Clinical psychologists has advanced specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems and the assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological problems. They are trained in the delivery of a wide range of psychological therapies and approaches with demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental health difficulties. Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication. They are specialists in applying psychological theory and scientific research to resolve clinical mental health problems across the lifespan.

Training as a clinical psychologist requires a four year undergraduate degree in the science of psychology followed by four years of postgraduate training in clinical psychology, consisting of an accredited two year Masters degree or three year Doctoral degree plus a registrar program of supervised practice to bring the total length of training to eight years. This involves training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health and psychological problems across the life span and education in the research basis of the profession, along with the undertaking of a significant research project in clinical psychology. Only psychiatrists have a similar level of specialised training in mental health.

Clinical psychologists are involved in the design and implementation of treatment strategies in various settings, such as primary care, psychiatric hospitals, community based mental health services, and private practice. They may also be associated with medical departments and neuropsychological services.

All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as the regulatory body for psychology under the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA). This is to ensure that they meet specified standards of competence and ethical practice. However, not all psychologists have completed accredited professional post graduate training in the area of clinical psychology. The title “clinical psychologist” is protected and may only be used by those psychologists who are endorsed in this area of practice on the national register of health professionals. However, not all psychologists who have been granted endorsement as a clinical psychologist have undertaken accredited postgraduate qualifications in clinical psychology. All members of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association have undertaken this training and hold accredited postgraduate degrees in clinical psychology.

All psychologists follow strict guidelines for professional conduct and adhere to professional and ethical guidelines. These are developed to safeguard the welfare of patients.

Reference:

The Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)