.
At Safe Place Therapy, we want you to have the best possible outcome. We would always recommend you choose to work with someone who you feel you could create a good therapeutic relationship.
