What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?

The term "Psychologist" may describe professionals with at least 4 years at university followed by 2 years of supervised work (and more recently 5 years of university study at Masters level and 1 year of internship). The area of work is varied and these Psychologists are often referred to as "Registered Psychologists" or "Generalist Psychologists". Currently, those with endorsed "Clinical Psychologist" status have a higher Medicare Rebate than Registered Psychologists and all hold a Master of Psychology degree (as do Counselling Psychologists and Neuropsychologists to mention just a few). 


The Masters training in Clinical Psychology is based around the treatments for diagnosable mental health conditions. Clinical Psychologists along with Psychiatrists are trained to make formal diagnoses of psychological disorders.  Although Clinical Psychology programs are extremely competitive, a Clinical Psychologist is one of 9 seperate areas of advanced training and endorsement (These are: Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Community Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Education & Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Organisational Psychology and Sport & Exercise Psychology)

It is important to note that there are excellent therapists from all sorts of backgrounds and at various registration levels.  This includes other health professions and non AHPRA registered counsellors and psychotherapists, whom often have considerable experience.  Having a PhD or Masters degree does not indicate superiority as a therapist, but can contribute to an increased understanding of diagnosable mental health conditions such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression or Generalised Anxiety Disorder.