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  4. Should I Become a Counsellor or a Psychologist?
In this post
  • Is counselling the same as being a psychologist?
  • What are the key differences between a psychologist and a counsellor?
  • Types of psychologists
  • What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counsellor?
  • Do you need a degree to be a clinical psychologist?
  • Counsellor vs psychologist salary in Australia
  • Counsellor vs psychologist: Job difference for mental health practitioners in Australia
  • Which career path is right for you?
  • Further study options for counsellors and psychologists
  • Counsellor vs psychologist – Which career is best?
  • Browse Counselling Results
Published on January 27, 2025

Should I Become a Counsellor or a Psychologist?

Avatar photo Kristen Michaelides
Should I Become a Counsellor or a Psychologist?
In this post Show
  • Is counselling the same as being a psychologist?
  • What are the key differences between a psychologist and a counsellor?
  • Types of psychologists
  • What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counsellor?
  • Do you need a degree to be a clinical psychologist?
  • Counsellor vs psychologist salary in Australia
  • Counsellor vs psychologist: Job difference for mental health practitioners in Australia
  • Which career path is right for you?
  • Further study options for counsellors and psychologists
  • Counsellor vs psychologist – Which career is best?
  • Browse Counselling Results

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:

45% of Australians are estimated to experience a mental health disorder of some kind in their lifetime. Treating mental health disorders professionally is believed to be better at preventing relapses from occurring in the long term.


Is counselling the same as being a psychologist?

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

 

Counsellors focus on short-term support, helping individuals navigate emotional and behavioural challenges, relationship problems, mental health issues, and personal development. Counselling is generally a short-term approach focusing on practical issues.

 

Psychologists are trained in scientific methods, conducting assessments and treating mental illness by addressing the root cause through evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mental health treatment plans. Counselling is typically more short-term than the therapy provided by psychologists

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.

How to become a counsellor

How to become a counsellor

Learn about the role and responsibilities of a counsellor, and read career reviews from professionals currently in the field.

Read More

What are the key differences between a psychologist and a counsellor?

Comparison table showing key differences between counsellors and psychologists, including education, accreditation, scope of practice, work settings, and salaries in Australi


Types of psychologists

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

 

Clinical psychologists

Diagnose and treat serious mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and complex mental health issues like bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

Counselling psychologists

Help individuals navigate life challenges, relationships, and personal growth.

 

Organisational psychologists

Work in corporate settings, improving workplace performance and employee well-being.

 

Forensic psychologists

Specialise in criminal behaviour, working with law enforcement and legal professionals.

 

Educational & developmental psychologists

Focus on learning difficulties, child development, and school-based interventions.


What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counsellor?

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.


Do you need a degree to be a clinical psychologist?

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.


Counsellor vs psychologist salary in Australia

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.

Counsellor vs psychologist: Job difference for mental health practitioners in Australia

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.

Career

Counsellor

Psychologist

Job focus

General mental health support

Diagnosis & treatment of psychological disorders

Client cases

Every day stress, relationships, grief, and career guidance

Mental health disorders, trauma, and addiction

Workplace

Schools, community centres, and private practice

Hospitals, mental health clinics, academia

Salary range

$65,000 – $90,000+

$85,000 – $120,000+


Which career path is right for you?

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.

 

Career path guide comparing counselling and psychology, outlining key reasons to choose each profession based on interests, study time, and work settings.


Further study options for counsellors and psychologists

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.

Feeling unsure? We’ve got you

Feeling unsure? We’ve got you

Starting something new can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re considering counselling, we’ve laid out all the key information in one place.

Learn More

Counsellor vs psychologist – Which career is best?

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.

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Kristen Michaelides
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Kristen is a writer specialising in education and the future of work. She is passionate about bringing industry trends and insights to light to help students and professionals take that next step in their career.

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