Qualification and registration requirements

Psychologists are University qualified professionals registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency under the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Fully Registered Psychologists have completed a minimum of four years of undergraduate study followed by either two years of supervised practice, or a postgraduate Masters or Doctorate course. By fulfilling further training requirements, postgraduate qualified psychologists may go on to become officially endorsed by the PsyBA in their chosen field of practice.

There are currently nine fields that are subject to endorsement by the PsyBA:

• Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Community Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• Educational and Developmental Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Organisational Psychology
• Sport and Exercise Psychology

What is a Psychologist?

Psychologists focus upon human behaviour. They research and study the processes that are associated with how people think, feel and behave. They apply knowledge about the brain, memory, learning and human development to a broad range of situations and problems using scientifically supported intervention methods.

What does a Psychologist do?

The practice of psychology is broad and interventions can be applied to individuals or groups. Some psychologists work with people to assist them in overcoming everyday problems such as stress and relationship difficulties; some diagnose and treat people with mental illnesses. Some psychologists work with people with chronic pain to assist them in attempting activities or movements that they have been fearful of undertaking, addressing issues of depression or anxiety, and assisting them in developing short-term and long-term goals. Other psychologists may conduct cognitive testing to determine the impact of certain neurological illnesses or injuries on a person’s cognitive functioning. Psychologists can assist children, parents and teachers by applying their knowledge of child development and learning to various problems in childhood; and other psychologists might assist people to excel in their chosen sport.

Related links

www.psychologyboard.gov.au
www.psychology.org.au 

For information on how to gain recognition of Allied Health qualifications obtained overseas, please contact the relevant professional association as per web links above.