Should I Become a Counsellor or a Psychologist?

Are you a people-person, wishing you had a job that speaks to who you really are?

If that’s the case, your desk job probably isn’t cutting it. If you want to give back to your community, why not try working as a counsellor or a psychologist? A career in mental health care will truly help you to help others, making your daily routine all the more meaningful.

Working as a mental health professional is the perfect opportunity to give back to your community, and your community really needs you:

No, counselling and psychology are not the same, but they overlap in many areas.

While both provide mental health support, a psychologist’s scope of practice includes more complex psychological disorders than a counsellor’s. Counsellors generally do not diagnose mental health disorders and focus instead on therapeutic support.

Psychologists can specialise in different areas of mental health and behaviour. Common types of psychologists include:

A clinical psychologist is a registered psychologist who specialises in diagnosing and treating severe mental illnesses such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• PTSD
• Schizophrenia

In contrast, counsellors help people with everyday mental health issues, relationship challenges, and stress management. Counselling services can include one-on-one or group sessions, focusing on guidance through discussion.

Yes. Psychologists typically require at least six years of university study and supervised experience. Here’s what you need to become a registered psychologist:

✔️ A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

✔️ A Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

✔️ Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a registered psychologist. Psychologists must register with the Psychology Board of Australia to practice legally.

Counsellors, however, can enter the field with a Diploma of Counselling.

Counselling psychologists, on the other hand, typically require advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Doctorate in Counseling or Psychology and have distinct professional responsibilities compared to other mental health professionals.

A key difference between these careers is earning potential.

What is the average salary for a counsellor in Australia?

The average counsellor salary in Australia is approximately $95,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $65,000.

What is the average salary for a psychologist in Australia?

Psychologists in Australia typically earn more than counsellors.

• The average salary for a psychologist in Australia is $100,000 per year.
• Clinical psychologists and those with postgraduate qualifications earn upwards of $120,000 annually.
• The average salary for a psychologist in Australia typically ranges from $100,000 to $115,000 per year.

Both careers offer rewarding mental health roles, but choosing between them depends on your interests, education preferences, and career goals, particularly in understanding and addressing human behaviour.

Choosing between a career in counselling or psychology can be a pivotal decision, impacting your professional journey and how you contribute to the mental health sector. Both paths offer unique opportunities to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives, but they cater to different interests and strengths.

If you start as a counsellor but want to become a registered psychologist, you may need to pursue further study in psychology to meet accreditation requirements. Mental health practitioners, including counsellors and psychologists, play a crucial role in providing support through diverse specialities in psychology and counselling.

• Counsellors can upskill by studying a Bachelor of Psychology, followed by a Master’s degree.
• Psychologists can specialise further by completing postgraduate training in clinical psychology, organisational psychology, or neuropsychology.

Both pathways offer opportunities for career growth and specialisation in the mental health sector.

The main difference between a psychologist and a counsellor comes down to education, job scope, and salary expectations.

✔️ If you want to help people with everyday struggles, counselling is a great fit.

✔️ If you want to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, psychology is the right path.

Both careers offer rewarding opportunities in Australia’s mental health sector, making a real impact on people’s lives.