FAQs

All psychologists in Australia hold general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, meeting high standards in education, training, supervised practice, ethical and professional standards, and ongoing professional development.

When you seek help from a psychologist, you might see a psychologist with general registration, or one who also has a specific ‘area of practice endorsement’ (such as clinical psychology, health psychology or sport and exercise psychology). A psychologist with an area of practice endorsement usually has additional university qualifications and supervised training in that specific area.

Whichever type of psychologist, you should expect the same quality of care, ethical behaviour and standards of practice.

Psychologists with general registration have a minimum of six years of university training and supervised experience, and build on that every year with ongoing education to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. They are often experts with supplementary skills, experience and training in other areas applying their skills in psychology within a broad range of professional settings.

Psychologists with general registration can work in any number of settings and assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of clients and areas of concern. They use evidence-based psychological approaches customised to suit each individual, setting, issue or challenge. They are often called upon to conduct psychological assessments and write reports for individuals, education and forensic settings, health and government departments. Where appropriate, Medicare rebates are available via mental health plan referrals.

Psychologists with general registration apply their skills, knowledge and experience in psychology across a range of areas including:

– Mental health and well-being
– Education and training
– Population health
– Drug and alcohol
– Justice and corrections
– Public policy
– Corporate and commercial
– Marketing and communication
– Emerging technology and design