Psychologists

Psychology, as a discipline, is both a profession and a science.
The science of psychology seeks to understand and explain the processes that are the basis of, and have an effect on, the way humans think, feel and behave.
The profession of psychology covers many and varied areas of human interaction research and practice and psychologists are employed in a wide variety of settings.

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind, its various states and processes, how the mind functions, and what affects it and how it is affected. Psychology focuses on human behaviour, and explores emotion, cognition, intelligence, personality and more. Psychology also focuses on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, phobias and many other difficulties that affect the emotional wellbeing of people.

Psychologists study the way people feel, think, act and interact.
Through a range of strategies and therapies psychologists aim to reduce distress and to enhance and promote emotional well being.
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, and have studied the brain, memory, learning and human development.
Psychologists work with people to help them gain, or improve their mental health and wellbeing. Psychologists work in a variety of areas and disciplines and with people from all walks of life and in many different contexts. Psychological treatment and services are also available in a diverse array of settings.

A clinical psychologist has completed studies and training that means they are qualified to assess and diagnose mental health illnesses; they can also assess and diagnose psychological issues. They use a range of effective therapies and techniques to treat mental health and psychological difficulties. Clinical psychologists may work in settings such as, hospitals, rehabilitation and private practice among many other possible positions.
A clinical psychologist is a trained and registered professional who provides psychotherapy to clients experiencing mental or emotional problems.
One of the most important and difficult tasks of a clinical psychologist is to help clients with mental health disorders.
The psychologist’s job is to help the client understand and manage their emotional and psychological problems. They can do this by explaining different diagnoses and treatment options, as well as by assessing the client’s situation and needs through interviews, psychological testing, and psychotherapy sessions.

A registered psychologist has completed the study and training and supervision to enable them to become registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. This also means that they can use the title of Psychologist and can practice or be employed as a psychologist.

A clinical psychologist works with individuals who have mild to complex mental health conditions including the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. In addition, clinical psychologists may also participate in research, training, teaching and supervisory roles and advise on public policy. Clinical psychologists have completed a Masters Degree in clinical psychology or equivalent and are endorsed for an approved area of practice under ‘clinical psychology’ with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
A psychologist or psychologist with general registration also works with mental health conditions providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment in a wide variety of settings. A psychologist will have a minimum of 6 years tertiary training and supervision in order to gain their general registration. A psychologist will have a general registration with AHPRA.

In Australia, all psychologists are legally required to be registered with the national registration board, the Psychology Board of Australia, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. This means that they must be competent and follow a strict Code of Conduct.
Not all counsellors or therapists are registered psychologists. Seeing someone who is registered ensures that you should be receiving high quality ethical treatment.

Psychologists specialise in providing specialized evidenced based therapies for mental health problems.
These therapies are effective at treating common mental health conditions and many childhood problems.

Health and wellbeing is affected by a variety of factors. Health psychologists focus on how psychology, biology, behaviour and social issues affect and influence the physical and mental health and general wellbeing of humans. This field of psychology works to understand and promote physical and mental health as a preventative measure.

Psychologists can assist people who are having difficulty controlling their emotions, thoughts and behaviour. This includes people experiencing mental health problems such as;
– anxiety
– depression
– serious and enduring mental illness
– addictive behaviours
– childhood behaviour disorders
– trauma

Generally Perth psychologists in private practice charge between $170 to $275 per session.
Fees are determined by the psychologist’s qualifications and the practice’s fee schedule.
The Australian Psychological Society Board currently recommends that psychologists charge a fee of $267 for a 46-60 minute appointment.
If you are referred to see a psychologist by your GP and you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for part of the cost of your psychology appointments.

When you are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, depression or trauma and you are unable to manage the effects of this yourself, it may be time to talk to a psychologist.
If your mental health has been negatively impacted and the issue is ongoing and not resolving, a psychologist can assist you to manage difficult symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behaviours and improve your mental health using evidence based treatments.