Psychologists
Psychologists use evidence-based techniques to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, while also offering support for personal development, relationships, and life transitions. Discover the role they play, the qualifications they need, and the settings where they work.
What is a psychologist?
The field of psychology is experiencing huge growth in Australia and internationally. This aligns with rising demand for a wide range of health care services, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of both physiological and psychological health and wellbeing.
In Australia, the need for psychological expertise speaks to the prevalence of a range of psychological and behavioural challenges. Research has found that in 2020-21, about one in five, or 21.4% of Australians aged 16 to 85, experienced a mental health disorder in the previous 12 months. The percentage of adults who experienced high or very high psychological distress was 13% in Australia and even higher at 14% in Queensland.
The psychologist community seeks to understand these challenges by drawing on both the biological and social sciences. It is a wide-ranging discipline with numerous types of specialisations and settings. Psychologists work for private clinics, hospitals, schools or industry, and for a clientele that includes children, adults, couples, families and businesses.
So, what does a psychologist do?
Put simply, they study human behaviour and the factors that drive it. Through research and evidence-based treatment, they observe, analyse and document how people see themselves, relate to others, and interact with their environments.
Psychologists aim to help their patients by assessing their cognitive, emotional, interpersonal and behavioural patterns and activities. They are trained to evaluate, diagnose and provide guidance for a wide range of mental states, including mental illnesses and disorders.
Through treatment, research and other work, psychologists also seek to promote the field and importance of mental health more generally.
What do psychologists focus on?
Psychologists can assist with a wide range of challenges, including:
- addiction or impulse control issues
- depression and anxiety
- grief and loss
- fears and phobias
- sleep issues and disorders
- chronic stress or pain
- relationship and family issues
- child and adult learning
- personal growth and development.
More broadly, this work relates to or can be categorised within a number of different fields, including:
- mental health services for a diverse range of individuals and groups
- neuropsychology
- acute services, including surgical and critical care
- palliative care and oncology
- chronic pain or disease management
- services for the elderly
- services for alcohol, drug and tobacco addictions
- early intervention services in child health
- outreach programs in prison and juvenile correctional facilities.
Become a Psychologist in Queensland
What qualifications does a psychologist need?
Whether you are at the start of your career, looking to switch careers or seeking further study in this area, you are among many Australians who have made the choice to pursue psychology.
According to Australian Government statistics, the number of workers in the psychology profession is expected to grow strongly, with a projected growth of 13.3% between November 2021 and November 2026. This means the number of workers will jump from 31,000 to 35,100 in this period.
How do you become a qualified psychologist?
The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) determines registration requirements according to the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
You must be registered with the board to practise as a psychologist in Australia. For some roles in Queensland, you may also need to be endorsed by the board in an approved area of practice.
To achieve general registration, you will need to complete a sequence of education and training that spans at least 6 years. This typically includes 4 years of study in psychology, followed by one of the pathways below.
Fourth-year graduates may choose between the following options:
- 5+1 internship – involving 5 years of study and one year of supervised practice. You will be required to pass the national psychology exam before applying for general registration.
- higher degree – involving an approved postgraduate degree accredited at the fifth and sixth year level (e.g. a 2-year Masters), or a higher level (e.g. a Doctorate across 3 or 4 years).
In addition to study and training in general psychology, you may wish to undertake further study in a specific area. These specific qualifications include, but are not limited to, clinical psychology or neuropsychology, health or sport psychology, educational and developmental psychology, forensic psychology, and organisational psychology.
Where do psychologists work?
Psychologists work in a wide range of settings and environments across both the public and private sectors. These settings include:
- private practice
- general hospitals
- psychiatric clinics and services
- rehabilitation centres
- community health centres and agencies
- agencies specialising in care for people with disabilities
- welfare organisations
- legal and criminal justice agencies, including family court services, child protection services, and prisons and detention centres
- government departments
- schools and universities
- research centres.
The daily life of a psychologist in Queensland
Your work as a professional psychologist in Queensland will depend on your area of focus and the setting you work in.
Your work will generally focus on assessing, diagnosing and providing evidence-based treatment for a diverse range of mental health and general health challenges.
If your work involves counselling individuals or groups, you may be leading discussions on issues as diverse as personal health and wellbeing, behavioural or developmental issues and crisis management.
Alternatively, or in addition to this, you may undertake consultative, research or teaching work with a wide range of organisations, from legal, police and correctional services to universities.
Find training providers in Queensland
Common questions about psychologists
A psychologist and psychiatrist may both deliver therapy using a range of evidence-based methods. However, a psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor who has completed medical school with an additional specialisation in psychiatry. This medical qualification allows them to prescribe medication to patients. In comparison, a psychologist does not attend medical school and is unable to prescribe medication.
The education and probationary training of a psychologist takes a minimum of 6 years, whereas a clinical psychologist requires 8 years. Put simply, a psychologist helps patients deal with a range of challenges, whereas a clinical psychiatrist is more focused on assessing and diagnosing people with mental health conditions. Clinical psychology is a science-based field that draws on both theory and clinical practice to address a range of psychological problems or disorders, ranging from mild to severe and complex.
Sport psychology is an area of psychology that sparks a lot of interest. Sport and exercise psychologists are trained to help athletes and sportspeople manage a range of situations and challenges at various stages of their careers. Some areas they focus on include performance issues and enhancement, injury management, anxiety and stress management, communication and leadership, and health and wellness.
According to research, around 52% of psychologists and psychotherapists in Australia work full-time hours (in all their jobs combined). Their median full-time earnings are $2,066 per week, which is higher than the median for all jobs at $1,593 per week. Their median hourly earnings are $59, which is also higher than the median for all jobs at $41 per hour.
