Psychologist Vs Counsellor – What’s The Difference?

The terms psychologists and counsellors are often used interchangeably – which can make booking an appointment with a mental health clinic confusing.

Psychologists and counsellors each play a role in helping people work through different mental health concerns, self-improvement, and general relationship or situational issues. However, there is a difference between the two – a psychologist requires university accreditation and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, whereas counsellors can have varying degrees of education and experience in the mental health space.

Let’s take a look into the differences of psychologists vs counsellors so you can understand which is best for you.

Is A Counsellor The Same As A Psychologist?

In short, no – a counsellor is not the same as a psychologist.

Psychologists are highly regulated in Australia, and to be eligible for the title, a psychologist must complete a 6-year sequence of education and training. These 6 years include a 4 year undergraduate degree, plus 2 years of supervised practice, qualifying psychologists to assess, diagnose and treat mental illnesses.

The term counsellor, however, is an unregulated term in Australia, meaning that anyone without formal qualifications or training can use this title. For instance, someone who has completed a 3-day course in counselling can call themselves a counsellor, as can someone with a masters degree. In saying this, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and Australian Counselling Association (ACA) do require counsellors to complete a minimum of 350 hours of person-to-person training and 50 hours of supervision over 1 to 3 years to gain the title of a “registered counsellor”.

What are Counsellors?

Counsellors help clients with immediate and practical issues, and build strategies to help reach their goals, address specific life challenges and improve day-to-day functioning. This may include mental wellbeing, relationships, personal growth, or career counselling.

More specifically, counsellors often help clients with short-term issues that will help set them up for the long-term – like learning how to better manage conflicts in relationships, identify options when making important decisions, increase confidence and self-esteem, help navigate life changes, and build better communication skills.

There are four levels of registered counsellors:

Level 1: A registered counsellor at level 1 has graduated from a PACFA or ACA course with a qualification in counselling at an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 5, 6, 7 or 8 (e.g. a Diploma, Bachelor of Counselling, or Graduate Diploma). There are no minimum client hours or supervision experience required at this level.

Level 2: At level 2, counsellors must complete a Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8), or a Bachelor or Masters of Counselling (AQF level 7 or 9), with 50 supervised client hours per annum. This demonstrates further professional development and engagement with counselling work.

Level 3: After completing the same steps as a level 2 registered counsellors, level 3 counsellors must have an additional 2 years of supervised client hours, with Ongoing Professional Development and 10 hours of professional supervision every year. This represents significant experience and commitment to professional standards.

Level 4: The highest level for a registered counsellor. Level 4 counsellors must complete 4 years worth of supervised client hours in addition to the yearly Ongoing Professional Development and 10 hours of professional supervision per year. These counsellors are recognised as highly experienced with advanced professional skills.

A counsellor cannot formally assess nor provide a diagnosis of any mental health illness. Counsellors focus on the growth, development, and wellness of their clients, and build strategies with a positive and holistic perspective – with the aim of improving everyday life.

What are Psychologists?

Psychologists focus on understanding how their client thinks, feels, behaves, and learns, and provide help with mental health issues based on these insights. Generally, psychologists are used for both short and long-term treatment of mental illness.

While psychologists may use some of the same techniques as counsellors, a psychologist goes deeper by examining the client’s psychological history and behavioural patterns. Psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose a range of mental illnesses and use evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to scientifically address the factors that drive and change a person’s behaviour and reactions.

As mentioned, psychologists are required to complete 6 years of study and training, engage in ongoing education, and adhere to strict ethical standards to be registered in Australia. Psychologists can also complete further qualifications and specialise in areas including:

Clinical
Community
Counselling
Educational and developmental
Forensic
Health
Organisational
Sport and exercise

Psychologists help people work through a variety of mental health issues, from addressing childhood behavioral patterns, learning to overcome difficulties, to dealing with trauma and loss.

What’s the Difference Between Psychologists vs Counsellors?

Psychologists are able to formally assess and diagnose mental illnesses through detailed psychological assessments, evidence-based interventions and therapy. Meanwhile, counsellors focus on providing support and guidance to a person’s needs and goals, often addressing personal or situational challenges.

Psychologists and counsellors often work in the same mental health clinics and private practices, however, they can also be found in different settings to suit their specific services.

Counsellors often work at schools and colleges, rehabilitation centres, group homes, career and guidance fields, long and short-term care facilities, and within the legal system. As psychologists have a broader scope of practice and qualifications, psychologists can practice in hospitals, prisons, universities, research institutions and government agencies, in addition to the above counselling settings.

Psychologist vs Counsellor Appointment Costs

For a standard 45 to 50 minute psychology appointment in Australia, the Australian Psychological Association’s recommended rate per session is $318 for 2025-2026.

The average rate for a 50 minute to 1 hour counselling session in Australia is $100 to $180.

Medicare Rebates

If you’re concerned about the cost of seeing a psychologist, the government provides Medicare Rebates for psychology appointments. You’ll get a $98.95 rebate for a registered psychologist appointment, and $145.25 rebate for a clinical psychologist appointment. To claim a Medicare Rebate, you’ll require a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP to claim your 10 sessions per calendar year.

Counselling sessions, however, are not covered by Medicare. While the Australian Counselling Association, along with other advocates, are working to bring counselling services under Medicare, you will currently not receive a Medicare Rebate for a counselling appointment.

Which is right for you?

If you’re seeking guidance for personal development, relationships or emotional challenges, a counsellor may be appropriate, although you won’t be able to access Medicare rebates.

If you require support for mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD) or general life challenges, a psychologist offers comprehensive, evidence-based care and Medicare rebates.

Ultimately, it will also come down to the psychologist or counsellor’s experience, expertise, and areas of focus.

If you would like to get matched with a psychologist for your specific needs, check out our personalised matching tool or call us at 1300 001 778.